The late Michael Jackson’s musical footprint continues to drive strong business returns.
In April 2026, the “Michael” movie was released in theatres. Lionsgate’s musical biopic cast Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar, in the titular role. The film opened with $97 million in ticket sales domestically and $217 million globally, according to Variety. By July, it surpassed $1 billion, according to The New York Times. It also became the highest-grossing biopic in history, per BBC.
“After the opening weekend, seeing the reaction around the world, on social media, at the box office, we realized this was going to be something very special, something we haven’t seen before,” John Branca, Jackson’s attorney and co-executor of his estate, told The Washington Informer.
“It’s not just another music film. The first time this story could be told. Not everyone else’s story, whether real or made up. Michael’s story,” he later added.
“Michael” featured classics from the singer, including “Thriller” and “Bad.” These songs were among the top performers for Sony Music Entertainment’s first quarter, according to Deadline. Overall, Sony Music reported first-quarter sales of $557.9 billion in the first quarter ending in June, a 22% increase since the last quarter.
Joining Michael Jackson in Sony’s top artists for Q1 2026 are Ella Langley (Dandelion and Still Hungover), Bad Bunny (DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS and Un Verano Sin Ti), Raye (THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE), SZA (SOS), Luke Combs (The Way I Am) and Peso Pluma and Tito Double (DINASTÍA), per The Hollywood Reporter.
Meanwhile, Sony’s theatrical and television segment reported lower sales than in 2025. Additionally, its revenue declined by 13% year over year to $1.98 billion, and its operating income increased 21% to $156 million. The Hollywood Reporter noted that fewer theatrical releases also led to a decline in marketing costs.
A spike is projected in Q2 for Sony Pictures Entertainment in light of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which released in theatres on July 31 and made history in its $360 million domestic debut, Variety reports.
