Dailyloe.com – The “Michael” movie box office performance has stunned the film industry, as the highly anticipated biopic of Michael Jackson delivered a record-breaking debut despite controversy and mixed reviews.
Opening across the United States and Canada, “Michael” earned a massive $97 million in its first weekend, making it the biggest debut ever for a music biopic. The film easily surpassed previous hits such as Straight Outta Compton and Bohemian Rhapsody.
Globally, the Michael movie box office numbers were equally impressive. The film brought in $120.4 million internationally, pushing its worldwide opening total to $217.4 million—setting a new record in the genre.
Industry expectations had initially projected a much lower opening, starting at $50 million and later rising to $70 million. However, the film significantly exceeded those estimates. According to Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson, audience interest had been strong across all demographics from the beginning.
Despite its commercial success, the film carries the weight of controversy surrounding Michael Jackson’s legacy. While the King of Pop remains one of the most influential artists in history, his career was overshadowed by allegations of child abuse. Jackson denied the accusations and was acquitted in court in 2005.
The production of “Michael” also faced major setbacks. After filming was completed, legal issues forced the removal of key story elements tied to past allegations. Director Antoine Fuqua and screenwriter John Logan reworked the narrative to end in 1988, before any controversies emerged.
With a production budget nearing $200 million, the film has now become a major financial success. Plans for a sequel are already in development, with the possibility of expanding the story into multiple installments.
Although critics were less impressed—giving the film a 38% score on Rotten Tomatoes—audiences responded positively, awarding it an “A-” CinemaScore. This contrast highlights the enduring global appeal of Michael Jackson.
The strong Michael movie box office performance also boosts Hollywood’s spring season, joining successful releases like Project Hail Mary and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
