Michael Jackson biopic earns $18.5M on international opening day

Michael Jackson Biopic Opens to $18.5 Million Internationally as It Eyes Record-Breaking Debut

The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” is off to a strong start overseas, earning $18.5 million on its international opening day — $16.6 million on Wednesday and $1.9 million from Tuesday previews — as it heads into a weekend that could rewrite the record books for musical biopics.imdb

A Box Office Moonwalk

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the title role, the Lionsgate film opens in North America and 82 overseas markets on Friday, April 24. Industry projections point to a $65 million to $70 million domestic opening weekend, according to Deadline, with international markets expected to contribute an additional $75 million to $80 million — bringing the global debut to roughly $140 million to $150 million. The Hollywood Reporter has placed the global ceiling even higher, at $165 million.the-numbers

If those numbers hold, “Michael” would surpass both “Straight Outta Compton” ($60.2 million domestic opening) and “Bohemian Rhapsody” ($51 million domestic, $69 million international) to become the highest-opening musical biopic of all time. The film was produced on a reported budget of $155 million to $200 million.koimoi

Critics Pan, Audiences Cheer

The divide between critics and audiences has been stark. “Michael” debuted with a 27% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The BBC called it “a bland and barely competent daytime TV movie,” criticizing its decision to halt its narrative before the abuse allegations emerged. Deadline reported that Indiewire described it as “glossy, sanitized, and surprisingly dull”.bbc

Yet audiences at early screenings have responded with enthusiasm. At an IMAX screening at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, crowds broke into dancing and chanting during the credits. Viewers at multiple screenings reported singing along to recreations of Jackson’s performances. The film traces Jackson’s journey from the Jackson 5 through his solo career, concluding around the release of “Bad” in the late 1980s.youtube

Jaafar Jackson Wins Over Crowds

Much of the audience goodwill centers on Jaafar Jackson’s lead performance. Early reactions have praised his physical resemblance to his uncle and his recreation of Jackson’s voice and movement. The film also features Colman Domingo and Nia Long in supporting roles, with a screenplay by John Logan. Trade analysts are already projecting “Michael” as a potential billion-dollar grosser if it can sustain momentum beyond its opening weekend, though its critical reception and the need to reach an estimated $387.5 million to break even remain obstacles.forbes