The teaser trailer for the highly anticipated biopic “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua, has made an impressive entrance, racking up an astonishing 116.2 million views within its first 24 hours. This record-breaking achievement marks the largest 24-hour trailer launch in Lionsgate’s history, and it secures the title for the most-viewed trailer for any music biopic or concert film ever.
The analysis of the trailer’s viewership was shared by WaveMetrix on Saturday morning. “Michael” has outperformed other notable releases, surpassing the trailer for Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, which garnered 96.1 million views shortly after its release on August 31, 2023. It has also left behind Bob Marley: One Love, which attracted 60.1 million views, and Bohemian Rhapsody, which reached 57.6 million views. Other films, such as the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, released just this past July, also fell behind with 47.2 million views.
The trailer debuted on a significant day for Lionsgate, coinciding with their earnings announcement. Within its first six hours, the trailer amassed over 30 million global views, outpacing the initial trailer traffic of John Wick: Chapter 4 by 50%.
For those eager to catch the “Michael” teaser trailer on the big screen, it will be attached to Lionsgate’s upcoming film Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, which premieres next weekend. The biopic, set to hit theaters on April 24, features Jaafar Jackson portraying his legendary uncle, Michael Jackson. The cast also includes Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Coleman Domingo as Joe Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca, with the screenplay crafted by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan.
Lionsgate is set to distribute the film in the United States, while Kino Films will handle the release in Japan and Universal will take care of the global distribution. The excitement surrounding “Michael” showcases the enduring legacy of the King of Pop and the power of cinematic storytelling to captivate audiences worldwide.