'Michael' moonwalks to $97 million opening, shattering record for music biopics
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael," co-produced by the Jackson estate and Lionsgate, debuted with a record-breaking $97 million in U.S. and Canada theaters, surpassing previous music biopic openings like "Straight Outta Compton" and "Bohemian Rhapsody."
- Internationally, the film earned $120.4 million, bringing its global opening to $217.4 million, the highest ever for a music biopic, with Universal handling most international distribution.
- Despite a troubled production involving costly reshoots to remove content related to a 1994 settlement with Jordan Chandler, the film was reworked to focus on Jackson’s life before any allegations, which helped it avoid controversy and appeal to audiences.
- Critics largely panned the film for ignoring controversial aspects of Jackson’s life, reflected in a 38% Rotten Tomatoes score, but audiences responded positively, giving it an "A-" CinemaScore.
- The film's success contributes to a strong spring box office season, with other hits like "Project Hail Mary" and "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" also performing well domestically and internationally.
