Michael Jackson Biopic Smashes Box Office Record With $97M Debut
Summary
The Michael Jackson biopic, titled *Michael*, earned $97 million in its first weekend in the U.S. and Canada, setting a record for music biopics. Despite mixed reviews and a costly, complicated production, the film made over $217 million worldwide, showing strong public interest in Michael Jackson’s story.Key Facts
- *Michael* opened with $97 million in North America, the highest ever for a music biopic.
- The film made $120.4 million internationally, totaling $217.4 million globally.
- Lionsgate initially predicted around $70 million but the film exceeded expectations.
- Production faced major challenges, including $50 million spent on new scenes after cutting the third act due to legal issues.
- The film covers Michael Jackson’s life only up to 1988, avoiding later accusations.
- Critics gave the movie a low score (38% on Rotten Tomatoes), but audiences rated it highly (CinemaScore "A-").
- Some family members disapproved of the film, while Jackson’s nephew played Michael.
- Lionsgate sold international rights to Universal to help cover the nearly $200 million production cost.
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