Will ‘Michael’ be the biopic to save the box office?
It's a ‘must-see cultural moment,’ but can it dominate the global box office long-term?
As the highly anticipated release of “Michael” approaches on April 24, the film industry is watching closely to see if the new movie about the “King of Pop” can do what recent biopics of Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin could not: dominate the global box office long-term.
Phillip Lamarr Cunningham, an assistant professor of Media Studies and Black popular culture, says that this film may represent a return to form for the genre, fueled by traditional marketing and a post-pandemic hunger for true theatrical experiences. He is available to provide expert commentary.
- The global icon advantage vs. “collective memory”: Cunningham can explain why recent biopics of stars like Billie Holiday or Aretha Franklin struggled, noting they often sit outside the collective memory of younger or international audiences and were hampered due to their release during the pandemic. He points to the recent success of the Bob Marley biopic as a possible sign that centering a film on an international omnipresent star is the new key to biopic success.
- A cultural moment: Beyond just a movie, Cunningham sees this as a must-see cultural moment similar to “Black Panther.” He can discuss the merchandising and “costume play” phenomenon—from TikTokers planning outfits to fans buying replica beaded jackets and gloves—positioning this as an experience that audiences won’t wait to see on streaming.
- After opening weekend & economic realities: Cunningham can discuss whether the film can withstand the scrutiny of Jackson’s later years, and whether it can maintain its “event” status amid inflation that has made moviegoing a luxury for many households.
About Phillip Lamarr Cunningham
Cunningham specializes in the representation of Blackness in film and the mechanics of the Hollywood industry. He is known for making complex media trends accessible—providing a blend of academic depth and cultural perspective.
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