The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' is in theaters, having topped the Japanese box office for three consecutive weeks, with a sequel in development targeting a late 2027 to first half of 2028 release. The 'Beat It' short film is screening in theaters for the first time as part of the birthday-week release.
The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' opened at number one in Japan on June 12, 2026, and held the top spot for three consecutive weeks. The film's sustained run at the Japanese box office is notable for a non-anime, non-franchise Hollywood biopic. The production released a 'Billie Jean' clip ahead of the opening, recreating the 1983 performance where Jackson first did the moonwalk, filmed at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the same venue as the original 'Motown 25' special. Jaafar Jackson, the singer's nephew, stars as Michael after two years of rehearsal and frame-by-frame analysis of original footage.
Producer Graham King said the team considered recreating Disneyland's 'Captain EO' attraction for the film but cut it due to time constraints and rights issues. A sequel is in development, with Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson saying filming could start by the end of 2026 or early 2027, targeting a release between late 2027 and the first half of 2028. Previously shot musical sequences are likely to be incorporated into the sequel.
To mark Jackson's August 29 birthday, the original 'Beat It' short film from 1983 is screening in theaters for the first time, playing after 'Michael' at 390 theaters nationwide from August 28 to September 17. The short film carries a non-violent message about walking away from conflict. Separately, a second series of BAD World Tour trading cards went on sale in July 2026, following the sold-out Premiere Collection from May 2026.
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To mark Michael Jackson's August 29 birthday, the short film for 'Beat It' will screen in theaters for the first time. It plays after the main feature 'Michael' at 390 theaters nationwide, from August 28 to September 17. The 1983 short film carries a non-violent message about walking away from conflict.
Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson said the sequel to the Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' could start filming by the end of 2026 or early 2027. The studio targets a release between late 2027 and the first half of 2028. Previously shot musical sequences are likely to be incorporated.
The second series of Michael Jackson's world-limited official trading cards, 'MICHAEL JACKSON - Bad World Tour | Holo Breaker Box (2 packs),' is now on sale at the entertainment goods store PGS. Following the sold-out Premiere Collection from May 2026, the set features live scenes from the 1987-1988 BAD World Tour with hologram specs, VIP pass design cards, and relic cards. The breaker box guarantees at least two hit cards and is priced at 28,000 yen.
The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' held the number one spot at the Japanese box office for the third consecutive week, according to Kogyo Tsushinsha's June 26-28 rankings. Three new films entered the top five: 'Supergirl' at second, a new 'Keroro Gunsō' theatrical feature at fourth, and the latest 'Anpanman' film at fifth.
The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' debuted at #1 in Japan's box office for June 12-14, 2026, according to Kogyo Tsushinsha. Other new entries include 'Osomatsu-san: The Human Scum-ification Plan!!!!!?' at #3, 'Bluey in Cinema: The Sign' at #8, and 'Temporary Extra Service: Milky☆Subway Local Train to the Theater' at #9.
Producer Graham King revealed in a Japan interview that the team discussed recreating Disneyland's 'Captain EO' attraction for the Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael.' The attraction, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and executive produced by George Lucas, was ultimately cut due to time constraints and rights issues. King noted a sequel is in development, leaving the possibility open.
The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' has released a new clip recreating the 1983 'Billie Jean' performance where the singer first performed the moonwalk. The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, who underwent two years of rehearsal and analyzed original footage frame by frame to match the movements. The scene was filmed at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the same venue where the original 'Motown 25' special was recorded. Director Antoine Fuqua said the team felt a responsibility to accurately recreate the historic moment. The film also announces a three-day limited IMAX preview screening from June 5 to 7 at 62 theaters nationwide. Attendees will receive an A3 poster on a first-come, first-served basis. The movie traces Jackson's life from his childhood in the Jackson 5 through his solo career and global fame. The supporting cast includes Colman Domingo as father Joseph, Nia Long as mother Katherine, Kendrick Sampson as producer Quincy Jones, and Miles Teller as lawyer John Branca. The screenplay is by John Logan, with Graham King producing. 'Michael' opens nationwide on June 12, distributed by Kino Films.