Despite poor reviews, Michael, the biopic on Michael Jackson, has emerged as a box office juggernaut, heading toward a massive $200 million global opening weekend.
The film, backed by Lionsgate, has stunned trade analysts with its strong performance, proving that audience demand can outweigh critical reception.
While critics panned the film for skipping controversial chapters of Jackson’s life, viewers have responded overwhelmingly positively.
The contrast is striking. The film holds a low critics’ score but boasts a near-perfect audience rating, along with strong exit poll grades.
Industry experts believe the controversy itself may have fueled curiosity, drawing more viewers to theatres.
Initially projected to open around $50 million domestically, Michael saw its estimates rise sharply due to aggressive promotions.
It is now expected to earn between $90 million and $100 million in North America alone, setting a new record for a musical biopic.
Internationally, the film is performing equally strongly, with collections expected to cross $100 million across multiple markets, pushing the global total well beyond expectations.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, the film has also sparked renewed interest in Michael Jackson’s music catalog, with streaming numbers surging.
Made on a reported budget of around $200 million, Michael is already on track to recover a significant portion of its cost in its opening weekend. With momentum on its side, the film could soon trigger plans for sequels.
In the end, Michael has sent a clear message to the industry; even harsh reviews cannot stop a film if audiences are ready to embrace it.
