Michael Jackson Biopic Defies Controversy, Poised for Record $200M Global Opening

Key facts

• Lionsgate projects $90–100 million domestic opening weekend for 'Michael'.
• Film earned $12 million from early previews and $39.5 million on opening day.
• Global first-weekend forecast is $200 million, placing it among top five musical biopics.
• In Egypt, film grossed 4.1 million Egyptian pounds ($133,000) in first week from 27,000 tickets.
• Director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King led the project with Michael Jackson Estate support.
• Jafaar Jackson, nephew of Michael, portrays the pop star.
• Director Dan Reed of 'Leaving Neverland' criticized the film for glossing over abuse allegations.
• Paris Jackson withdrew from the project, citing inaccurate and biased storytelling.

A Box Office Juggernaut Despite Deep Divisions

The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' is storming theaters worldwide, defying a firestorm of criticism to post blockbuster numbers. Lionsgate, the distributor, projects a domestic opening weekend between $90 million and $100 million, bolstered by $12 million in early previews and $39.5 million on its first day. If it hits the low end of that range, it will surpass 'Straight Outta Compton' to claim the record for the biggest opening weekend for a musical biopic. Globally, the film is expected to earn around $200 million in its debut weekend, placing it among the top five musical biopics of all time. Industry analysts predict it will eventually overtake 'Elvis', which grossed $288 million worldwide. However, it remains far from the $910 million record set by 'Bohemian Rhapsody', which also won an Oscar for its lead actor.

A Family-Approved Portrait with Omissions

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, 'Michael' received the endorsement of the Michael Jackson Estate and the Jackson family. The film traces the pop star's rise from his early days as lead singer of the Jackson 5 to global superstardom, focusing on his creative genius and iconic performances. It highlights the making of classics like 'Thriller' and 'Beat It', and deliberately avoids the legal controversies that shadowed his later life. Jafaar Jackson, Michael's nephew, delivers a performance that has drawn praise for its uncanny mimicry of his uncle's voice and dance moves. The film's creative team, including Fuqua and King, have framed it as an intimate look at Jackson's artistry and humanity. Adam Fogelson, head of Lionsgate's film group, expressed pride in the film's success, crediting the cast, crew, and global partners.

Critics Accuse Film of Whitewashing History

Despite its commercial triumph, 'Michael' has ignited fierce debate over its portrayal of the pop star. Director Dan Reed, whose documentary 'Leaving Neverland' detailed allegations of child sexual abuse against Jackson, warned that the biopic presents a sanitized, simplified image. He argued that Jackson's enduring popularity and the influence of his estate in Hollywood could reshape public perception, particularly among younger generations, and that the issue transcends art to touch on the power of money in the entertainment industry. Critics have described the film as a hagiography that lacks depth, ignoring sensitive chapters such as Jackson's relationship with his father Joe Jackson and his psychological struggles with fame. The film reportedly omits any reference to the 1993 child abuse allegations, which were initially included in an earlier script but removed for legal reasons, causing a year-long delay in production.

Family Divisions and Financial Stakes

The Jackson family is not united in its support. Paris Jackson, the pop star's daughter, publicly criticized the film, stating she withdrew from the project after her concerns were dismissed. She claimed the narrative contains inaccuracies and presents a skewed version of events. Reports also indicate that Janet Jackson was dissatisfied with the film and chose not to participate. In contrast, Taj Jackson defended the biopic, arguing that the audience—not critics—should judge the work. He expressed confidence that critics would later retract their negative reviews. The Jackson Estate contributed millions of dollars to reshoot scenes and adjust content to align with their vision, according to reports. Actor Coleman Domingo, who plays Joe Jackson, noted that the film covers a specific period from the 1960s to the late 1980s, with potential for a sequel to address later years.

Global Reception and the Road Ahead

In Egypt, 'Michael' topped the foreign film box office in its first week, earning 4.1 million Egyptian pounds (approximately $133,000) and selling 27,000 tickets. The strong reception in the Arab world reflects Jackson's enduring popularity there. Universal Pictures is handling international distribution, betting on a massive global turnout. As the film continues its rollout, the debate over its legacy intensifies. The ultimate verdict rests with audiences, who will decide whether 'Michael' is a superficial celebration of an icon or a flawed attempt to tell the story of one of music's most complex figures. The film's commercial performance suggests that, at least for now, the allure of the King of Pop's music may outweigh the controversies that surrounded his life.

The bottom line

• 'Michael' is on track to break the opening weekend record for a musical biopic, with $90–100 million domestic and $200 million global projections.
• The film was made with the cooperation of the Michael Jackson Estate and focuses on his artistic achievements, omitting child abuse allegations.
• Critics, including documentary filmmaker Dan Reed, accuse the film of whitewashing Jackson's legacy and influencing public perception.
• Paris Jackson and Janet Jackson have distanced themselves from the project, citing inaccuracies and dissatisfaction.
• The film's strong box office performance, particularly in international markets like Egypt, underscores Jackson's lasting global appeal.
• The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between commercial success and historical accountability in biographical filmmaking.