Michael Has Record Opening Despite Reviews
(Lionsgate via AP
Despite harsh reviews and a difficult production process, the big-budget biopic Michael opened to a massive $97 million across the United States and Canada, according to studio estimates released Sunday. The film, an officially sanctioned portrayal of Michael Jackson’s life backed by his estate and produced by Lionsgate, set a new benchmark for music biopics. It easily surpassed earlier hits in the genre, including Straight Outta Compton, which debuted with $60.2 million in 2015, and Bohemian Rhapsody, which opened with $51 million in 2018.
The film also performed strongly overseas, bringing in $120.4 million internationally for a total global opening of $217.4 million—another record for a music biopic. Universal handled distribution in most markets outside North America. The production budget reportedly approached $200 million.
Not all members of the Jackson family supported the project. Janet Jackson had no involvement and does not appear in the film, while Jackson’s daughter Paris criticized it as unrealistic. The film was announced three years after the release of Leaving Neverland, a 2009 documentary that detailed allegations of repeated sexual abuse against Jackson. Producer Graham King moved forward with the project, casting Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the lead role. A sequel is already in development, with the possibility of a third installment as well, according to Lionsgate.
Critics largely panned the film for overlooking controversial aspects of Jackson’s life, reflected in its 38% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences, however, responded more positively, giving it an “A-” CinemaScore.
Based on estimated ticket sales from Friday through Sunday in U.S. and Canadian theaters, Comscore reported the following top box office results, with final domestic figures expected Monday:
Michael — $97 million
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie — $21.2 million
Project Hail Mary — $13.2 million
Lee Cronin’s The Mummy — $5.6 million
The Drama — $2.6 million
Hoppers — $1.9 million
You, Me & Tuscany — $1.5 million
Over Your Dead Body — $1.4 million
Mother Mary — $1.2 million
American Youngboy — $1.2 million
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