Michael smashes box office to make biopic history as Jaafar Jackson and Nia Long say they’re humbled

Michael just moonwalked past a major milestone. Ten weeks into its run, the Michael Jackson biopic has now topped Christopher Nolan 's Oppenheimer to become the biggest-grossing biopic ever worldwide. Not subtle. Not small. Just huge.

What just happened

Lionsgate 's Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and led by Michael's real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, has reached an estimated $977.4 million globally. That nudges it past Oppenheimer's lifetime worldwide total of $975.8 million. At this pace, it is broadly expected to be the second movie of 2026 to crack $1 billion. No pressure.

• Worldwide total: $977.4 million (and climbing)
• Weeks in theaters: 10
• Record passed: Oppenheimer's $975.8 million worldwide
• Director: Antoine Fuqua
• Next stop: Very likely the $1 billion club, the year's second film to do it

The BET Awards moment

Right as the record fell, Jaafar Jackson and Nia Long hit the BET Awards stage and took a beat to thank the people actually filling those seats. Jaafar, who plays his uncle in the film, kept it simple and sincere:

"We're so grateful for the love you all showed to our movie. You guys had the theatres packed, we're truly so humbled. Your support means the world to the Jackson Family. "

Then Nia Long, who plays matriarch Katherine Jackson, reflected on the woman she portrays and shouted out Jaafar's work, saying the role reminded her that quiet grace has power and praising how convincingly he transformed into Michael. After the applause, the pair introduced a tribute honoring artists pushing R&B and pop forward — and, yes, they made it clear everyone on that stage is drawing from the same source: Michael's influence is the throughline.

So, what does this mean?

Beyond bragging rights and a lopsided trophy case at the box office, the movie's run is fueling louder talks about expanding the story. Producer Graham King has already floated the idea of turning Michael into a multi-film saga, and there is reportedly enough material left on the cutting-room floor to build at least one sequel focused on the later chapters of Jackson's life. With the film now the top-grossing biopic ever and edging toward $1 billion, those conversations are not slowing down.

Seen Michael yet? Tell me your favorite performance or musical moment — the one that actually gave you chills — in the comments.