The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has made a thunderous debut at the box office, not only shattering records but also overtaking the entire lifetime gross of Elton John's Rocketman. The film, which has been a lightning rod for debate due to Jackson's controversial legacy, earned over $215 million worldwide in its first weekend, eclipsing the $195 million global total of the 2019 Elton John biopic.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as his real-life uncle, the King of Pop, Michael has defied a 38% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences have embraced it with a 97% Verified Hot rating, propelling it to a historic opening that was 30% higher than any previous music biopic debut. The film also surpassed the opening weekend of Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, which holds the record for the highest-grossing biopic ever at nearly $975 million. Industry insiders now predict Michael could become the first biopic to cross the coveted $1 billion mark worldwide.
In its first three days, Michael has already become Fuqua's highest-grossing release globally, outperforming all three Equalizer movies, The Magnificent Seven, and Olympus Has Fallen combined. The film's domestic opening alone approached $100 million, a staggering figure that underscores the enduring power of Jackson's music despite the controversies that have surrounded his legacy.
The Elton John biopic Rocketman, directed by Dexter Fletcher and starring Taron Egerton, was released in 2019 to significantly better reviews and concluded its run with around $195 million worldwide against a $50 million budget. Michael, by contrast, cost four times as much, with reshoots reportedly pushing its budget past the $200 million mark. This makes its rapid box office success even more remarkable, as it has already recouped its production costs in a single weekend.
The film's cast also includes Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, and Nia Long, adding depth to the portrayal of Jackson's life and career. The movie's performance has sparked conversations about the divide between critical reception and audience enthusiasm, a trend seen in other recent releases. For more on streaming hits, check out our list of 3 Must-Stream Netflix Picks.
While Michael has faced scrutiny over its handling of Jackson's personal life, the box office numbers suggest that fans are eager to celebrate his musical legacy. The film's success also echoes the trajectory of Bohemian Rhapsody, the Freddie Mercury biopic that grossed over $900 million globally despite its own behind-the-scenes turmoil. For more on box office milestones, see how Project Hail Mary Overtakes Henry Cavill's Man of Steel.
As Michael continues its theatrical run, all eyes are on whether it can sustain its momentum and join the elite club of billion-dollar biopics. For now, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the King of Pop—and the power of a devoted fan base. Stay tuned for more updates on this and other entertainment news.
