Despite scathing reviews and a notoriously troubled production, the big-budget Michael Jackson biopic Michael danced its way to a staggering $97 million opening weekend in U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to studio estimates released Sunday. The film, produced by Lionsgate in close collaboration with the Jackson estate, has shattered the previous record for a music biopic debut, far surpassing Straight Outta Compton ($60.2 million in 2015) and Bohemian Rhapsody ($51 million in 2018).
Global Success
International audiences were equally captivated, with Michael earning $120.4 million overseas. This brings the global opening to a colossal $217.4 million, a new high for the genre. Universal Pictures handled distribution in most international markets. The film’s total production cost approached $200 million, with Lionsgate selling international rights to Universal to mitigate expenses.
A Controversial Figure
The film’s success is remarkable given the controversies surrounding Jackson, who died in 2009 at age 50. He faced repeated allegations of child sexual abuse, though he was acquitted in his 2005 criminal trial. The Jackson estate has consistently maintained his innocence. Some family members opposed the film; Janet Jackson was not involved, and daughter Paris called it “fantasy land.”
Rocky Production
Michael faced an unusually rocky path to the screen. After initial shooting, producers discovered a costly error: the third act focused on Jordan Chandler, a 13-year-old who settled a civil suit with Jackson in 1994 for $23 million. The settlement barred the estate from mentioning Chandler in any film. This forced massive reshoots, costing up to $50 million, paid by the estate. Director Antoine Fuqua and screenwriter John Logan restructured the film to end in 1988, before any accusations emerged.
Critical vs. Audience Response
Critics were harsh, giving the film a 38% score on Rotten Tomatoes, accusing it of glossing over Jackson’s more troubling aspects. However, audiences were far more enthusiastic, awarding it an “A-” CinemaScore. The strong opening contributes to a robust spring for Hollywood, alongside hits like Project Hail Mary and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The Mario sequel slipped to second place in its fourth weekend with $21.2 million, bringing its domestic total to $386.5 million.
While a sequel has not been officially announced, industry insiders expect one given the film’s performance.
