Why This Matters
The new Michael Jackson biopic, titled “Michael,” has opened to $217 million worldwide, the biggest opening weekend ever for a biographical film. That record-breaking debut signals that large-scale music and nostalgia-driven movies remain one of the safest theatrical bets in an uncertain box office climate.
The film’s success also highlights a widening divide between professional critics and general audiences. While reviewers have raised concerns about how the movie handles Jackson’s complicated legacy, early audience scores suggest many viewers are embracing it as a celebration of his music and career.
For theaters that have struggled to rebuild attendance in recent years, the film is part of a broader upswing fueled by big, recognizable brands. It lands alongside other recent hits, including “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” and “Project Hail Mary,” with more sequels such as “The Devil Wears Prada 2” on the way.
Key Facts and Quotes
“Michael” is a musical biopic starring Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, in the title role. According to box office figures cited by the film’s distributor, it has earned $217 million globally since opening on Wednesday, topping the previous biopic opening record.
That benchmark had been held by the Queen film “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which launched with $124 million worldwide in 2018. “Michael” has also surpassed the $180 million global opening of 2024’s “Oppenheimer,” making it the strongest first weekend ever for any biographical movie.
Adam Fogelson, chairman of U.S. distributor Lionsgate, said the turnout crossed age and demographic lines. “You don’t deliver this figure unless you’re seeing huge numbers across every conceivable demographic. [Audiences] are clearly having a blast,” he said in a statement.
Critics have been far cooler. Some reviewers say the film presents a “sanitized” account of Jackson’s life and downplays controversies surrounding him. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes shows a sharp split, with critics giving the movie an average score of 38%, compared with a 97% average audience rating, according to the site’s latest figures.
The film is financially backed by Jackson’s estate and features his original vocals on the musical numbers, which dominate the running time. It opened on the same weekend across most major territories but has yet to debut in Japan, where local distributors have scheduled a June release.
Jackson, often called the “King of Pop,” is known for hits such as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Black or White.” His 1982 album “Thriller” remains widely cited as the best-selling album of all time, helping explain the enduring interest in his life story.
What It Means for You
For moviegoers, the early numbers suggest that studios are likely to keep investing in musical biopics and other nostalgia-heavy projects built around famous song catalogs. Viewers who enjoy big-screen concert-style experiences may see more of them, often anchored by well-known artists or bands.
The strong turnout for “Michael” also underscores how differently critics and audiences can respond to the same film. As more high-profile biopics arrive, including stories about influential musicians and public figures, readers may want to weigh both professional reviews and audience reactions when deciding what to see.
When critics and audiences sharply disagree on a film like this, whose perspective do you tend to trust most, and why?
Sources
Primary reporting and figures from BBC News culture coverage, April 27, 2026; statements from Lionsgate executive Adam Fogelson; comparative box office records for Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) and Oppenheimer (2024) from publicly reported industry data.
