‘Michael’ moonwalks to $97 million opening
“Michael,” the big-budget Michael Jackson spectacle, shrugged off bad reviews and a troubled production to launch with $97 million in U.S. and Canada theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday, shattering a record debut for music biopics.
A highly authorized portrayal of the King of Pop, co-produced by the Jackson estate, “Michael” far surpassed previous biopic top performers like “Straight Outta Compton” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” International sales were also strong. “Michael” collected $120.4 million overseas to give it a $217.4 million global opening — a new high for a music biopic.
Universal picked up distribution in most international markets.
Michael Jackson biopic breaks records
- What the Michael Jackson movie leaves out Washington Post —
- Box Office: ‘Michael’ Soaring to Huge $12M-$13M in U.S. Previews Amid Over-the-Moon Audience Scores The Hollywood Reporter —
- Thriller Nights: ‘Michael’ Dancing To $12.5M+ In Previews, Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score At 96% – Box Office Update Deadline —
- Michael Jackson biopic turns up the music and mutes the controversy. What's wrong with that? CBC —
- Michael Jackson's 50 best songs, ranked as his movie hits theaters USA Today —