Michael posts $12.6M record, tops Project Hail Mary
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- Michael earned $12.6 million in North American previews, the year's biggest preview haul, surpassing “Project Hail Mary” ($12 million) and “Scream 7” ($7.8 million).
- Michael is projected to open with $65 million–$75 million, with some exhibitors betting on $80 million, a record start for a musical biopic ahead of “Bohemian Rhapsody” ($51 million) and “Straight Outta Compton” ($60 million).
- Michael is expected to bring in $75 million–$80 million from 82 international markets and $140 million–$150 million worldwide by Sunday, after earning $18.5 million on its foreign opening day.
- Michael cost at least $170 million to produce, making it one of the most expensive biopics after major reshoots added tens of millions to the budget.
- Antoine Fuqua directed the film, which stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael and features Colman Domingo and Nia Long as his parents.
Why it matters: Lionsgate stands to reap huge box‑office returns despite poor reviews and costly reshoots, while the film’s success will spur further Jackson‑related projects and set a new benchmark for musical biopics. The strong preview numbers also give exhibitors a rare early‑season blockbuster, squeezing competitors’ audience share.
