[E-Daily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] The film “Michael,” which chronicles the life of the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson, has grossed over $1 billion (approximately 1.49 trillion won) at the box office. This marks the first time a biopic has achieved such a feat and sets a new record for the highest-grossing biopic of all time.

According to the U.S. entertainment media outlet Variety on the 13th (local time), “Michael” has surpassed $1 billion in global box office revenue. Since its release, the film has earned $371.8 million in North America and $629.8 million in international markets, for a total of $1,001.6 million.
Among biopics, it has surpassed Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” (2023, $975 million), which chronicles the life of physicist Julius Robert Oppenheimer, and “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018, $911 million), which tells the story of the legendary rock band Queen and Freddie Mercury.
Director Antoine Fuqua, who helmed “Michael,” said, “This achievement belongs to everyone who came together with the shared goal of honoring one of the greatest artists of all time,” adding, “I sincerely thank audiences around the world who connected with this story across generations and cultures.”
Universal Pictures’ animated film “Super Mario Galaxy” ($1.008 billion) was the first film this year to reach the $1 billion mark, with “Michael” being the second. Disney’s “Toy Story 5” is projected to become the third film this year to surpass $1 billion.
“Michael” is a film that brings Michael Jackson’s life and music to the screen; it has earned critical acclaim for its stage direction—which feels like a live concert—and its overwhelming sound.