Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic, just cleared a major box office milestone. The film has now topped $700 million globally, becoming one of the year’s biggest commercial successes. Over the weekend, it reclaimed the top spot at the international box office, pulling in $57.7 million from 83 foreign markets. That keeps it firmly ahead of most other releases this year, proving the enduring appeal of the King of Pop nearly 15 years after his death in 2009. The film’s distributor, Universal Pictures International, hasn’t released weekend numbers for North America yet, but domestic earnings are expected to push the total past $750 million soon. If it does, it’ll join the rarified air of only a handful of biopics to hit that mark, including Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman. The movie stars Jackson impersonator Jaafar Jackson as the late icon and includes a soundtrack packed with his biggest hits. Fans have snapped up tickets in waves, especially in markets like Japan and Brazil, where Jackson’s music remains hugely popular. The film’s success comes despite mixed reviews from critics, who called it uneven but praised its visuals and music. Moviegoers, however, seem to care more about the nostalgia factor than the acting. It’s no surprise the Jackson estate is thrilled—they’ll likely see a hefty payout from the box office haul, plus future streaming and merchandise deals. Universal has already greenlit a sequel, though nothing’s confirmed yet about who’ll play Jackson next or what era it’ll cover. For now, fans are just happy to see the legacy live on in theaters.

Devil Wears Prada 2 closes in on half a billion

Meanwhile, Devil Wears Prada 2 is charging toward its own milestone. The sequel has now pulled in nearly $550 million worldwide, with most of that coming from international markets. The film stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway reprising their roles as Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs, and it’s riding a wave of nostalgia for the original 2006 hit. Over the weekend, it added $29.3 million overseas, keeping it in the top five globally. The domestic take is smaller at around $135 million, but that’s still strong for a mid-budget sequel in today’s market. Critics have been kinder to this one, calling it a worthy follow-up that balances humor and heart. Fans who grew up with the first film are flocking to theaters, especially younger audiences discovering it for the first time. The fashion industry has also embraced it, with designers like Anna Wintour making cameos and praising the sequel’s respect for its roots. 20th Century Studios has been tight-lipped about plans for a third movie, but the numbers suggest the franchise isn’t done yet. If it crosses $600 million, it’ll silence any doubts about sequels being risky business in Hollywood these days.

Both films are proving that star power and nostalgia can still move the needle at the box office, even in a year crowded with sequels and superhero movies. Michael’s success is especially notable because it’s a music biopic, a genre that’s struggled to find its footing lately. The original Devil Wears Prada was a cultural phenomenon, and its sequel is capitalizing on that legacy without feeling like a cash grab. Universal and 20th Century Studios are likely popping champagne over these numbers, but the real winners are the fans who keep these stories alive. For the Jackson estate, it’s a financial win. For the fashion world, it’s a reminder of how one iconic film can shape an industry. And for moviegoers, it’s proof that sometimes the best sequels and biopics are the ones you least expect. The question now is how long both films can keep drawing crowds—and whether Hollywood will take the hint and bet bigger on music biopics and mid-budget sequels moving forward.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: Variety
  • Published: May 17, 2026 at 16:09 UTC
  • Category: Entertainment
  • Topics: #variety · #movies · #hollywood · #entertainment · #michael · #surpasses

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Curated by GlobalBR News · May 17, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

O cinema global tem batido recordes em 2024, e dois lançamentos recentes estão dominando as bilheterias internacionais: o biopic Michael, que celebra a vida de Michael Jackson, já ultrapassou a marca de US$ 700 milhões mundialmente, enquanto O Diabo Veste Prada 2 se aproxima perigosamente dos US$ 550 milhões. Os números mostram que o público, mesmo em tempos de streaming, continua ávido por produções que misturam nostalgia, estrelas consagradas e grandes narrativas.

No Brasil, onde o apelo por blockbusters internacionais costuma ser forte, mas também há uma crescente valorização de conteúdos locais, esses sucessos chamam atenção pelo seu alcance global. Michael, com sua trilha sonora icônica e apelo emocional, atrai tanto fãs de longa data do rei do pop quanto novas gerações, enquanto O Diabo Veste Prada 2, com Meryl Streep e Anne Hathaway de volta, reforça a força das franquias femininas e do estilo de vida fashion no imaginário popular. A relevância dessas produções vai além do entretenimento: elas movimentam a economia do cinema, influenciam tendências e até pautam discussões culturais, como a representatividade e o legado artístico.

Com o final do ano se aproximando e a temporada de premiações batendo à porta, é provável que esses filmes ganhem ainda mais tração, podendo atingir cifras ainda mais impressionantes — quem sabe, um novo patamar para o cinema comercial em 2024.