The 2026 Michael Jackson biopic Michael has grossed N123.2 million at the Nigerian box office within its first three days, showing strong local demand for the high-profile music drama.
The film opened with N111.6 million before climbing to a cumulative N123.2 million over the weekend of April 24–26, according to early box office data.
This signals strong audience demand even without being screened by Filmhouse Group, one of West Africa’s largest cinema exhibitors.
The performance mirrors a broader global surge, as the film delivered one of the biggest debuts ever recorded for a biographical title.
Globally, Michael generated approximately $217 million during its opening weekend, including about $97.2 million from the domestic U.S. market and $121.6 million from international territories.
Reports further indicate that Michael recouped an estimated 110% of its $200 million production budget within 48 hours of release. The film ranks among the most expensive biopics ever made, partly due to extensive reshoots that reworked its final act.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, Michael chronicles the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, from his early years with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the peak of his solo career during the late 1980s. The film stars Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s nephew, in his debut role as the adult Michael, alongside Juliano Krue Valdi as the younger version of the star.
Despite its strong commercial performance, Michael has received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. While Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal has been widely praised, some reviewers have described the film’s narrative as overly sanitized.
The biopic premiered in Berlin on April 10, 2026, before rolling out internationally, including its U.S. debut on April 24. As of April 27, it ranks among the top six highest-grossing films of 2026, reinforcing its status as both a commercial heavyweight and a cultural talking point.
