Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' Sets Box-Office Preview Record with $12.6 Million Haul

The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" has set a new box-office benchmark, earning $12.6 million in North American preview screenings and claiming the title of biggest preview haul of 2026, according to industry reports.

The film surpassed March's "Project Hail Mary," which previously held the year's top spot with $12 million in previews, and February's "Scream 7," which earned $7.8 million. Of the total preview earnings, $3.8 million came from early access screenings held on Wednesday, demonstrating sustained audience interest across multiple days.

Strong Opening Momentum

Preview screenings have become a reliable indicator of opening weekend performance in recent years, with studios using Thursday night and early-week showings to build momentum ahead of wide releases. The $12.6 million figure positions "Michael" for a potentially robust opening weekend, though final box-office tallies will depend on Friday through Sunday performance.

The biopic's preview success reflects both the enduring cultural impact of Michael Jackson and sustained public interest in music biopics, a genre that has delivered several box-office hits in recent years. The film chronicles the life and career of the pop icon, whose influence on music, dance, and popular culture remains significant despite ongoing controversies surrounding his legacy.

2026 Box-Office Landscape

"Michael" now leads the 2026 preview earnings chart, outpacing both "Project Hail Mary," the science fiction adaptation that opened in March, and "Scream 7," the latest installment in the horror franchise that debuted in February. The strong preview performance suggests that audiences remain eager for theatrical experiences centered on major cultural figures and events.

The film's release comes at a time when studios are closely monitoring preview numbers as predictors of opening weekend success. While preview earnings do not guarantee sustained box-office performance, they provide valuable early data on audience interest and word-of-mouth potential.

What we know: "Michael" earned $12.6 million in North American preview screenings, making it the biggest preview haul of 2026 so far. The film beat "Project Hail Mary" ($12 million) and "Scream 7" ($7.8 million), with $3.8 million coming from Wednesday early access screenings. What's unclear: Final opening weekend totals remain to be seen, and it's uncertain how the film will perform in subsequent weeks as word-of-mouth spreads and competition from other releases intensifies.