Colman Domingo Shares Emotional News About ‘Michael’ Crossing $1 Billion at the Box Office

Late-night television delivered another heartwarming moment this week, as Colman Domingo’s guest-hosting stint has become one of the summer’s most talked-about events. With celebrity reunions and heartfelt tributes, the week has quickly turned into must-see TV for fans following the ongoing success of the ‘Michael Jackson’ biopic.

Domingo has taken the opportunity behind the desk to highlight projects that are dear to him, and few are as significant as ‘Michael,’ the film that brought him together with his real-life co-star and screen nephew, Jaafar Jackson. Their July 20 conversation held deeper meaning beyond just late-night chatter.

During the segment, Domingo made an announcement that captured everyone’s attention. He revealed on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ that the film’s box office success has become a truly global phenomenon, noting that it was news to many that their film had grossed over one billion dollars at the box office.

While this milestone wasn’t entirely unexpected for those closely monitoring the film’s performance, hearing it confirmed live added a new level of significance. Domingo expressed immense pride in both Jaafar Jackson and himself for contributing to the film’s remarkable achievement.

‘Michael’ has emerged as one of the year’s defining box office stories, and its billion-dollar milestone places it in an exclusive category for musical biopics. The film has already surpassed the domestic lifetime total of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and continues to outperform it in markets such as the UK, France, Germany, Mexico, and Brazil.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and penned by John Logan, ‘Michael’ chronicles the pop icon’s journey from his childhood days with the Jackson 5 to his rise as the King of Pop. Jaafar Jackson stars in the title role, making his acting debut with a performance deeply rooted in his personal connection to the material as Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew.

The film’s path to release was anything but smooth, with Lionsgate facing a costly round of reshoots after the Jackson estate raised concerns related to a settlement clause, delaying the movie’s debut by nearly a year. However, this turbulence hasn’t hindered its box office success since its release.

Beyond the impressive numbers, ‘Michael’ has sparked cultural conversations well beyond its theatrical run. The film’s success has led to a resurgence in streams of Michael Jackson’s music catalog, a significant boost considering Sony Music’s substantial stake in the singer’s rights.

The film’s commercial triumph has also attracted awards season recognition. Both Jaafar Jackson and Domingo received acting accolades at the 2026 Astra Midseason Movie Awards, with Jackson winning Best Actor and Domingo taking home Best Supporting Actor for their portrayals as Michael and Joe Jackson.

This combination of box office success and awards buzz has kept ‘Michael’ at the forefront of entertainment discussions long after its initial release. Domingo’s heartfelt announcement on air further emphasized the importance of the film’s success for everyone involved, particularly for Jaafar Jackson as he stepped into his uncle’s iconic role for the first time.

With ‘Michael’ now solidifying its status as the highest-grossing biopic in history, the film’s journey from a troubled production to a billion-dollar global sensation has become a story of its own. Domingo’s emotional moment on Kimmel added yet another memorable chapter to this ongoing narrative.

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