NEW YORK – The highly anticipated musical biopic “Michael,” which brings the story of the legendary Michael Jackson to life, has made a massive splash at the box office. Despite facing some harsh reviews and a rocky production process, the film earned an impressive $97 million during its opening weekend in the U.S. and Canada, setting a new record for music biopics.
Produced in collaboration with the Jackson estate, “Michael” has outdone previous hits like “Straight Outta Compton,” which debuted with $60.2 million in 2015, and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which earned $51 million in 2018. The film’s international performance was also strong, raking in $120.4 million overseas, bringing its total global opening to an astonishing $217.4 million.
Initially, predictions for “Michael” placed its opening closer to $50 million. However, as the weekend approached, estimates were revised to around $70 million. The film’s actual performance has led Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson to express surprise and excitement, noting the significant engagement from audiences across various demographics.
The decision to create a biopic about Michael Jackson was audacious, especially given the controversies surrounding his life. Jackson, who passed away in 2009, has long been a polarizing figure due to allegations of child sexual abuse. While the Jackson estate has consistently defended his innocence, the shadows of these allegations loom large. Interestingly, some family members opposed the film; for instance, Janet Jackson chose not to participate, and Paris Jackson described it as “fantasy land.”
The film’s journey to the big screen was not without its challenges. After filming was completed, producers realized they had inadvertently included scenes that violated a settlement agreement related to one of Jackson’s past allegations. As a result, a significant portion of the film had to be re-edited, leading to costly reshoots totaling around $50 million. Ultimately, the narrative was reshaped to focus on Jackson’s life prior to the allegations.
Despite the troubled production, “Michael” has emerged as a commercial success. With a total production cost nearing $200 million, Lionsgate mitigated some expenses by collaborating with Universal for international distribution. Furthermore, the success of the film has sparked discussions about potential sequels and additional projects related to Jackson’s life.
While critics have been quick to point out that the film glosses over the more controversial aspects of Jackson’s life, audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. The film received an “A-” CinemaScore, indicating strong viewer satisfaction, despite a low 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
As the movie industry gears up for the summer season, “Michael” has added to a successful spring, following other blockbuster hits like “Project Hail Mary” and “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” which recently saw a decline in box office earnings after a strong run at the top.
In summary, “Michael” not only succeeded in captivating audiences but also demonstrated the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson as a cultural icon. As Lionsgate explores the possibility of sequels, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how the story of the King of Pop continues to evolve on the big screen.
Top 10 Movies by Domestic Box Office:
1. “Michael,” $97 million.
2. “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” $21.2 million.
3. “Project Hail Mary,” $13.2 million.
4. “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy,” $5.6 million.
5. “The Drama,” $2.6 million.
6. “Hoppers,” $1.9 million.
7. “You, Me & Tuscany,” $1.5 million.
8. “Over Your Dead Body,” $1.4 million.
9. “Mother Mary,” $1.2 million.
10. “American Youngboy,” $1.2 million.
