Biopic Opens to Record-Setting $97 Million

Key Points:

• "Michael," a biopic about Michael Jackson, debuted with $97 million domestically and $217 million globally, setting a new record for the biggest opening weekend for a biopic and ranking second-biggest debut of 2025 behind "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie."
• Despite poor critical reviews (38% positive on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences gave "Michael" an "A-" CinemaScore, with strong appeal among women and viewers aged 25 and older; the film focuses on Jackson's early career and omits later child sexual abuse allegations due to legal restrictions.
• Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as Michael, the $200 million film is one of the most expensive biopics ever and is Lionsgate's biggest hit since 2015, expected to gross over $700 million worldwide.
• The film's success is attributed to its energetic concert recreations, including iconic songs like "Billie Jean" and "Thriller," which performed well in premium formats like IMAX, accounting for about 14% of North American ticket sales.
• With no major new releases this weekend, "Michael" dominated the box office, while other films like "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" and "Project Hail Mary" continued strong runs; the movie theater industry is optimistic heading into a busy summer slate including "The Devil Wears Prada 2" and "Mortal Kombat 2."