‘Michael’ Moonwalks to $97 Million Opening, Shattering Record for Music Biopics
Audience enthusiasm offset poor reviews as the film set a new music-biopic opening record and fueled sequel talks.
- On Sunday, the Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' launched with $97 million domestically and $217 million globally in its opening weekend, shattering records for music biopics.
- Following a rocky production, Lionsgate spent up to $50 million on reshoots after discovering a legal settlement barred depicting 1993 child molestation accusations. Director Antoine Fuqua reworked the story to conclude in 1988.
- Critics awarded the film only 38% positive on Rotten Tomatoes, yet audiences strongly disagreed, giving it an A- CinemaScore and 97% positive rating on Saturday.
- The studio's advertising campaign tapped into nostalgia for Jackson's talent, while ticket sales for the Broadway stage musical 'MJ' have also increased. Projections suggest the $200 million production could exceed $700 million worldwide.
- This success marks a significant turnaround for Lionsgate after 2024 flops including 'Borderlands' and 'White Bird,' with the studio expected to greenlight a sequel.
195 Articles
195 Articles
The film dedicated to the creator of "Billie Jean" marks a historic start with more than $97 million from its first weekend. A success that is confirmed in the theatres where the spectators come out largely seduced.
'Michael's $217 Million Box Office Shows Fans and Critics Want Different Things From Music Biopics
In “Michael,” pop star Michael Jackson’s family and confidantes tell him repeatedly about his destiny of reaching an audience of millions. The Lionsgate-Universal biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua, has achieved a destiny of its own, fulfilling the hopes of its distributors and exhibitors of becoming a tentpole box office hit and giving the theatrical market a perfect springboard for the summer season. With a $97 million domestic and $217 million…
The film received about 217 million dollars on the first weekend globally. Critics have been mostly negative by omitting the charges of sexual abuse to the 'King of Pop'.
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