Studios Drive Global Anticipation for Michael Jackson Biopic with Early Theatrical Screenings
Los Angeles, Saturday, 21 March 2026.
To secure box-office dominance, studios are driving massive global engagement for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, leveraging exclusive international merchandise campaigns and early IMAX screenings starting April 22.
Strategic Theatrical Rollout and Premium Formats
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A) and Universal Pictures (NASDAQ: CMCSA) [GPT] have orchestrated a meticulously phased theatrical rollout for ‘Michael,’ aimed at maximizing box-office returns through premium format exclusivity. On April 22, 2026, exactly 2 days ahead of its April 24 nationwide release, Lionsgate is hosting limited early access screenings in IMAX and Dolby Cinemas [5][8]. By funneling initial audiences into premium large formats, the studios are strategically capturing higher ticket yields while attempting to generate robust word-of-mouth marketing [GPT]. Tickets for these exclusive one-night screenings officially went on sale on March 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET, with general admission tickets scheduled to become available on March 26 [6][8].