‘Michael’, big budget Michael jackson show, which shrugged off poor reviews and a mixed production to open with $97 million in theaters in the US and Canada, according to studio estimates on Sunday, breaking the debut record for musical biopics.International sales were also strong. “Michael” grossed $120.4 million overseas for a global opening of $217.4 million, a new high for a musical biopic. Universal received distribution in most international markets.
He becomes Michael the highest-grossing music biopic
A highly authorized portrayal of the King of Pop, co-produced by Jackson’s estate, “Michael” far outgrossed previous biopic blockbusters like “Straight Outta Compton” ($60.2 million in 2015) and “Bohemian Rhapsody” ($51 million in 2018).Even in the lucrative music biopic market, ‘Michael’ was a bold bet by Lionsgate to make a very popular yet controversial character. Jackson, who died in 2009 at the age of 50, has repeatedly been tarnished by allegations of child sexual abuse. He was acquitted in his only criminal trial in 2005.Some members of the Jackson family opposed the film. Janet Jackson was not involved and does not appear. Jackson’s daughter, Paris, called it “fantastic land.” But three years after “Leaving Neverland,” the 2009 documentary about Jackson’s alleged child sexual abuse, “Bohemian Rhapsody” producer Graham King announced plans for a biopic. Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, was cast as the lead.
‘Michael’ production obstacles
“Michael” had an unusually rocky production. After filming was over, the producers realized they had made a costly mistake. The third act focused on the allegations of Jordan Chandler, then 13, for whom Jackson paid $23 million in a 1994 settlement. The terms of that deal prevented him from mentioning the Jackson estate in a Chandler movie.A large part of the film had to be cut. Renovations for $50 million were made at the expense of the estate. Director Antoine Fuqua and screenwriter John Logan reworked the film to finish in 1988, before any charges were filed.However, despite things looking bad at one point, the film turned out to be a hit. The total production cost of the film was close to $200 million. To cover costs, Lionsgate has sold international distribution rights to Universal. A sequel is expected, although it has not yet been announced.
‘Michael’ opens to bad reviews
Critics criticized the film for glossing over some less desirable aspects of Jackson’s life. It scored a measly 38% on Rotten Tomatoes. But the audience was much more enthusiastic. “Michael” earned an “A-” CinemaScore.
The five highest-grossing films at the US box office
In second place at the US and Canadian box office was ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ with another US$21.2 million. After spending the past three weeks at the top spot, the animated sequel from Universal and Illumination Studios has grossed more than $775 million at the global box office, Exhibitor Relations reports.Third place went to the hit sci-fi adventure comedy ‘Project Hail Mary’ with US$13.2 million. The film, starring Ryan Gosling as a professor-turned-astronaut who must save Earth from the setting sun, has earned nearly $600 million worldwide in its theatrical run.In fourth place with $5.6 million was ‘Lee Cronin’s The Mummy,’ a Warner Bros. original horror film about a young girl possessed by a demon during an ancient mummification ritual.Fifth place went to ‘The Drama’, a romantic comedy with a dark twist about a couple falling apart before their wedding, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. The film earned an additional US$2.6 million for a global box office of US$80 million.
Top 10 highest grossing movies at the US box office:
‘Michael’ – USD 97 million‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ – USD 21.2 million“Hail Mary Project” – 13.2 million USD‘Lee Cronin’s The Mummy’ – US$5.6 million‘The Drama’ – US$2.6 million“Hoppers” – 1.9 million USD“You, Me and Tuscany” – 1.5 million USD‘Over Dead Body – USD 1.4 million“I swear” – 640,000 USD“Normal” – 625,000 USD
