'Michael' Hits High Note In Global Opening With $218.8 Million
Deadline • • general
Key Points:
- "Michael" surpassed expectations with a $97.2 million domestic opening and $218.8 million globally, including a strong Sunday performance of $25.4 million, a 22% drop from Saturday's $32.4 million.
- The film earned $121.6 million from 82 international territories, slightly edging out Universal's reported $120.3 million, and set records as the biggest musical biopic opening in 64 territories outside China.
- "Michael" ranks as the second-largest global opening weekend of 2026 behind "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" and achieved the highest-ever opening frame for a musical biopic worldwide when adjusted for market and exchange rates.
- Industry analysts predict a 49% drop to around $50 million in the second weekend, compared to a 39% drop for "Bohemian Rhapsody," which had a strong overall box office multiplier and final domestic gross.
- The first weekend of summer is anticipated to be competitive, with "The Devil Wears Prada 2" tracking at $73 million in advance sales as Disney opts to launch the season without a Marvel film.
