'Michael' Debut Shatters Music Biopic Records
Michael opened to $97M domestically and about $217.4M globally, overcoming bad reviews and costly reshoots.
Los Angeles Times'Michael' moonwalks into a big box office debut
USA TODAY'Michael' biopic defies critics, shatters box office record
ABC News'Michael' moonwalks to $97 million opening, shattering record for music biopics
Washington Times‘Michael’ moonwalks to $97 million opening, shattering record for music biopics
Overview
The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' opened to an estimated $97 million in the U.S. and Canada, according to Comscore estimates released on Sunday, April 26.
The opening set a new record for music biopics and gave the film a roughly $217.4 million global debut, including $120.4 million from overseas, studio estimates showed.
Critics largely panned the film for sidestepping Jackson's child sexual abuse allegations, and some family members were uninvolved or critical—Janet Jackson does not appear and Paris Jackson called it 'fantasy land'.
Producers cut a third act after discovering a settlement tied to a $23 million payment, performed as much as $50 million in reshoots, and incurred total production costs close to $200 million.
The film scored 38% on Rotten Tomatoes but earned an A- CinemaScore from audiences, a sequel is expected though not yet announced, and whether it can be a contender at the Oscars in 2027 is unclear.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a commercial triumph that overcomes controversy. Editorial choices—leading with box-office records, using evaluative verbs like "shrugged off" and "audacious bet," foregrounding studio and market analysts, juxtaposing a 38% Rotten Tomatoes score with an A- CinemaScore, and omitting accusers’ direct voices—emphasize audience approval.