Michael Jackson Biopic Scores Record $217M Global Opening

The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" starring Jaafar Jackson (the pop star's nephew) has shattered box office records, grossing $97 million domestically and $217.4 million globally on its opening weekend to set a new benchmark for music biopics. The Lionsgate film, co-produced by the Jackson estate and directed by Antoine Fuqua, far surpassed previous biopic record holders including "Straight Outta Compton" ($60.2 million in 2015) and "Bohemian Rhapsody" ($51 million in 2018). The performance also positions the film as the second biggest U.S. opening weekend of 2024, behind only "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie." Critics heavily panned the film, awarding it a 38 percent "Rotten" score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many accusing it of "whitewashing" Jackson's legacy by concluding in 1988, years before multiple child sexual abuse allegations emerged. The film's third act originally included the Jordan Chandler case, which resulted in a $23 million settlement in 1994, but legal terms barred the Jackson estate from mentioning Chandler, forcing producers to conduct reshoots costing up to $50 million. Some family members opposed the project, with Paris Jackson calling it "fantasy land" and Janet Jackson uninvolved. Despite the controversy, audiences embraced the film, giving it a 97 percent "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, an "A-" CinemaScore, a 7.6 out of 10 on IMDB, and 3.6 out of 5 stars on Letterboxd. The total production cost approached $200 million, with Lionsgate selling international distribution rights to Universal to defray expenses. The film marks the first major theatrical portrayal of Jackson since the 2019 HBO documentary "Leaving Neverland," which detailed alleged sexual abuse of children. Jackson, who died in 2009 at age 50, maintained his innocence in all allegations and was acquitted in his sole criminal trial in 2005. While no sequel has been officially announced, industry observers expect one given the film's record-breaking performance.