Move over, Cillian Murphy. Michael Jackson's biopic has just made history in the most spectacular way possible.
According to Deadline Hollywood, Lionsgate's 'Michael' has officially become the highest-grossing biopic of all time, raking in $977.4 million at the global box office. The Antoine Fuqua-directed film knocked 'Oppenheimer' off the top spot after dominating cinemas for ten weekends.
The King of Pop's story clearly still draws audiences worldwide. Universal handled the international release of 'Michael' (except in Japan and Russia, where it remains in theatres), and audiences have shown strong interest in the untold stories behind one of music's greatest legends.
This is a win for the film itself and a sign of what audiences want. While Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' earned critical acclaim and swept awards season, 'Michael' proves that cultural icons and music history can command the same box office respect as big-budget dramas about nuclear scientists.
The biopic boom shows no signs of slowing down. This record-breaking run suggests there is still curiosity and revenue when it comes to telling the stories of entertainment's most iconic figures. With $977.4 million, 'Michael' is a major commercial success.
