The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” has shattered box office records, earning an estimated $218.7 million worldwide during its opening weekend to become the highest-grossing debut for a biographical film in cinema history.
The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring the late pop icon’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, surpassed the previous records held by “Oppenheimer” ($180 million) and “Bohemian Rhapsody” ($124 million). In North America alone, the movie raked in $97.1 million, vastly overperforming early industry projections.
“From the beginning, all of the signals were that something like this was possible,” said Adam Fogelson, chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “We were seeing massive engagement with every conceivable audience segment that you could identify.”
The production, a collaboration between Lionsgate and the Jackson estate, follows the singer’s journey from his childhood in the Jackson 5 to global superstardom. Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal has drawn significant attention, with the actor noting the pressure of stepping into his uncle’s shoes.
”I really had to earn and prove to the filmmakers, myself, and my family that I can pull it off,” the younger Jackson said ahead of the release.
While the film has enjoyed a 97 percent audience approval rating on review aggregators, it has faced a colder reception from critics, who have pointed to its “sanitized” portrayal of the singer’s more controversial years. However, industry analysts say the “concert-like experience” of the film has driven repeat viewings.
The movie opened across 83 territories, including Nigeria and the United Kingdom, but has yet to debut in Japan, where Jackson maintains a massive following. Distributors expect another significant surge in global earnings when the film premieres there in June.
The success of “Michael” continues a lucrative trend for musical biopics in Hollywood, following recent hits based on the lives of Elvis Presley and Bob Marley, further solidifying the genre’s dominance at the modern box office.
