‘Michael’ Biopic Trailer Breaks Records with 116.2 Million Views in First 24 Hours
The teaser trailer for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, garnered an unprecedented 116.2 million views worldwide within its first 24 hours of release, setting a new benchmark for music biopic and concert film trailers.
Data released today by WaveMetrix confirms the trailer’s explosive debut, surpassing previous records held by films like Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (96.1 million views), Bob Marley: One Love (60.1 million views), and Bohemian Rhapsody (57.6 million views). The trailer, which dropped during Lionsgate’s recent earnings call, achieved over 30 million global views in its first six hours – a 50% increase compared to the same timeframe for John Wick: Chapter 4. This strong initial response signals significant public interest in the film.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, Michael stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, in the lead role. The cast also includes Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Coleman Domingo as Joe Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca, with a screenplay penned by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan. Lionsgate will distribute the film domestically, while Kino Films will handle distribution in Japan and Universal Pictures will cover the rest of the world. You can learn more about the history of biopics here.
Moviegoers will have a chance to view the Michael teaser trailer next weekend when it is attached to the release of Lionsgate’s Now You See Me: Now You Don’t. The film is currently slated for theatrical release on April 24, 2026. Lionsgate officials have indicated they are pleased with the initial reception and anticipate continued strong engagement as the release date approaches.
