Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' Sets Record Opening Weekend
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The biopic 'Michael' earned $97 million domestically and $217 million globally in its first weekend, setting a new record for a biopic opening. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, is Lionsgate's biggest hit in over a decade. Audiences gave the film an 'A-' grade, while critics rated it 38% positive on Rotten Tomatoes.
Facts First
- 'Michael' earned $97 million domestically and $217 million globally in its first weekend.
- The film set a new record for a biopic opening, surpassing 'Straight Outta Compton' ($60 million).
- 'Michael' is Lionsgate's biggest hit in over a decade, since 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2'.
- Audiences gave the film an 'A-' grade, while critics rated it 38% positive on Rotten Tomatoes.
- The film had a production budget near $200 million, split between Lionsgate, Universal, and the Michael Jackson estate.
What Happened
The biopic 'Michael' about Michael Jackson earned $97 million domestically and $217 million globally in its first weekend of release. This opening surpasses the $60 million debut of 2015's 'Straight Outta Compton', making it the best opening weekend for a biopic. It is Lionsgate's biggest hit in over a decade, since 2015's 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2'. The film had the second-biggest debut of the year, following April's 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie'. Antoine Fuqua directed the film, which covers Jackson's life from his early days in the Jackson 5 to his career as an entertainer. Jaafar Jackson... makes his acting debut portraying him, while Colman Domingo and Nia Long portray Joe and Katherine Jackson. The film ends during the 1988 Bad tour following a third-act overhaul; producers removed dramatized sequences of a 1993 child molestation lawsuit because a settlement clause barred the depiction.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a fan of Michael Jackson or musical biopics, you may find the film's strong audience reception ('A-' grade) encouraging, even if critical reviews (38% positive on Rotten Tomatoes) are mixed. The film's financial success could lead to more films about Jackson's life being greenlit, potentially expanding the story. For Lionsgate, the success of 'Michael' provides a major financial boost after several unsuccessful 2024 releases, which may help stabilize the studio and influence its future slate of films.
What's Next
Lionsgate is expected to greenlight at least one more film about Jackson's life. The film's performance will be closely watched; if 'Michael' surpasses $700 million worldwide, it will join a list of Lionsgate's biggest films, including 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'. The film's high production budget near $200 million means its continued box office performance will be critical to its overall financial success.