Michael earns $97 million opening, poised to top music biopic record
The biopic “Michael,” depicting the life of King of Pop Michael Jackson, opened in U.S. and Canadian theaters on Sunday, drawing an estimated $97 million in ticket sales. Global earnings reached $217.4 million, with $120.4 million from international markets. The release broke previous records for music biopics, surpassing “Straight Outta Compton” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” in opening weekend revenue.
The film was produced by Lionsgate in partnership with the Jackson estate, with Universal distributing in most overseas territories. Production cost approached $200 million; international distribution rights were sold to help offset expenses. A sequel is reportedly in development, with a third installment considered possible.
The narrative centers on Jackson’s career up to 1988, omitting later allegations. The decision to exclude the controversy followed a legal restriction that barred mention of a 1994 settlement involving the singer’s former child. Reshoots and rewriting cost an estimated $50 million and were conducted at the estate’s expense.
Critical response was mixed, with a low Rotten Toms score; however, audience grades were high, and CinemaScore recorded an “A‑”. Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson stated that the film succeeded because it focused on a period before the allegations and attracted broad audience engagement.