The highly anticipated biopic Michael has made cinematic history, delivering the biggest opening weekend ever for a biographical film.
Starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, the film has raked in an impressive $217 million globally since its midweek release. The performance surpasses previous record-holder Bohemian Rhapsody, which opened to $124 million and featured Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury.
The film also outperformed blockbuster Oppenheimer, securing the biggest worldwide opening weekend for any biopic genre.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and backed by Lionsgate, Michael has proven to be a massive draw across audiences. Studio chairman Adam Fogelson noted the film’s wide appeal, highlighting strong turnout across all demographics.
Despite its commercial success, the film has received mixed critical reviews. According to Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave it a modest 38% rating, while audiences responded overwhelmingly positively with a 97% approval score.
The biopic focuses heavily on the musical journey of Michael Jackson, showcasing his legendary performances and chart-topping hits like Billie Jean, Beat It, and Smooth Criminal. However, it notably avoids addressing past controversies, including allegations of abuse, which Jackson consistently denied and was acquitted of in 2005.
Originally, filmmakers planned to explore parts of that history, but the storyline was reworked after a legal agreement restricted references to certain individuals. As a result, the film concludes in 1988, centring purely on Jackson’s rise and artistic legacy.
With a reported $200 million budget, Michael ranks among the most expensive biopics ever made. Its success continues a strong trend of music-driven films dominating the box office, following projects on icons like Elton John, Bob Marley, and Whitney Houston.
As the film prepares for additional international releases, including Japan in June, its record-breaking run signals that the King of Pop’s global influence remains as powerful as ever.
