Socio Today
May 26, 2026, 05:00 WIB – Nearly a month after their respective release dates, the biographical drama "Michael," chronicling the life of the King of Pop, and the highly anticipated sequel "The Devil Wears Prada 2" are continuing to captivate audiences and achieve remarkable success at the global box office. Both films have surpassed significant financial milestones, solidifying their positions as major cinematic events of the year.
"Michael" has demonstrated exceptional staying power, accumulating an impressive $788 million worldwide and is on track to breach the $800 million mark. This performance firmly entrenches it among the highest-grossing biographical films of all time, a testament to the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson and the film’s compelling narrative. The film, which premiered on April 24, 2025, garnered an additional $28.5 million internationally and $20 million in the domestic North American market in the past week. This latest influx of revenue brings its domestic total to $319.9 million and its international earnings to $468.1 million, against a production budget of $155 million.
Currently, "Michael" holds the fourth position on the all-time list of highest-grossing biopics. The top spot remains occupied by Christopher Nolan’s "Oppenheimer" (2023), which achieved a staggering $975.8 million globally. Following closely is "Bohemian Rhapsody" (2018), the Elton John biopic, with $910.8 million. The Chinese film "Hi, Mom" (2021) rounds out the top three with $841.6 million.
Untapped Potential in Key Markets
Industry analysts, including those at Variety, believe "Michael" has significant potential for further box office growth. A key factor contributing to this optimism is the film’s yet-to-be-released status in Japan, a crucial and lucrative international market. The anticipation is that its debut in Japan could propel it past "Bohemian Rhapsody" to become the highest-grossing musical biopic in history.
The decision to greenlight a sequel for "Michael" has already been confirmed, underscoring the studio’s confidence in the franchise’s potential. This move is strategically aligned with the understanding that the first film only managed to cover a portion of Michael Jackson’s extraordinary life and career.
Adam Fogelson, Head of Film at the studio, expressed his enthusiasm for the future of the franchise in a statement to Variety on Thursday, May 21. "We are incredibly excited about the progress we are making with the second ‘Michael’ film," Fogelson stated. "All of the conversations we’ve had with all parties involved continue to go extremely well." He further elaborated that the wealth of untold stories and experiences from Michael Jackson’s life provide ample material for subsequent installments, promising a continued journey of nostalgia and discovery for audiences.
"The Devil Wears Prada 2" Rakes in Global Success
In parallel, "The Devil Wears Prada 2," which premiered on May 1, 2026, has also exceeded critical box office expectations, amassing over $608 million globally against its production budget. The film has resonated strongly with fans of the original, demonstrating the enduring appeal of its fashion-centric narrative and iconic characters.
In its fourth weekend of release, "The Devil Wears Prada 2" added $21 million from international markets, bringing its overseas total to $408 million. Domestically, the film secured an additional $12.5 million, pushing its North American earnings to $200 million.
This financial triumph positions "The Devil Wears Prada 2" as the second highest-grossing film in Meryl Streep’s illustrious career. It trails only the immensely popular musical "Mamma Mia!" (2008), which earned $706.4 million worldwide. The success of this sequel highlights the power of established intellectual property and the ability of beloved characters to draw audiences back to the cinema.
Box Office Performance Breakdown
| Film | Release Date | Domestic Gross | International Gross | Worldwide Gross | Production Budget | Current Rank (Biopic) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael | April 24, 2025 | $319.9 million | $468.1 million | $788 million | $155 million | 4th |
| The Devil Wears Prada 2 | May 1, 2026 | $200 million | $408 million | $608 million | Not specified | N/A |
| Oppenheimer (2023) | July 21, 2023 | – | – | $975.8 million | – | 1st |
| Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) | Oct 26, 2018 | – | – | $910.8 million | – | 2nd |
| Hi, Mom (2021) | Feb 12, 2021 | – | – | $841.6 million | – | 3rd |
| Mamma Mia! (2008) | June 13, 2008 | – | – | $706.4 million | – | N/A (Streep’s Top) |
Note: Specific release dates for "Michael" in the provided text appear to be misaligned with the current article date. The article states the film was released on April 24, 2025, but the reporting date is May 26, 2026. This analysis assumes the reporting date refers to the current performance of a film released in the past year.
Analysis and Implications
The continued success of both "Michael" and "The Devil Wears Prada 2" underscores several key trends in the contemporary film industry. Firstly, the enduring appeal of established intellectual property and beloved franchises remains a significant driver of box office revenue. Audiences are eager to revisit familiar worlds and characters, especially when presented with high-quality productions and compelling narratives.
Secondly, the biographical film genre continues to demonstrate its commercial viability. Films that delve into the lives of influential figures, particularly musicians and cultural icons, have the potential to connect with a broad demographic, tapping into both existing fan bases and general interest in compelling life stories. The financial performance of "Michael" reinforces this trend, positioning it as a major contender in the genre’s historical rankings.
Furthermore, the robust international performance of both films highlights the increasing importance of global markets in overall box office success. The capacity for films to resonate across different cultures and regions is a critical factor for studios when assessing a project’s profitability. The mention of Japan as a key untapped market for "Michael" exemplifies this strategic consideration.
The confirmation of a sequel for "Michael" indicates a long-term vision for the franchise. This suggests that the studio believes there is substantial narrative depth remaining to explore in the life of Michael Jackson, providing an opportunity for continued audience engagement and revenue generation. Similarly, the strong performance of "The Devil Wears Prada 2" may pave the way for further installments in that universe, depending on future creative and commercial considerations.
In conclusion, the box office triumphs of "Michael" and "The Devil Wears Prada 2" are a clear indication of their broad appeal and the continued strength of the cinematic experience. As both films continue their runs, their final box office totals will provide further insights into audience preferences and the evolving landscape of the global film industry.
