Michael Jackson biopic breaks records while documentary faces backlash

The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' has become the highest-grossing film in Lionsgate history, surpassing $857 million worldwide, while a new Netflix documentary about the singer's legal battles is facing a backlash from fans who call it a "defamation campaign" Source: elcaribedr, abces.

Box Office Triumph

According to Box Office Mojo, 'Michael' has earned $857 million globally as of June 6, 2026, with about 60% from international markets. It surpassed the previous Lionsgate records held by 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' ($865 million) and 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 2' ($868.5 million) Source: elcaribedr. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, had a budget over $150 million.

Documentary Controversy

Netflix's miniseries 'Michael Jackson: The Verdict', focusing on the singer's child abuse allegations and trials, has drawn criticism. Some viewers describe it as "a campaign of defamation" and opportunistic, coming just as the biopic renewed interest in Jackson Source: abces. Despite the backlash, the series remains among Netflix's most-watched content.

Unreleased Game Concept

Meanwhile, David Perry, founder of Shiny Entertainment, revealed that he and Jackson once planned an ambitious video game where Jackson's new album would be released exclusively within the game. The project, called 'Dark Rim', would have united gaming, film, and music industries but was never completed Source: abces.