'Michael' moonwalks to $97 million opening, shattering record for music biopics
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Key Points:
- "Michael," the Michael Jackson biopic co-produced by the Jackson estate, launched with a record-breaking $97 million debut in U.S. and Canada theaters, surpassing previous music biopic openings like "Straight Outta Compton" and "Bohemian Rhapsody."
- The film earned $120.4 million internationally, bringing its global opening to $217.4 million, marking the highest-ever debut for a music biopic, despite mixed critical reviews and a 38% Rotten Tomatoes score.
- Production faced challenges including costly reshoots to remove content related to a 1994 settlement that barred mention of Jordan Chandler, leading to a reworked ending set before any abuse allegations.
- Audience reception was positive, with an "A-" CinemaScore, and Lionsgate is developing a sequel with potential for a third film, focusing on parts of Jackson's life prior to the allegations.
- The strong opening contributed to a robust spring box office season, with other hits like "Project Hail Mary" and "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" also performing well domestically and internationally.
