According to studio estimates released Sunday, the Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' opened with $97 million in the United States and Canada, setting a new record for the highest-grossing opening weekend for a music biopic. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, the singer's nephew, surpassed the previous record held by 'Bohemian Rhapsody' ($51.1 million in 2018).
The film's production was reportedly troubled, with a budget estimated at over $150 million, and reviews have been mixed. However, the strong opening suggests significant audience interest in the life of the pop icon, who died in 2009. The global opening weekend total was approximately $217.4 million, according to the studio.
While the film has faced criticism for its handling of Jackson's controversial legacy, particularly allegations of child sexual abuse, the box office performance indicates a strong commercial appeal. The film is expected to continue performing well in the coming weeks, though long-term success will depend on word-of-mouth and international markets.
