Jaafar Jackson starrer Michael becomes highest-opening biopic ever; collects $217.4 million during the opening weekend- Moneycontrol.com
Audience scores hit 97 percent despite mixed critical reviews
The much-awaited biopic on Michael Jackson, featuring his nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead, has taken the box office by storm following its release on April 24, 2026. Even before settling into its theatrical run, the film has already rewritten record books.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael has generated an impressive $217.4 million during the opening weekend worldwide to break new records as the biggest earner in the biopic genre ever. Indeed, the movie has made history as the largest opening ever recorded in the category by combining nostalgia with the eternal allure of an influential music figure.
Although it has received mixed reviews from critics and faced a complicated production, the film has achieved massive popularity among viewers who have come out in large numbers from North America, India, and several other international territories.
Notably, Michael has easily outperformed the previous opening-weekend performances of Bohemian Rhapsody and Straight Outta Compton in their respective genres, making it evident that the movie will be a commercial success.
In terms of performance at the worldwide box office, the movie has brought in $97 million from its domestic market, including the US and Canada. In addition, it has also collected $120.4 million from international markets. These figures make the movie a new leader in the category by surpassing the openings of Straight Outta Compton, which collected $60.2 million, and Bohemian Rhapsody, which gathered $51 million.
Critically, Michael has had a more divided reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, it currently sits in the mid-to-high 30% range, with several reviewers pointing out that certain controversial aspects of Michael Jackson's life were left out of the narrative.
However, audience response tells a very different story. Viewer scores have reportedly reached an impressive 97%, accompanied by an 'A-' rating on CinemaScore. This strong word-of-mouth has translated into packed theatres and consistent footfall across regions.
Internationally, too, the movie has been smashing records. It is the highest opener for a biopic in countries such as France, the United Kingdom, and Italy.
In India, the movie earned Rs. 19.20 crores during its opening weekend, suggesting that the movie has found a following even among domestic viewers. Other countries, such as Australia and Brazil have also played their part, which highlights how universally famous Michael Jackson is.
In India, the hype generated by the movie was further boosted by endorsements from personalities within the Indian film industry, such as Farah Khan and Anupam Kher, which came at a time when there was still much debate surrounding the movie.
Also read: Michael Jackson biopic Michael shatters records with $217M global debut
However, the movie faced difficulties in production due to legal complications, where the third act, revolving around accusations of abuse had to be excised from the movie altogether. This led to reshot sequences worth about $50 million, as well as a new climax set in 1988. Overall, the movie had a budget close to $200 million.
Even so, its explosive opening suggests that the gamble may well pay off, proving once again that Michael Jackson's legacy continues to captivate audiences across generations and geographies.
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