‘Michael’ Physical Media Arrives as Jaafar Jackson’s Biopic Cements Its Billion-Dollar Legacy
Musical biopics rarely stick around in theaters long enough to build a real collector’s following, but ‘Michael‘ has spent months proving it belongs in a different category entirely. Since opening on April 24, the Antoine Fuqua directed film has kept pulling audiences back for repeat viewings, an unusual pattern that turned a shaky pre release narrative into one of the most talked about theatrical runs of the year.
That staying power became history over the weekend of July 12, when ‘Michael’ crossed the $1 billion mark at the global box office after twelve weekends in release, becoming Lionsgate’s first film ever to reach that milestone. It is also the first biopic of any kind to surpass the billion dollar threshold, a distinction previously held by no music film, sports drama, or historical portrait. The film’s final push came largely from Japan, a major Michael Jackson market, along with strong business in Russia during its closing weeks.
Now, just days after that milestone, Global Box Office confirmed on X that Lionsgate has officially put ‘Michael’ physical media up for sale, with 4K and Blu-ray editions now available following the film’s billion dollar weekend. The timing lines up with what Lionsgate had already mapped out months earlier, positioning the home release as a victory lap for a movie that outpaced nearly every expectation set for it.
The home entertainment rollout actually began on Digital back on June 9, with the 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD editions following on July 14, 2026. Collectors have several ways to pick it up, including Limited Edition 4K exclusives sold through Amazon, Walmart and Lionsgate Limited. Both the standard and premium editions include a Dolby Atmos audio track along with a stack of new special features, ranging from behind the scenes documentaries to makeup transformation time-lapses.
The priciest option, the Collector’s Edition sold through Lionsgate Limited, comes with a 50 page photo book featuring never before seen images from production, along with an introduction written by Jaafar Jackson himself. Bonus content across the releases includes the documentaries ‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,’ The Making of ‘Michael” and ‘Home Is Where His Heart Is,’ Behind the Gates of Hayvenhurst,’ plus a set of time lapse featurettes chronicling the recreation of iconic performances like ‘Billie Jean’ and ‘Thriller.’
Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real life nephew, made his acting debut in the title role, with Colman Domingo and Nia Long playing his parents Joe and Katherine. Director Antoine Fuqua called the billion dollar milestone a deeply humbling moment that celebrates the dedication of the producers, cast and crew who helped bring the film to life. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson credited the achievement to the studio’s collaboration with the Michael Jackson Estate and the passion of audiences who kept the film in theaters far longer than typical for the genre.
With a Beatles biopic already in development as a four film event, ‘Michael’ now stands as the benchmark that any future music biopic will have to chase. For now, though, the film’s theatrical chapter is closing on the highest note possible, handing the reins to a home release built for fans who already know every dance step by heart.
Are you adding the 4K SteelBook or the Collector’s Edition photo book to your shelf, and did ‘Michael’ earn its place as the biggest biopic of all time?
