The newly released Michael Jackson biopic Michael has made a stunning impact at the global box office, earning $217 million (£160 million) in its opening weekend and setting a new record for the biggest debut ever for a biographical film.
Starring Jaafar Jackson, nephew of the late pop icon, the movie follows the life and career of the King of Pop and opened worldwide on Wednesday. It has now overtaken Bohemian Rhapsody, which previously held the record after opening with $124 million in 2018.
The film also surpassed the $180 million debut of Oppenheimer, making it the highest worldwide opening weekend for any biopic in cinema history.
Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson praised the strong performance, saying the film attracted audiences across all age groups and demographics.
While moviegoers have embraced the film, critics were less impressed. Review site Rotten Tomatoes shows a sharp divide, with critics scoring it 38%, while audiences rated it an impressive 97%.
The film focuses heavily on Jackson’s music legacy, featuring his original vocals and recreated performances of classics like Billie Jean, Thriller, and Beat It. However, it avoids references to past child abuse allegations made against the singer.
Director Antoine Fuqua revealed the production faced major challenges after legal issues forced the removal of certain scenes, leading to costly reshoots and a revised ending focused on Jackson’s rise to superstardom in 1988.
With a reported production budget of $200 million, Michael is now among the most expensive biopics ever made and already one of the most successful.
The film is part of a recent upward swing for cinemas, after a string of box office hits such as The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Project Hail Mary, with other major releases including The Devil Wears Prada 2 this weekend set to follow. Jackson was known for worldwide hits such as Billie Jean, Beat It, Smooth Criminal and Black or White, while 1982’s Thriller is the biggest-selling album of all time.
