The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' has reclaimed the top spot at the North American box office in its fourth weekend, earning an estimated $26.1 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates released Sunday.
After two weeks trailing behind 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' the Lionsgate film has now amassed an impressive $703.9 million worldwide, with more to come. However, it still has a significant gap to close to surpass the reigning champion of musical biopics, 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' which grossed over $910.8 million globally.
Newcomers and Holdovers
Several new films entered the mix this weekend, including the relationship horror movie 'Obsession,' the Guy Ritchie action pic 'In the Grey,' and the revenge saga 'Is God Is.' However, holdovers continued to draw the largest crowds. The box office dynamics are expected to shift next weekend when 'Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu' hits theaters.
Disney and 20th Century Studios' 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' took second place in its third weekend with $18 million, bringing its domestic total to $175.9 million and worldwide earnings to $546.2 million.
'Obsession' Exceeds Expectations
Topping the newcomers, 'Obsession' exceeded expectations with an estimated $16.1 million from 2,615 theaters. The thriller, written and directed by YouTube breakout Curry Barker, follows a hopeless romantic who gets more than he bargained for when his crush returns his affections. The film received positive reviews from both critics (94% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences (A- CinemaScore). Notably, Barker made the film for just $750,000, and Focus Features acquired it out of the Toronto International Film Festival last fall for around $15 million.
Other Top Films
Fourth place went to 'Mortal Kombat II,' which fell 65% in its second weekend to $13.4 million in domestic ticket sales. Globally, it has made $101.2 million from 80 markets.
Amazon MGM Studios had three movies in the top 10: 'The Sheep Detectives' in fifth place, 'Project Hail Mary' in seventh place, and 'Is God Is' rounding out the top 10. 'The Sheep Detectives' enjoyed a slim 33% drop from its first weekend, taking in an additional $10.2 million and bringing its running total to $30.5 million. 'Project Hail Mary,' now available to rent or buy at home, brought in another $3.4 million in its ninth weekend in theaters. 'Is God Is,' Aleshea Harris's adaptation of her Obie-winning play about twin sisters (Kara Young and Mallori Johnson) on a quest to find and kill their abusive father, made $2.2 million in its first weekend. It has a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The action caper 'In the Grey,' released by Black Bear, made $3 million from 2,018 locations. Starring Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza González, the film follows a team of elite operatives on an impossible mission. It currently carries a 44% on Rotten Tomatoes and a B CinemaScore.
