The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, opened to an estimated $97 million domestically and $217 million worldwide in its first weekend—marking the strongest global launch ever recorded for a music biopic. The performance surpasses the previous benchmark set by Straight Outta Compton in 2015, which opened to $60 million, and far exceeds the early trajectory of Bohemian Rhapsody, which began with $51 million before eventually crossing $900 million globally.
Despite entering cinemas with mixed critical reception—holding roughly 38% on Rotten Tomatoes—the film has surged on audience approval, earning an “A-” CinemaScore and strong exit poll reactions. Viewers were largely adults, with more than 60% of ticket buyers aged 25 and above, and women making up the majority of the audience demographic.
Industry analysts say the turnout reflects broad audience appeal across demographics, with premium formats such as IMAX contributing significantly to earnings. IMAX alone generated an estimated $13.8 million in North America during the opening frame.
A Biopic Built on Music, Controversy, and Scale
“Michael” chronicles the life and rise of Michael Jackson—from his early years with the Jackson 5 to global superstardom—starring Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, in his acting debut. The cast also includes Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Joe and Katherine Jackson.
The film features recreations of some of Jackson’s most iconic performances, including “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Beat It,” which have been highlighted as major audience draws. However, the production has also faced scrutiny for its selective portrayal of Jackson’s life, with critics noting the absence of detailed coverage of later legal controversies.
Reports indicate that earlier drafts of the screenplay included dramatizations of the 1993 child molestation allegations, but those elements were ultimately removed due to legal restrictions tied to settlement agreements, resulting in a narrative that concludes around the 1988 Bad World Tour era.
A Major Gamble Paying Off for Lionsgate
With a production budget approaching $200 million—co-financed by Lionsgate, Universal, and the Michael Jackson estate—the film ranks among the most expensive biopics ever made. Its strong debut is already being viewed as a major turnaround moment for Lionsgate following a difficult 2024 box office run.
Studio executives have indicated that the film is expected to sustain strong audience interest in the weeks ahead, with projections suggesting a potential global total exceeding $700 million if momentum holds.
Strong Competition in a Busy Box Office Weekend
While “Michael” dominated headlines, other major releases continued to perform steadily. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie held second place in its third weekend, while sci-fi hit Project Hail Mary continued its strong run, adding over $13 million in its sixth week.
Industry observers say the combined success of recent releases reflects a broader recovery in theatrical attendance, with total box office revenues now tracking ahead of last year.
Industry Outlook Strengthens
Cinema operators have welcomed the surge in audience turnout, with analysts noting renewed confidence heading into the summer slate, which includes major sequels and franchise releases expected to further boost attendance.
As it stands, “Michael” has not only delivered the biggest biopic opening in history but has also reinforced the continued commercial power of music-driven films when paired with large-scale spectacle and nostalgic appeal.