Michael Jackson's biopic is set to make a massive global debut, with an estimated $150 million in box office sales. This ambitious project, produced by Lionsgate and directed by Antonie Fuqua, has undergone several changes and challenges to reach this point. The film's journey began with a planned release date of April 18, 2025, but was later pushed to October 3, 2025, and finally to its current release date. One of the key challenges was obtaining legal clearance to depict a Jackson accuser in the third act, leading to a $15 million additional shoot funded by the Jackson estate. Despite initial reviews being less than favorable on Rotten Tomatoes, the film's premiere in Berlin attracted a star-studded cast and an audience of over half a billion. The event showcased immersive experiences, including a green screen stunt where fans could dance alongside Jaafar Jackson, an AR experience to try on iconic outfits, and a dance party. The film's success is expected to be significant, especially in Germany, where IMAX ticket sales are outpacing the Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Japan, a key market for Jackson, is also anticipated to perform exceptionally well, with the potential to surpass the $57 million domestic gross of his 2009 concert movie, 'This Is It'. The biopic's domestic outlook is promising, aiming to surpass the record start of 'Straight Outta Compton' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody', with a focus on international markets and a strong premiere in Berlin. The film's ability to resonate with audiences worldwide, coupled with its immersive promotional events, positions it for a successful global debut.
