Michael Jackson Biopic Breaks Box Office Records With $97 Million Opening

Michael, a biopic about Michael Jackson directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, opened to a record $97 million domestic and $217 million worldwide, the strongest start ever for a biopic and the year’s second-biggest debut behind The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The film, produced with a near $200 million budget and co-financed by Lionsgate, Universal, and the Jackson estate, faced mixed reviews but earned an A- CinemaScore from audiences. It covers Jackson’s rise from the Jackson 5 to the Bad era, included a third-act overhaul to omit a 1993 allegation, and leaned into high-energy concert sequences (with Imax contributing notably). Lionsgate’s box-office fortunes saw a boost, and a potential future Jackson life film is hinted at if the momentum continues.