Michael Jackson Biopic Michael Streams August 10 on Starz

The Michael Jackson biopic, titled 'Michael,' is set to make its exclusive streaming debut on Starz starting August 10. The film will be available across all Starz applications and on-demand platforms, with a simultaneous linear premiere on the Starz channel. This acquisition marks Starz's first exclusive streaming home for the biopic, following its theatrical and digital release windows. The movie, directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, has achieved significant box office success since its theatrical opening on April 24. It garnered $97.2 million domestically and approximately $217 million worldwide in its opening weekend, establishing a new record for the strongest debut ever for a musical biopic. The film's global gross eventually surpassed $1 billion USD. This financial achievement allowed 'Michael' to overtake 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' the Freddie Mercury and Queen biopic that previously held the music-biopic record with $911 million. Furthermore, 'Michael' also surpassed 'Oppenheimer' to become the highest-grossing biopic of any genre. For Lionsgate, the studio behind the film, 'Michael' became its highest-earning production in history. The film's critical reception was divided, with critics offering mixed reviews. However, audiences responded overwhelmingly positively, awarding it an A- CinemaScore and a 97 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This disparity between critical reviews and audience reception has fueled discussions about audience preferences for biopics and the enduring cultural influence of Michael Jackson. The production emphasized Jackson's legacy by casting his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the lead role for his film debut. Juliano Valdi also plays a role in the film. Graham King served as a producer on the project. The film's narrative focuses on the life and career of the iconic pop star, navigating his rise to fame and the complexities of his public and private life. The decision to stream exclusively on Starz positions the network to capitalize on the film's widespread popularity and its status as a major cinematic event. The August 10th release date allows for a significant period of availability on the platform, aiming to capture a broad viewership interested in the life of Michael Jackson and the compelling narrative presented in the biopic.