Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' breaks box office records with $217m opening

The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' has achieved the highest global opening weekend for a biopic, earning $217 million since its Wednesday release. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film stars Jaafar Jackson, the singer's nephew, in the lead role. It surpassed the previous record held by 'Bohemian Rhapsody' ($124 million in 2018) and also beat 'Oppenheimer' ($180 million in 2024). Distributed by Lionsgate, the film has received a 38% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes versus a 97% audience rating. Notably, the film omits child sexual abuse allegations against Jackson, concluding in 1988 before any accusations were made. This followed the rediscovery of a non-disclosure agreement with accuser Jordan Chandler, which prohibited mentioning him. Reshoots increased the budget to around $200 million. The film is financially backed by Jackson's estate and uses his original vocals. It has not yet opened in Japan, where a June release is planned. The film is part of a recent trend of successful musical biopics, including those about Queen, Elton John, and others.