The big-budget film “Michael” overcame poor reviews and a troubled production, launching to $97 million in theaters in the United States and Canada, according to studio estimates Sunday, breaking the debut record for a musical biopic.International sales were also strong. “Michael” collected US$120.4 million overseas, giving it a global opening of US$217.4 million – a new record for a musical biopic. Universal picked up distribution in most international markets.
He becomes Michael Highest-grossing music autobiography
A highly licensed portrayal of the King of Pop, co-produced by the Jackson family, “Michael” far surpassed the bests of previous biopics like “Straight Outta Compton” ($60.2 million debut in 2015) and “Bohemian Rhapsody” ($51 million in 2018).Even in the lucrative market for musical biopics, “Michael” was a bold bet by Lionsgate on a hugely popular but controversial character. Jackson, who died in 2009 at the age of 50, had his reputation repeatedly tarnished by allegations of child sexual abuse. He was acquitted in his only criminal trial in 2005.Some members of Jackson’s family opposed the film. Janet Jackson was not involved and did not appear in it.
Jackson’s daughter, Paris, described it as “fairyland.” 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, Jafar Jackson, was chosen to play the title role.
Production hurdles, Michael.
“Michael” had an unusually rocky production. After filming was completed, the producers realized they had made a costly mistake.
The third chapter focused on the accusations of Jordan Chandler, then 13 years old, to whom Jackson paid $23 million in a 1994 settlement. The terms of that settlement prohibited Jackson’s family from mentioning Chandler in any film.Much of the film had to be cut. Reshoots were done to the tune of US$50 million at the property’s expense. Director Antoine Fuqua and screenwriter John Logan reworked the film to end in 1988, before any charges were filed.However, even though things looked bad before, the film turned out to be a huge success. The film’s total production cost approached US$200 million. To defray the costs, Lionsgate sold international distribution rights to Universal. A sequel is expected, although it has not been announced yet.
“Michael” is open to bad reviews
Critics panned the film for covering some of the less favorable aspects of Jackson’s life. It has a paltry 38% on Rotten Tomatoes. But the fans were much more enthusiastic.
“Michael” received an “A-” CinemaScore.
Top 5 highest grossing films at the US box office
In second place at the American and Canadian box offices, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie came in with another $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 comedy, adventure and science fiction film “Project Hail Mary,” achieving $13.2 million.
The film, which stars Ryan Gosling as a teacher-turned-astronaut who must save Earth from the fading sun, grossed nearly $600 million worldwide, in an extended 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 in an ancient mummification ritual.Fifth place went to “The Drama,” a romantic comedy with a dark touch starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, about a couple who break up just before their wedding.
The film earned an additional US$2.6 million, bringing in global box office receipts of US$80 million.
Top 10 highest-grossing films at the US box office:
“Michael” – $97 million– “Super Mario Galaxy” movie – $21.2 million“Hail Mary Project” – $13.2 million– “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy” – $5.6 million“Drama” – 2.6 million US dollars“The Hoppers” – $1.9 million“You, Me and Tuscany” – 1.5 million US dollars“Over your dead body – 1.4 million US dollars.”“I swear” – 640 thousand US dollars“Normal” – 625,000 USD
