The Michael Jackson biopic, featuring Jaafar Jackson in the titular role, has made a powerful debut at the box office, raking in nearly $40 million on its opening day in U.S. theatres. The film is projected to earn between $90 million and $100 million over its opening weekend, positioning it as the second biggest domestic opening weekend of the year, trailing only behind The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
Critical Reception vs. Audience Response
Despite its financial success, the film has faced harsh criticism from reviewers. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 38 per cent 'Rotten' score, with critics alleging that the movie “whitewashes“ Jackson's legacy by concluding before the child sexual abuse allegations against the pop star emerged. However, audience reception tells a different story. The film boasts a 97 per cent 'Fresh' rating on Rotten Tomatoes, along with high scores on IMDB and Letterboxd, indicating overwhelming approval from moviegoers.
Box Office Performance
The biopic's opening day gross of nearly $40 million underscores its commercial appeal. If projections hold, it will secure one of the top opening weekends of 2026, demonstrating the enduring fascination with Jackson's life and music despite controversies.
Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson, delivers a performance that has been praised by audiences, further contributing to the film's strong word-of-mouth. The movie's success highlights the divide between critical opinion and popular taste, a phenomenon not uncommon in the entertainment industry.
