Entertainment
Michael Surpasses Bohemian Rhapsody To Become The Highest-Grossing Music Biopic Of All Time
The King of Pop has reclaimed the crown.
After months of dominating the global box office, Michael has officially surpassed Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest-grossing music biopic ever released. The milestone marks a historic achievement for the film and adds another chapter to what has already been one of the biggest theatrical success stories of 2026.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as his legendary uncle, Michael has captivated audiences around the world since its release. The film opened to record-breaking numbers and has continued to demonstrate impressive staying power throughout its theatrical run, ultimately pushing past the worldwide total achieved by Bohemian Rhapsody.
Released in 2018, Bohemian Rhapsody became a global phenomenon, earning more than $900 million worldwide while introducing a new generation of fans to the music of Queen. The film’s remarkable success helped reignite interest in music biopics across Hollywood and established a box office benchmark that many believed would stand for years.
Eight years later, Michael has managed to do what no other music biopic could.
A Global Event For Audiences
Part of the film’s success can be attributed to the enduring popularity of Michael Jackson himself. Widely regarded as one of the most influential entertainers in history, Jackson’s music continues to resonate across multiple generations and international markets.
That global appeal translated directly into ticket sales. From North America to Europe, Asia, and Latin America, audiences turned out in massive numbers to experience Jackson’s story on the big screen. The film’s combination of iconic musical performances, elaborate production design, and emotional storytelling helped create an event that appealed to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
While critical reactions were more mixed, audience enthusiasm remained consistently strong throughout the film’s run. Positive word-of-mouth helped sustain momentum well beyond opening weekend, allowing Michael to maintain impressive box office legs as it climbed toward the record.
Jafaar Jackson, Michael [credit: Universal Pictures]
The Latest Win For Music Biopics
The success of Michael also reinforces the continued popularity of music biopics in Hollywood. Over the past decade, films such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, Elvis, and A Complete Unknown have demonstrated that audiences remain eager to learn more about the artists behind some of the world’s most beloved songs.
However, Michael has now established a new standard for the genre.
Its record-breaking performance proves that compelling stories centered around legendary musicians can still attract massive theatrical audiences in an era increasingly dominated by franchises, superheroes, and established intellectual properties.
What’s Next?
With its newest box office milestone secured, Michael has cemented its place in cinematic history. Surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody is more than just another record—it represents a defining moment for both the film and the music biopic genre as a whole.
Whether the record stands for years or eventually falls to another musical icon’s story remains to be seen. For now, however, Michael sits alone at the top of the mountain as the highest-grossing music biopic ever released.
And judging by the film’s incredible run so far, that achievement feels like a fitting tribute to one of the most successful entertainers the world has ever known.
Entertainment
The Mummy: Book of the Dead Revealed as Official Title for Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Sequel
Universal Pictures has officially revealed the title of the next chapter in The Mummy franchise, and it is leaning straight into the mythology that started it all.
The upcoming sequel will be titled The Mummy: Book of the Dead, with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz returning as Rick and Evelyn O’Connell. The film is currently scheduled to hit theaters on October 15, 2027.
The new movie will serve as a continuation of the earlier Mummy films, bringing Fraser and Weisz back together in the franchise that helped define late 1990s and early 2000s adventure cinema.
Weisz’s return is especially notable because she did not appear in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Her reunion with Fraser immediately gives the new film a stronger connection to the first two movies, which remain the most popular entries in the series.
The Book of the Dead title also ties directly back to the mythology of the original 1999 film. The ancient book played a major role in unleashing the supernatural events surrounding Imhotep and remains one of the most recognizable artifacts from the franchise.
Plot details are still being kept under wraps, but the title suggests the sequel could return to the darker Egyptian mythology, ancient curses and supernatural adventure that made the original films such a hit.
For longtime fans, The Mummy: Book of the Dead represents a major reunion. Fraser and Weisz returning as Rick and Evelyn gives Universal an opportunity to recapture the chemistry, humor and old school adventure tone that made the first two films so memorable.
The Mummy: Book of the Dead is scheduled to arrive in theaters October 15, 2027.
Matt Reeves has directly addressed his temporary absence from The Batman Part II, making it clear that he is still very much involved with the highly anticipated DC sequel.
Steven Soderbergh is stepping in to help oversee the final stretch of principal photography while Reeves attends to a family matter. The arrangement will allow production to continue while Reeves remains connected to the film and its creative direction.
The Batman II [dc studios]
“Just to be clear, I am not leaving The Batman Part II. I am profoundly grateful to Steven for coming to my aid during this challenging time to help me finish principal photography. Thank you to all for your concern and well wishes.”
Just to be clear, I am not leaving The Batman Part II. I am profoundly grateful to Steven for coming to my aid during this challenging time to help me finish principal photography. Thank you to all for your concern and well wishes. 🦇
— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) October 15, 2026
Soderbergh is expected to work closely with the existing cast and crew to complete the remaining material while maintaining the visual style and direction Reeves has already established.
Reeves is still the director of The Batman Part II and is expected to continue overseeing the film once principal photography is completed.
Robert Pattinson returns as Bruce Wayne and Batman, with Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis and Colin Farrell also returning. Scarlett Johansson and Sebastian Stan are among the major new additions to the sequel.
The Batman Part II is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on February 18, 2028.
James Mangold’s long developing Swamp Thing movie is still alive at DC Studios, with studio co chairman Peter Safran confirming that work on the project is actively moving forward.
Speaking at the premiere of Clayface, Safran addressed the status of the film after years of limited updates and growing speculation that it may have quietly fallen off DC Studios’ slate.
“We’re working on it, absolutely.”
Safran said. “The script is being written as we speak.”
Safran added that DC Studios remains excited about the project, while acknowledging that getting the film into production will also depend on Mangold’s availability.
Swamp Thing was originally announced in 2023 as part of the first chapter of James Gunn and Safran’s new DC Universe. The film is expected to explore the dark origins of the character while leaning heavily into horror rather than functioning as a traditional superhero movie.
Swamp Thing
Mangold previously described his approach as a simple Gothic horror story centered around a man and a monster, comparing the concept to the type of classic tragedy found in Frankenstein.
That direction would make Swamp Thing one of the darker and more distinct projects currently being developed for the DC Universe.
The character, most commonly associated with scientist Alec Holland, has long occupied the horror side of DC Comics. After Holland is killed in an explosion, Swamp Thing emerges as a powerful plant based creature connected to a supernatural force known as the Green.
The character most recently received a live action television adaptation in 2019, although the series was canceled after a single season.
Mangold remains attached to direct the new film, though DC Studios has not announced a production start date, cast, or release date.
For now, Safran’s comments offer the clearest indication in some time that Swamp Thing remains part of DC Studios’ plans.
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