The long-awaitedMichaelhas stormed the global box office, delivering a record-breaking opening weekend despite a wave of mixed-to-negative critical reviews.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and centred on the life of Michael Jackson, the film has emerged as a commercial juggernaut, underscoring the enduring appeal of the King of Pop.
According to industry figures,Michaeldebuted with an estimated $97 million (£78 million) domestically and approximately $217 million (£174 million) globally, marking the biggest opening weekend ever for a biographical film.
The performance surpasses previous genre benchmarks, includingBohemian Rhapsodyand Oppenheimer, cementing its place as the highest-grossing biopic debut in box-officehistory.
Industry analysts described the launch as an 'instant sensation', with the film dominating both domestic and international markets within days of release.
Notably, the film also recorded one of the strongest preview performances of the year, signalling significant audience anticipation ahead of its official debut.
Despite its commercial success,Michaelhas received mixed reviews from critics, with some questioning its narrative depth and its handling of sensitive aspects of Jackson's life.
Early critical scores reflected this divide, with some outlets describing the film as lacking nuance, while others praised its performances and musical sequences.
However, audience reception has told a markedly different story. Viewers awarded the film strong approval ratings, including an 'A-' CinemaScore and high recommendation figures, indicating that cinema-goers remain largely enthusiastic.
A significant factor behind the film's success appears to be the enduring cultural impact of Michael Jackson, whose music and legacy continue to resonate across generations.
Source: International Business Times UK
