'Michael' becomes highest-grossing biopic of all time

Los Angeles [US], June 29 (HBTV): Jaafar Jackson-starrer Michael has become the highest-grossing biopic of all time, earning USD 977 million at the worldwide box office, Variety reported.

The Michael Jackson biopic surpassed Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, which previously held the record with a global box office collection of USD 975 million, marking a remarkable achievement for an R-rated historical drama.

Michael had already become the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time after surpassing 2018's Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned USD 911 million worldwide.

Distributed by Lionsgate in the US and Universal Pictures in international markets, Michael has earned USD 607.2 million overseas and USD 370.2 million domestically since its release in April.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael chronicles the journey of pop icon Michael Jackson from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his rise as the 'King of Pop'.

Jackson's real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, portrays the legendary singer in his acting debut. Colman Domingo and Nia Long play Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine.

The film was developed with the support of several members of the Jackson family years after the singer's death in 2009 at the age of 50.

According to the film's official description, Michael offers an 'honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated' music icon. The story concludes in 1988, focusing on Jackson's rise to global superstardom and does not cover the allegations that surfaced in later years, People reported.

Besides setting the new box office record, Michael has also become Lionsgate's highest-grossing film of all time, surpassing 2013's The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The studio is expected to greenlight another film on Jackson.

(ANI)