US Edition‘Michael’ Moonwalks to $97 Million Opening, Shattering Record for Music Biopics
Audience enthusiasm offset poor reviews as the film set a new music-biopic opening record and fueled sequel talks.
- On Sunday, the Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' launched with $97 million domestically and $217 million globally in its opening weekend, shattering records for music biopics.
- Following a rocky production, Lionsgate spent up to $50 million on reshoots after discovering a legal settlement barred depicting 1993 child molestation accusations. Director Antoine Fuqua reworked the story to conclude in 1988.
- Critics awarded the film only 38% positive on Rotten Tomatoes, yet audiences strongly disagreed, giving it an A- CinemaScore and 97% positive rating on Saturday.
- The studio's advertising campaign tapped into nostalgia for Jackson's talent, while ticket sales for the Broadway stage musical 'MJ' have also increased. Projections suggest the $200 million production could exceed $700 million worldwide.
- This success marks a significant turnaround for Lionsgate after 2024 flops including 'Borderlands' and 'White Bird,' with the studio expected to greenlight a sequel.
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164 Articles
'Michael's $217 Million Box Office Shows Fans and Critics Want Different Things From Music Biopics
In “Michael,” pop star Michael Jackson’s family and confidantes tell him repeatedly about his destiny of reaching an audience of millions. The Lionsgate-Universal biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua, has achieved a destiny of its own, fulfilling the hopes of its distributors and exhibitors of becoming a tentpole box office hit and giving the theatrical market a perfect springboard for the summer season. With a $97 million domestic and $217 million…
The film received about 217 million dollars on the first weekend globally. Critics have been mostly negative by omitting the charges of sexual abuse to the 'King of Pop'.
Michael Breaks Biopic Record With £174M Global Debut Despite Critic Backlash
The long-awaited Michael has stormed the global box office, delivering a record-breaking opening weekend despite a wave of mixed-to-negative critical reviews. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and centred on the life of Michael Jackson, the film has emerged as a commercial juggernaut, underscoring the enduring appeal of the King of Pop. According to industry figures, Michael debuted with an estimated $97 million (£78 million) domestically and approximat…
Another hit for the King of Pop: 'Michael' tops this weekend’s box office
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in the film ‘Michael.’ (Lionsgate) Michael Jackson had a lot of #1 hits throughout his career, so it seems fitting that a movie about his life has landed at #1 as well. The biopic Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the title role, moonwalked its way to #1 at the box office this weekend, debuting in the top spot with a haul of $97 million domestically, and $…
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