The much-awaited Michael Jackson biopic Michael has created history at the global box office, registering a record-breaking opening weekend collection of nearly $217 million (around Rs 2,050 crore). The film has now become the biggest opener ever for a biopic, surpassing previous records held by films like Bohemian Rhapsody and Straight Outta Compton.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film stars Jaafar Jackson — nephew of the late pop icon Michael Jackson — in the lead role. Made on a massive budget reportedly ranging between $170 million and $200 million, the film has already recovered its production cost within days of release, making it one of the biggest commercial successes of the year so far.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. The movie currently holds an impressive 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting the continued emotional connection fans share with Michael Jackson’s music and legacy. Viewers across several countries turned up in huge numbers, with strong collections reported from the United States, United Kingdom, France and Mexico.
Industry experts say the film’s massive opening once again proves the unmatched global popularity of Michael Jackson, often referred to as the “King of Pop.” The movie focuses largely on the singer’s rise to superstardom and avoids diving deeply into later controversies surrounding his life. Reports suggest that studios are already exploring plans for a sequel following the film’s extraordinary box office performance.
More than just a box office success, Michael is being viewed by fans as a celebration of one of music’s most influential icons. The film’s historic opening has reinforced the belief that legends like Michael Jackson continue to command admiration and cultural influence even years after their passing.