Michael Jackson Biopic Shatters Records

A Global ‘Thriller’: Michael Jackson Biopic Shatters Records with $217m Opening Weekend

LOS ANGELES — Lionsgate’s highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has staged a historic "moonwalk" to the top of the global box office. Despite a wave of critical backlash and a production shadowed by controversy, the film has defied expectations to secure a staggering $217 million (£174 million) worldwide in its opening weekend.

The film, which stars Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in a transformative lead performance, has officially set a new benchmark for musical biopics. In North America, the feature raked in $97 million, narrowly missing the elusive $100 million domestic milestone but comfortably surpassing the previous record-holder, Oppenheimer ($82.4 million), to become the biggest opening for a biopic in history.

The ‘Tale of Two Scores’

The commercial success of Michael stands in stark contrast to its reception by the press. The film has become a prime example of the "critic-audience divide," currently holding a 38% rating from professional reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes, while boastfully carrying a 97% audience score.

Critics have primarily targeted the film’s narrative for "sanitising" Jackson’s life. Several major outlets, including The Guardian and the New York Times, have criticised the script for glossing over the more controversial aspects of the singer's history, noting that the production concludes in the late 1980s, conveniently before the most high-profile allegations against the star became public.

“This is a film made for the fans, by the family,” noted one leading Hollywood analyst. “While critics are looking for a forensic autopsy of a complicated man, audiences are looking for a celebration of a musical icon. This weekend, the fans won.”

A Worldwide Phenomenon

International markets proved to be the film's strongest engine, contributing $120.4 million to the debut. The United Kingdom led the charge outside North America with a powerful $15.6 million haul, followed by significant turns in France ($10.2 million) and Mexico ($9.8 million).

Significantly, the film has yet to open in Japan, one of Jackson’s most loyal and lucrative fanbases. Industry experts suggest that the Japanese premiere in June could push the film toward the coveted $1 billion mark, a feat only ever achieved in this genre by Bohemian Rhapsody.

Biopic Opening Weekend Leaders – Historical Data

The Power of Jaafar Jackson

Much of the film’s positive word-of-mouth has been credited to the 29-year-old Jaafar Jackson. Audiences have lauded his ability to replicate his uncle’s distinct physicality and vocal nuances, with several peer actors, including Anupam Kher and Farah Khan, taking to social media to demand Oscar consideration for the newcomer.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), the film represents a massive gamble for the Jackson Estate and Lionsgate, with a production budget estimated at nearly $200 million following extensive reshoots.

The Verdict

The success of Michael reinforces the current dominance of the "theatrical event" in 2026. Following the massive runs of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Project Hail Mary earlier this spring, the biopic has proven that the cinema industry has fully recovered from its post-pandemic slump.

As the film enters its second week, all eyes will be on its "legs", the industry term for its staying power. With a sequel already reportedly in early development, it seems the world is once again under the spell of the King of Pop.

Michael is now playing in cinemas across the UK and worldwide.