Box Office: ‘Michael’ Bows to $217 Million Globally, ‘Mario’ Surpasses $800 Million, ‘Project Hail Mary’ Rockets Past $600 Million
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- Michael opens with $217M globally, $120.4M from 82 international markets and $97M in North America, the biggest opening for any musical biopic.
- Super Mario Galaxy Movie surpasses $800M worldwide, adding $36.6M from 83 foreign markets in its fourth weekend, making it the year's biggest global debut.
- Project Hail Mary crosses $600M worldwide, earning $12.2M in its sixth frame to bring its total to $613.3M.
- Lionsgate shares the near $200M production cost of 'Michael' with Universal and the Michael Jackson estate, despite negative reviews.
- Jaafar Jackson debuts as Michael Jackson, while critics note the film ends before the singer's later abuse allegations.
- Japan has not yet opened 'Michael', which posted a $217M opening worldwide.
Why it matters: Lionsgate and the Michael Jackson estate lock in $217 M opening, pushing the film toward a $700 M total, while critics lose sway as audiences flock to the sanitized biopic.
