The much-awaited biopic on Michael Jackson, titled Michael, has taken the global box office by storm despite receiving mixed reviews and average word of mouth. The film, which features Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, opened to massive expectations and has already begun breaking records within days of its release. With paid previews alone contributing over $13 million, the film set the tone for a blockbuster opening weekend.
According to early trade estimates, Michael is heading towards a staggering $200 million global opening weekend, making it the biggest opener among musical biopics. In the United States, the film registered an impressive $39.5 million on Friday and is projected to cross $100 million by Sunday. In India too, the film made a solid start with approximately ₹10 crore gross in its first two days, showcasing the widespread appeal of the pop legend across markets.
While the opening numbers are extraordinary, the real challenge begins in the weekdays as the film faces the impact of mixed audience feedback. The biopic has already surpassed previous musical hits like Bohemian Rhapsody and Straight Outta Compton in opening collections, and it also marks the biggest opening in director Antoine Fuqua’s career. However, sustaining this momentum will be crucial for the film to achieve long-term success.
Made on a massive budget that reportedly escalated to nearly $200 million due to production scale and legal complications, Michael needs a strong and steady run to justify its costs. Despite controversies and divided reception, the film still carries the potential to reach the coveted $1 billion milestone if it manages to hold well at the box office. Achieving such a feat would not only be historic but also serve as a fitting tribute to one of the greatest entertainers of all time.