Michael smashes UK records for biggest biopic opening
The biopic 'Michael' about Michael Jackson has set records in the UK for the biggest opening weekend for a biopic, earning £11.6 million. Although it performed slightly less impressively than in the US, where it grossed $97 million, it still accounted for a significant portion of the UK box office. The film's global earnings have reached $217 million, positioning it to potentially surpass $1 billion in total revenue.
- ▪'Michael' earned £11.6 million in its UK opening weekend, nearly double that of 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.
- ▪In the US, 'Michael' outperformed 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by 90%, taking $97 million compared to $51 million.
- ▪The film accounted for 68% of all UK and Ireland box office takings over its opening weekend.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — World |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/apr/28/michael-smashes-uk-records-for-biggest-biopic-opening-jackson-bohemian-rhapsody |
| Publication time | Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:09:59 GMT |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Just beat it … Jaafar Jackson in Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua. Photograph: LionsgateView image in fullscreenJust beat it … Jaafar Jackson in Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua. Photograph: LionsgateMoviesMichael smashes UK records for biggest biopic openingMichael Jackson biopic debuted with £11.6m at the UK box office – almost double achieved by next-best Bohemian RhapsodyCatherine ShoardTue 28 Apr 2026 08.09 EDTLast modified on Tue 28 Apr 2026 08.46 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleMichael, Antoine Fuqua’s authorised biopic of Michael Jackson’s life until 1988, before allegations of child sexual assault began to emerge against the singer, has performed marginally less impressively in the UK than the US.In the US, Michael outperformed the opening for Bohemian Rhapsody – the…
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