Michael biopic has set a new box office record, earning $217 million (£160m) globally in its opening weekend, the biggest debut ever for a biographical film.
Starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, the film gained rapid momentum after its midweek release, dominating international markets and outperforming previous biopic hits.
READ ALSO: My Father Chose My Stepmother Over Me — Charles Inojie
It has surpassed Bohemian Rhapsody and outpaced Oppenheimer, cementing its place as the highest-grossing biopic opening in cinema history.
According to Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson, the film’s success reflects strong audience turnout across demographics.
“Audiences are clearly having a blast,” he said.
Despite its commercial success, the film has received mixed critical reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 38% critic score compared to a 97% audience rating, highlighting a sharp divide in reception.
Backed by the estate of Michael Jackson, the film features his original vocals and focuses on his rise to fame. However, it has also drawn attention for omitting the abuse allegations that later surrounded the singer, with the story ending in 1988.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael reportedly had a $200 million budget following extensive reshoots.
With its record-breaking debut, the film is expected to remain a major box office contender in the coming weeks.