Variety Podcast: ‘Michael’ Opens $200M, Madonna at Abbey
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- Variety reported that Lionsgate’s musical biopic “Michael” opened globally with over $200 million, surpassing the studio’s expectations.
- Variety noted that the film’s opening was compared to 2018’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which earned more than $900 million worldwide, highlighting its emphasis on recreating concert performances.
- Variety quoted Lionsgate motion picture chairman Adam Fogelson, saying the strong opening reflects catering to “every conceivable demographic” and suggests a long theatrical run.
- Variety mentioned that critics criticized the film’s sanitized portrayal, which ends before the allegations of child sexual abuse, yet audience scores remain high.
- Variety reported Madonna’s surprise appearance at The Abbey, a West Hollywood LGBTQ bar, where she delivered a birthday present to owner Tristan Schukraft.
Why it matters: Exhibitors reap a rare $200 million opening for “Michael,” confirming strong appetite for musical biopics and bolstering the spring box‑office slate, while critics’ concerns about the film’s sanitized narrative are muted by high audience scores, shifting influence toward market demand in the industry.
