Michael, the big-budget Michael Jackson spectacle, shrugged off seriously bad reviews and a troubled production to launch with $97 million in US and Canada theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday, shattering a record debut for music biopics. A highly authorized portrayal of the King of Pop, co-produced by the Jackson estate, Lionsgate's Michael far surpassed previous biopic top performers like Straight Outta Compton (a $60.2 million debut in 2015) and Bohemian Rhapsody ($51 million in 2018). International sales were also strong, the AP reports. Michael collected $120.4 million overseas, to give it a $217.4 million global opening—a new high for a music biopic. Universal picked up distribution in most international markets. Total production cost came close to $200 million.
Some Jackson family members opposed the film. Janet Jackson was uninvolved and doesn't appear in it. Jackson's daughter, Paris, called it "fantasy land." But three years after Leaving Neverland, the 2009 documentary about allegations that Jackson repeatedly sexually abused children, producer Graham King announced plans for the biopic. Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, was cast to star. Now, a sequel is in development. A third film after that, is possible, Lionsgate said. Critics slammed the film for glossing over aspects of Jackson's life. It scored a paltry 38% on Rotten Tomatoes. But audiences were far more enthusiastic. Michael earned an "A-" CinemaScore.
With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at US and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:
- Michael, $97 million.
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, $21.2 million.
- Project Hail Mary, $13.2 million.
- Lee Cronin's The Mummy, $5.6 million.
- The Drama, $2.6 million.
- Hoppers, $1.9 million.
- You, Me & Tuscany, $1.5 million.
- Over Your Dead Body, $1.4 million.
- Mother Mary, $1.2 million.
- American Youngboy, $1.2 million.
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