Imagine your music returning to the top of the Billboard charts 17 years after your passing. That is exactly what happened for the one and only Michael Jackson this May. The renewed success comes following the release of his biographical film Michael, starring his nephew, Jafar Jackson. Decades after permanently changing pop music, Michael Jackson’s music continues to inspire audiences and impact people around the world.

Michael has quickly become one of the highest-grossing musical biopics of all time. The film has broken several records and has become a global phenomenon, much like Michael Jackson himself. Although the movie originally had a production budget of $155 million, the final cost reportedly rose to nearly $200 million due to additional production changes and reshoots. The film has now surpassed Elvis at the box office, becoming the second highest-grossing musical biopic ever. Distributed by Universal Pictures and Lionsgate across North America and more than 80 international markets, the movie has introduced Jackson’s story and music to audiences worldwide.

While the film celebrates Michael Jackson’s legendary music career and accomplishments, it also explores the challenges he faced throughout his life. The movie highlights his difficult relationship with the music industry, the pressures of fame, and the loss of his childhood. It portrays how these experiences affected him personally and emotionally as he grew older. To recreate important moments from Jackson’s career, the production used elaborate physical sets rather than relying heavily on green screens. Iconic performances and eras such as Motown 25, his famous music videos, The Victory Tour, and the Bad era are all brought to life on screen. From his childhood in Gary, Indiana, to his rise as the “King of Pop,” the film honors Michael Jackson’s lasting legacy in music and entertainment.