Fresh Insights on Michael Jackson's Biopic and Box Office Performance

Updated April 26, 2026, 11:59 AM EDT

Brennan Klein (he/him) serves as a senior news writer at Screen Rant, hosts a podcast, and contributes to various platforms including Blumhouse, Fangoria, Dread Central, The Backlot, and Arrow in the Head. Over a decade, he's crafted content on pop culture and horror films for notable outlets such as The Backlot and Arrow in the Head.

Follow & Like

Log in

Follow

Followed

Like

Newsletter subscription offers exclusive insights and updates on pop culture trends.

This article presents a factual overview of the subject matter discussed.

Try a different approach to understanding the narrative.

Presenting a concise, engaging recap of key points.

UPDATE: April 26, 2026, 8:04 AM EST BY BRENNAN KLEIN

Michael Lands Toward The Upper Bound Of Saturday's $90-$100M Projections

Originally penned on Saturday morning, this piece was refreshed on Sunday morning with current box office forecasts (bolded). Scroll down for an extensive chart and further analysis.

is beginning an exciting chapter at the box office.

The film, chronicling the King of Pop's journey from his days with the Jackson 5 to the iconic 'Bad' tour in the late 1980s, opened on April 24. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, it stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael's uncle, with Colman Domingo as Joseph Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as John Branca, Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones, and Mike Myers as CBS Records president Walter Yetnikoff.

[SITEURL]

MJ

The Groove Report

Interactive Quiz

ScreenRant/Music/Michael Jackson/Trivia

Side A · 33⅓ RPM

Test Your Knowledge on Michael Jackson's Music

“Who’s Bad?”

Thriller’s legacy continues with iconic tracks like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and more.

QUIZ QUESTION 1 / 8THRILLER

Released in November 1982, Thriller remains the best-selling album ever. Who was the producer behind its timeless blend of genres?

A) George Martin

B) Quincy Jones

C) Berry Gordy

D) Rod Temperton

Correct! Quincy Jones—meeting Michael since The Wiz, he produced the defining albums of Michael's career. While George Martin shaped The Beatles and Berry Gordy founded Motown, Rod Temperton penned “Thriller” but did not produce it.

QUIZ QUESTION 2 / 8MOTOWN 25

On May 16, 1983, NBC aired Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, where Michael debuted the moonwalk during a solo performance of which song?

ARock with You

B) Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough

C) Billie Jean

D) Beat It

Correct! Billie Jean. After Jackson 5 hits, Michael captivated audiences with a lip-synced performance of “Billie Jean,” introducing the world to a new era of stardom. The move, inspired by street dance and mime, became legendary.

QUIZ QUESTION 3 / 8THE JACKSON 5

Before Thriller, an eleven-year-old Michael led the Jackson 5 with their first Motown single—what was its title?

AI’ll Be There

B) ABC

C) CI Want You Back

D) The Love You Save

Correct! “I Want You Back”—released in October 1969, it topped the charts and marked the start of four consecutive #1 hits for the group, a historic achievement.

QUIZ QUESTION 4 / 8BEAT IT

Thriller’s genre-blending “Beat It” features a legendary guitar solo, recorded as a favor for Quincy Jones—reportedly for a case of beer, with no credit. Who played it?

ASlash

B) Eddie Van Halen

C) Jimmy Page

D) Prince

Correct! Eddie Van Halen. Van Halen recorded the solo during a quick session, uncredited and unpaid, contributing to the song’s enduring appeal.

QUIZ QUESTION 5 / 8WE ARE THE WORLD

In January 1985, Michael co-wrote “We Are the World” with 45 other stars. Who joined him as a co-writer?

A) Stevie Wonder

B) Lionel Richie

C) Paul McCartney

D) Smokey Robinson

Correct! Lionel Richie. They crafted the song in a week, with Quincy Jones overseeing the recording. It became a global phenomenon, selling over 20 million copies.

QUIZ QUESTION 6 / 8MUSIC VIDEO

Released in December 1983, the 14-minute “Thriller” short film revolutionized music videos with its cinematic quality. Who directed it?

AMartin Scorsese

B) John Landis

C) Brian De Palma

D) Bob Giraldi

Correct! John Landis, known for horror classics, brought his expertise to Michael’s vision. His work set new standards for storytelling in music videos.

QUIZ QUESTION 7 / 8BAD

When Bad debuted in August 1987, it broke records by achieving five #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100—a first for any album. Which milestone did it set?

A) First album with five #1 singles

B) First album certified diamond

C) First album to debut at #1

D) First album released simultaneously on CD and vinyl

Correct! Five #1 singles, a testament to Michael’s cultural impact. The album also launched his first world tour and featured a Martin Scorsese-directed video.

QUIZ QUESTION 8 / 8KING OF POP

Who dubbed Michael “the King of Pop” during the 1989 Soul Train Heritage Award ceremony?

A) Diana Ross

B) Oprah Winfrey

C) Elizabeth Taylor

D) Whitney Houston

Correct! Elizabeth Taylor, a longtime friend, praised Michael as “the true king of pop, rock, and soul.” Her endorsement cemented his legacy.

REVEAL MY SCORE &

End of Side B · Stylus Up

Your King of Pop Rank

🎤

/ 8

Moonwalker & or still warming up the turntable?

Continue exploring with more insights.

PLAY AGAIN

Join our newsletter for exclusive box-office analysis, audience reactions, and insider scoops on films and artists shaping cinema.

Stay informed with trending topics and deep dives into pop culture phenomena.