Michael overtakes Oppenheimer with the biggest box office debut ever for a biopic

Michael has recently entered the record books in the film industry by earning $217 million during its global box office debut. That total is enough to secure the title of the biggest opening weekend ever for a biopic. The record is a clear improvement over the previous holder, Oppenheimer, which debuted in 2023 with $174 million.

Box Office Results

Of Michael's total, $97 million came from North American theaters, while international revenue reached $120.365 million. That puts the film behind only The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in terms of worldwide box office debut results this year.

Production Costs

The production budget for Michael was estimated at nearly $200 million. That figure also included around $15 million in reshoots needed for the film's third act. Given the impressive opening weekend, it is likely that Michael, despite its high production costs, will easily turn a profit during its theatrical run.

Reviews and Audience Reactions

Despite its box office success, Michael has faced mixed criticism. The film has been accused of whitewashing and ends in 1988, during the Bad tour, without addressing the widely discussed child abuse allegations against Michael Jackson. Colman Domingo, who plays Joe Jackson, recently suggested that a sequel could potentially tackle those allegations.

As for ratings, Michael received a score of just 3 out of 10 from IGN, while audiences gave the film a 4.8 out of 5 on Rotten Tomatoes. This highlights a clear divide between critical and audience reception.

In conclusion, Michael has shaken up the world of biographical films with its record-breaking opening, but the criticism and controversy remain a major talking point among both critics and fans.