“Michael” shatters opening records for music biopics. The film about Michael Jackson’s early years (1958-2009) grossed $217.4 million worldwide in its first weekend. This made “Michael” the most successful global debut of any music biopic ever. The previous record had been held by “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Queen biopic, which opened in 2018 with $122 million.
In its home market of North America, “Michael” also set a domestic opening record. With $97 million, Antoine Fuqua’s (60, “The Equalizer”) film eclipsed “Straight Outta Compton,” which started in the U.S. with $60.2 million in 2015. The portrait of the rap group N.W.A had kicked off in the United States with that amount.
Expectations Despite Negative Reviews Surpassed
As trade publication Variety reports, Lionsgate aimed for a U.S. debut between $65 million and $70 million. That would have been a new record as well. Yet those figures were not to be expected.
The dream start of “Michael” is all the more remarkable given that professional reviews beforehand were crushing. On Rotten Tomatoes, only 38 percent of all reviews are positive. In stark contrast, audience reactions are overwhelmingly positive, with about 97 percent of viewers giving it a favorable rating.
Controversy Surrounding “Michael”
Most reviews accuse the film of smoothing over Michael Jackson’s image. Allegations of child abuse that surfaced starting in 1993 are largely omitted. “Michael” ends in 1988, following the release of Jackson’s album “Bad.”
Originally, “Michael” was also supposed to address the abuse allegations. Antoine Fuqua had already shot material on this topic. However, a clause in an out‑of‑court settlement came to light thanks to a Financial Times report, stating that the case could not be fictionalized for the movie.
Talk already exists about a second installment of “Michael.” It would have to address the King of Pop’s allegations directly. After the success of the biopic, a continuation seems almost inevitable. (spot)
