Michael Jackson biopic breaks box office record with US$217 million global opening

Content Warning: This article includes accounts of sexual abuse allegations and may be distressing for some readers.

The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has set a new record for the biggest opening weekend of any biopic, taking US$217 million globally since its release on Wednesday, April 23.

According to Variety, the film earned US$97 million domestically and US$120.4 million internationally in its debut weekend, surpassing the previous music biopic record held by Bohemian Rhapsody, which opened to US$51 million in 2018.

It also overtook the US$180 million opening of 2024’s Oppenheimer, making it the highest-grossing biopic opening of any kind, as reported by the BBC.

Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson attributed the performance to broad audience appeal: "You don't deliver this number unless you're seeing huge numbers across every conceivable demographic. They're clearly having a blast."

The film is co-produced by the Jackson estate with Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, playing the lead role and features the late singer’s original vocals throughout.

Despite strong audience turnout, the film has drawn considerable critical scepticism; 39% of critics reviewed it positively on Rotten Tomatoes, while 97% of audience reviewers rated it favourably.

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Reviewers have largely taken issue with the film's omission of allegation of sexual abuse towards minors made against Jackson during his lifetime, with box office analyst David A. Gross noting that critics feel it "avoids the complicated parts of the performer's life."

The film's troubled production contributed to its reported US$200 million budget.

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According to Euronews, a significant portion was reshot after producers discovered a 1994 settlement clause that legally barred the Jackson estate from depicting accuser Jordan Chandler in any film.

The third act was overhauled, with the film now concluding in 1988.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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