‘Michael’ Electrifies the Box Office: 5 Reasons Bad Reviews Couldn’t Derail the Michael Jackson Biopic
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- Lionsgate posted a $97 million domestic opening and $217 million global debut for "Michael," the biggest opening ever for a musical biopic.
- Jaafar Jackson debuted as Michael, helping the film earn an A‑grade CinemaScore despite critics' complaints of sanitization.
- Universal co‑financed the $200 million‑budget film with Lionsgate and the Jackson estate, leading to the removal of a 1993 child‑abuse lawsuit scene.
- David A. Gross noted that weak reviews didn't affect audience enthusiasm, as fans sang and danced throughout screenings.
Why it matters: Lionsgate and the Jackson estate pocket a $217 million global debut, cementing the $200 million investment as a profit‑generating model that will likely spur more Jackson‑related projects and boost musical biopic financing.
