The biographical film Michael, based on the life of global pop icon Michael Jackson, has recorded a major milestone at the global box office, earning approximately $217 million during its opening run.

The film now holds the record for the biggest opening ever for a music biopic, surpassing previous high-performing titles such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Oppenheimer.

Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, plays the lead role, portraying Jackson’s journey from his early years to global fame. The film also highlights his personal life, including his complex relationship with his father.

Backed by Michael Jackson’s estate, the production incorporates the artist’s original vocals in several scenes, contributing to its authenticity. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film faced production challenges, including costly reshoots due to legal issues, which increased its budget to an estimated $200 million.

Critical reception has been mixed, with some reviewers suggesting the film avoids certain controversial aspects of Jackson’s life. However, audience reception has been significantly stronger, with viewers giving it high approval ratings.

Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson attributed the strong performance to broad audience appeal across multiple demographics, noting the film’s widespread popularity.

The film’s success reflects a wider trend in Hollywood, where music biopics about major artists continue to perform strongly at the box office.

Despite changes to the storyline during production — including the removal of references to certain allegations due to legal agreements — the final version focuses primarily on Jackson’s music career and iconic performances.

The film continues to attract audiences worldwide, with its release in Japan still pending.

Source: The Ghana Report