The new biopic "Michael," which portrays the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, opened strongly at the box office, grossing an estimated $97 million in the U.S. and Canada, setting a record for music biopics. The film, co-produced by Jackson's estate and Lionsgate, outperformed previous successful biopics such as "Straight Outta Compton" and "Bohemian Rhapsody."
Internationally, "Michael" added $120.4 million, bringing its total global opening to $217.4 million. While the film has faced criticism and controversy, particularly regarding Jackson's legacy and allegations of child abuse, it has resonated with audiences, as evidenced by its "A-" CinemaScore, despite a low 38% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
The production of "Michael" encountered significant challenges, including a costly error that resulted in the need for extensive reshoots and edits. Originally, the film included a third act focusing on allegations made against Jackson, which were barred from being mentioned due to a prior settlement. This led to a reworking of the narrative to conclude in 1988, before the allegations emerged.
Notably, some members of the Jackson family, including Janet Jackson and his daughter Paris, expressed disapproval of the film, with Paris referring to it as "fantasy land." However, the film features Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew, in the lead role.
Despite its rocky production history and the contentious nature of its subject matter, "Michael" has emerged as a significant success at the box office, contributing to a robust season for Hollywood films. A sequel has not been officially announced, but speculation suggests it may be in the works.