Michael Jackson Biopic Achieves Record-Breaking Opening
The new musical film about Michael Jackson has achieved a remarkable feat at the global box office, recording the highest opening weekend ever for a biopic.
The film, titled Michael, features the singer's nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role and has grossed $217 million (£160 million) worldwide since its release on Wednesday.
Previously, the record for a musical biopic opening was held by Bohemian Rhapsody, which debuted with $124 million (£91 million) in 2018 and starred Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury.
In addition to surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody, Michael also exceeded the $180 million (£133 million) opening weekend of 2024's Oppenheimer, making it the biggest worldwide opening weekend for any biopic.
Adam Fogelson, chairman of the film's US distributor Lionsgate, said: "You don't deliver this figure unless you're seeing huge numbers across every conceivable demographic. [Audiences] are clearly having a blast."
Audience Reception Versus Critical Response
The film has been received far more positively by audiences than by critics. Several critics expressed concerns that the film presented a "sanitised" portrayal of Jackson's career.
Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes highlighted a significant disparity, with critics awarding an average score of 38%, while audiences gave an average rating of 97%.
Context Within the Musical Biopic Genre
Michael follows a trend of musical biopics that have been popular in Hollywood over the past decade, regarded as dependable box office successes.
Recent biopics have covered artists such as Queen, Sir Elton John, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse, NWA, Robbie Williams, and Whitney Houston.
Production Details and Content Choices
The film is financially supported by Michael Jackson's estate and features his original vocals for the musical performances, which are a central element of the movie.
Notably, Michael does not address the child sexual abuse allegations made against Jackson during his lifetime.
Jackson consistently maintained his innocence and was acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005.
Initially, the filmmakers planned to include references to some of these allegations. However, after rediscovering a historic non-disclosure agreement (NDA) Jackson signed with one of his accusers, the related footage was removed.
The third act of the film was originally intended to focus on accusations made by Jordan Chandler in the 1990s. However, a settlement between Jackson and Chandler's family contained a clause preventing the singer's estate from mentioning Chandler in any film.
Following this discovery, the film underwent significant reworking and reshoots. The final version of Michael concludes in 1988, prior to any public accusations.
Director Antoine Fuqua told Deadline over the weekend that the rediscovery of the NDA led to a "tough period" because the team had to "rethink everything".
"All movies have different challenges, but this one was unique," he said, adding that the team got around the issue by refocusing on Jackson's musical career.
Focus and Themes of the Film
The resulting film emphasizes recreated concert performances and explores the strained relationship between Michael Jackson and his father, Joseph Jackson, portrayed by Oscar nominee Colman Domingo.
The extensive reshoots contributed to the film's high production cost, reported to be approximately $200 million (£148 million), ranking it among the most expensive biopics ever made.
Release and Market Performance
Michael was released simultaneously across most global markets but is yet to debut in Japan, where the local distributor has scheduled a June release date.
The film's success is part of a recent resurgence in cinema attendance, following hits such as The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Project Hail Mary. Other major releases, including The Devil Wears Prada 2, are expected to continue this trend.
Michael Jackson's Legacy
Michael Jackson is renowned for worldwide hits such as "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Smooth Criminal," and "Black or White." His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time.
