Lionsgate’s biopic, “Michael,” about the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has stormed to the top of the box office, raking in $39.5 million on its opening day. By Sunday, it’s expected to gross between $90 million and $100 million, which would be a record for music biopics. For comparison, “Bohemian Rhapsody” made $51 million and “Straight Outta Compton” earned $60 million during their debuts.
This success is vital for Lionsgate, as the film’s production budget is a hefty $155 million. The costs primarily arise from music rights and elaborate concert sets. Additionally, significant reshoots were necessary after the original third act was unusable due to legal stipulations concerning past allegations against Jackson.
Director Antoine Fuqua shifted the focus of the film to explore the relationship between Michael and his father, Joe Jackson, portrayed by Colman Domingo. Jafaar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew, plays him on screen. The film also features Nia Long as Katherine Jackson and other notable actors as his brothers.
This weekend, “Michael” is the only major film release. In second place, “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” pulled in $4.5 million, with expectations of reaching $20.5 million by Sunday. This film is on track to hit $385 million in North America. “Project Hail Mary” comes in third, grossing $3.5 million with a projected total of $12.1 million by weekend’s end, bringing its domestic total to $304 million.
In the rest of the lineup, “The Mummy” ranks fourth with $1.9 million, expected to earn $5 million by Sunday for a total of $22 million. “The Drama” rounds out the top five with around $810,000 on Friday and projections hitting about $2.6 million by the weekend’s end, totaling around $44 million.
Interestingly, user reactions on social media highlight a mix of excitement and nostalgia around the film. Many fans remember Jackson’s impact on music and culture, and are eager to see how the film portrays his legacy. In recent surveys, 70% of respondents noted that they were interested in seeing the film for its exploration of Jackson’s artistry and personal struggles.
With the box office dynamics shifting, it’s clear that audiences are eager for well-crafted stories about iconic figures. As biopics continue to garner attention, “Michael” stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with the King of Pop.
For more details, check out Rotten Tomatoes for reviews and audience reactions.
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