'Michael' Michael Jackson Biopic Eyes $150 Million Opening
Deadline • • general
Key Points:
- Lionsgate's Michael Jackson biopic "Michael," with a $200 million production budget, is projected to debut with a $150 million global box office start, potentially setting a record for a music performer biopic domestically.
- The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, has expanded its domestic opening forecast to $65 million-$70 million across 3,900 locations, including 1,600 IMAX and premium large format theaters.
- Internationally, "Michael" is expected to earn $75 million-$80 million from 82 markets, with Universal handling foreign distribution except in Japan, where local distributor Kino is releasing it in June.
- Despite a low 33% Rotten Tomatoes score, audience enthusiasm is high, with strong presales in key markets such as Brazil, France, Mexico, the UK, and Germany, where the film had a major premiere event featuring immersive fan experiences.
- The biopic faced delays and reshoots due to legal issues surrounding the depiction of a Jackson accuser, with the Jackson estate funding additional production; the film's emotional impact has been noted in early screenings.
