The “King of Pop” has just become the box office king.
What Movies Did “Michael” Beat?
Released in theatres on April 24, Michael, a new Lionsgate biopic about Michael Jackson, was an instant sensation. Bringing in 97 million domestically and 217 million globally in its first weekend. Ticket sales ranks are the best of all time for a biopic. Beating the record set by Straight Outta Compton (60 million). They also beat Bohemian Rhapsody, which opened to 51 million, before exceeding expectations with 910 million worldwide by the end of its run. Michael was the second-biggest debut of the year, behind The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (131 million). Michael now also holds the biggest domestic opening of all time for a biopic, surpassing Oppenheimer (80 million).
Statement From Group Chair
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson said in a statement in Billboard, “This record-breaking performance is a testament to the incredible filmmaking team of producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua, an amazing cast led by Jaafar Jackson’s singular performance, our world-class partners at Universal, the cooperation and support of the Michael Jackson Estate, and our tireless and exceptionally talented Lionsgate team.”
He continues, “Above all, it reflects the tremendous outpouring of love and affection from moviegoers around the world, underscoring the strength and vitality of the theatrical box office. If you give audiences what they want, they will come.”
The Films Scores
Michael has gotten a strong audience reception, with a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. PostTrak exit scores in the low 90s, and a definite recommended 85%. It earned an A- on CinemaScore. The movie, much like Jackson himself, brought in a broad audience across demographics, led by Black and female movie-goers.
The highly anticipated film stars Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role. It follows his rise from The Jackson 5 in the 1970s to launching his solo career that reached unmatched heights. The film ends with the release of Thriller, known as the best-selling album in pop music history. Michael is the first film of a planned two-part biopic. We can’t wait to see how they handle the controversies that happened in Michael Jackson’s later life. We’re hoping they show it with empathy and consideration for everyone involved.
