The biopic Michael made a record-breaking debut at the box office, earning $97 million in the United States and Canada and setting a new opening record for a music biopic despite poor reviews and production setbacks, reports AP.
Based on the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, the film surpassed previous top openings in the genre, including Straight Outta Compton and Bohemian Rhapsody.
The film also performed strongly overseas, grossing $120.4 million in international markets and taking its global opening to $217.4 million, another record for a music biopic.
While Lionsgate handled the North American release, Universal Pictures distributed the film in most international markets.
Earlier projections estimated the opening at around $50 million, later revised to $70 million, but the film exceeded expectations and drew a wide audience.
The project was considered a major gamble as it depicts a hugely popular but controversial figure. Michael Jackson’s legacy has long been shadowed by allegations of child sexual abuse, which he denied. He was acquitted in a 2005 criminal trial, though questions have persisted over the years.
Some members of the Jackson family were not involved in the project. Janet Jackson did not participate, while Paris Jackson criticized the film as unrealistic. The project was announced years after the release of Leaving Neverland. Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson played the lead role.
Production faced major setbacks after filmmakers realized part of the story centered on a legal case involving Jordan Chandler that could not be included due to a prior settlement. Large sections were removed and costly reshoots followed, with the story eventually ending in 1988, before the allegations surfaced.
Despite the difficulties, the film has emerged as a major commercial success. Produced at a cost of nearly $200 million, plans are already underway for a sequel and possibly more films.
Critics largely panned the movie, accusing it of ignoring controversial aspects of Jackson’s life, though audiences responded far more positively in cinema surveys.
The film’s release also added momentum to a strong period for Hollywood alongside hits like Project Hail Mary and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
After topping the box office for three weeks, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie slipped to second place with $21.2 million over the weekend.
Project Hail Mary continued its strong run, crossing $600 million globally in its sixth week.
According to estimates, the North American box office this weekend was led by Michael, followed by The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Project Hail Mary.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
