Now that is what you call a box office thriller. “Michael,” the origin story of Michael Jackson, has stormed into theatres with an impressive $97 million domestically and $217 million globally in its opening weekend. The PG-13 film didn’t just meet expectations — it blew past them, setting a new record for the biggest opening ever for a musical biopic. In doing so, it comfortably surpassed the long-standing benchmark set by Straight Outta Compton, which debuted at $60 million.
For Lionsgate, it marks a major win — their biggest opening since The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 pulled in $102 million during its debut. The success has already sparked talk of expanding the story, with the studio expected to greenlight at least one more film based on Jackson’s life.
“The power of Michael Jackson’s reach into culture is undeniable,” says Lionsgate’s motion picture chair Adam Fogelson. “And people are having a blast in theaters.”
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “Michael” introduces Jaafar Jackson — the singer’s nephew — in his acting debut. The film traces Jackson’s rise from his early days with the Jackson 5 to becoming the King of Pop. Despite mixed reviews and several behind-the-scenes challenges, the film’s strong opening suggests it will remain a major draw well into the summer.
A crowd-pleaser that audiences love
While critics have pointed out that “Michael” presents a somewhat sanitized version of Jackson’s life — ending before allegations of child molestation surfaced — audiences don’t seem to mind. (Jackson, who died in 2009, has denied all allegations.) Moviegoers gave the film an
“A-” CinemaScore, a strong indicator that it could have staying power at the box office.
With a budget nearing $200 million, this was never meant to be a niche project. It’s one of the most expensive biopics ever made, with Lionsgate sharing costs alongside international distributor Universal Pictures and the Jackson estate.
Originally, the film included scenes depicting a 1993 child sexual abuse lawsuit against Jackson. However, those moments had to be removed after producers discovered a clause in a settlement that prohibited any depiction or mention of the accuser in film or television. Reworking the script proved costly, adding tens of millions to the budget. In the end, though, the final version became more accessible to a broad audience of music fans.
“Reviews are weak,” notes David A. Gross, who publishes the box office newsletter FranchiseRe. But “the movie is playing as a feel good, nostalgic appreciation. Audiences [are] on their feet, singing and dancing.”
Leaning into the music
For many viewers, a deep, unfiltered look at a music icon isn’t always the main draw. Sometimes, the appeal lies in reliving the magic — almost like attending a live concert from the comfort of a cinema seat.
That formula worked wonders for Bohemian Rhapsody, which went on to earn a staggering $911 million worldwide. Since then, Hollywood has rolled out several musical biopics, including Elvis, Back to Black, A Complete Unknown, One Love and Deliver Me From Nowhere — though not all have struck the same chord with audiences.
“Michael” clearly leans into its musical strengths, recreating iconic performances of hits like Billie Jean, Thriller and Beat It. These sequences have proven to be a major draw, especially on premium screens. Imax alone contributed $13.8 million in North America — about 14% of ticket sales — and $24.5 million globally, making it the format’s biggest debut for a musical biopic.
“Movie theaters are perfect for music-centric films, with incredible sound systems offering up an experience that simply cannot be replicated at home,” says senior Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian. “Enjoying the film with other Michael Jackson fans only added to the energy and excitement that made ‘Michael’ truly a must-see event on the big screen this weekend.”
Separating the art from the artist
The debate over separating an artist’s work from their personal life is nothing new. In Jackson’s case, despite decades of controversy, his fanbase has repeatedly shown that they are willing to focus on the music.
The Jackson estate — a producer on the film — likely took confidence from earlier successes tied to his legacy. These include the Broadway musical MJ The Musical, which remains one of the few post-pandemic productions still running, the Cirque du Soleil show Michael Jackson ONE, and the 2009 concert documentary This Is It. Notably, none of these projects address the allegations against him — instead choosing to celebrate his artistry and cultural impact. That same approach appears to have worked once again with “Michael,” turning it into both a nostalgic tribute and a box office juggernaut.
Media professional and journalist based in British Columbia, Canada. Founder of Studiox Film & TV Corporation, focusing on multicultural news, interviews, and community storytelling across Canada.
