US Edition‘Michael’ Is About To Blow Past An All-Time Box Office Record
Lionsgate’s Michael is projected to reach $90 million to $100 million by Sunday, setting up a record music-biopic opening.
- On Friday, April 24, 2026, the Michael Jackson biopic Michael debuted with $39.5 million from 3,955 North American theaters, positioning it to secure the biggest domestic opening weekend ever for a music biopic.
- Lionsgate invested a $155 million production budget, weighed down by expensive music rights and concert sets, after earlier industry projections had estimated only $65 million to $70 million for the film's debut.
- While the film holds a 38% critics score, audiences embraced it with a 97% rating, driving a debut that easily surpasses the $60 million opening of Straight Outta Compton and the $55 million start of Bohemian Rhapsody.
- Domestic projections now approach $88 million for the opening weekend, while international distribution helps the film eye more than $180 million worldwide by the end of its first weekend.
- Questlove remarked the project "strips away the spectacle and shows us the person," highlighting Jackson's humanity; exhibitors now monitor whether the film maintains momentum for repeat viewings in coming weeks.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Michael Jackson Movie Biggest Biopic Opening Ever, Studio Says Opening Weekend Receipts Estimated at $217.4 Mil, Reviews Be Damned
It’s not a great movie, and no one cares. Michael Jackson fans turned out in force around the world this weekend. They drove receipts for “Michael,” directed Antoine Fuqua, to around $217.4 million counting every country. In the US, $97 million. So Lions Gate says. The result is the biggest opening ever for a musical […] The post Michael Jackson Movie Biggest Biopic Opening Ever, Studio Says Opening Weekend Receipts Estimated at $217.4 Mil, Revi…
‘Michael’ Biopic Shatters Records With USD 82 Million Global Opening Day; Jaafar Jackson Starrer Becomes 2026’s Biggest Debut | 🎥 LatestLY
The King of Pop has reclaimed his throne as the biopic 'Michael' earned a massive USD 82.2 million worldwide on its opening day. Shattering records with a USD 39.5 million domestic start, it surpassed Oppenheimer for the biggest biopic debut in history. Despite polarised reviews, the film holds a record 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. 🎥 ‘Michael’ Biopic Shatters Records With USD 82 Million Global Opening Day; Jaafar Jackson Starrer Becom…
The Independent
The Independent (US)Michael Jackson biopic makes impressive box-office start
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