‘Michael’ Surges Toward Massive Debut as It Powers Into a Record-Breaking Opening Weekend
The new biopic about Michael Jackson is heading for a huge opening weekend and could break major records at the box office. Early estimates suggest the film could earn close to $90 million in its first three days in the U.S., which is far higher than initial predictions.
The movie, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, is already performing strongly. It made over $12 million in early preview screenings, showing strong interest from audiences even before the official release. By Friday alone, the film is expected to bring in around $37 to $38 million.
Globally, the numbers are also impressive. The film could pass $180 million worldwide during its opening, helped by strong demand in international markets where Jackson remains hugely popular.
Before release, the movie was expected to open much lower, around $65 to $70 million. Even that would have been enough to set a new record for music biopics, beating films like Straight Outta Compton and Bohemian Rhapsody. Now, it looks set to go far beyond those numbers.
Audience reaction is playing a big role in this success. The film has a very high audience score, even though critics have been more divided. Some reviews pointed out that the story focuses on Jackson’s early career and does not deal with later controversies. Still, many viewers are responding positively to the emotional tone and music.
One review noted, “Fuqua and screenwriter John Logan don’t exactly break the mold with Michael… But they tap into a vein of melancholy underlaying the stratospheric success that’s surprisingly affecting.”
The movie’s strong performance is also being seen as a sign that audiences are returning to theaters in large numbers, especially for well-known names. The mix of nostalgia and curiosity is bringing in both longtime fans and younger viewers.
Internationally, the film is already breaking records in several countries. It has opened strongly across Europe, Australia, and South America, often setting new highs for music biopics in those regions.
This shows how powerful a global icon like Michael Jackson still is. Even with mixed reviews, people want to see his story on the big screen. It also proves that audience interest can outweigh criticism when the subject is this big. What do you think about the film’s strong start? Do you think it will keep breaking records? Share your thoughts in the comments.
