Michael Jackson biopic breaks records with $217m debut despite controversy

The biopic Michael has opened to a record-breaking global debut, earning $217m (£160m) worldwide despite facing criticism and a troubled production process.

The film, centred on the life of Michael Jackson, took $97m in North America and a further $120.4m internationally during its opening weekend. These figures mark the biggest opening ever for a biographical film, surpassing previous records set by Oppenheimer and Bohemian Rhapsody.

Produced with the backing of the Jackson estate, the film stars Jaafar Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, in the lead role. It has already launched in most global markets, with Japan expected to follow in June.

The film’s performance has exceeded expectations. Early projections suggested a much lower opening, but the final figures significantly outpaced those estimates. Studio executives pointed to strong audience engagement across multiple demographics as a key factor behind its success.

However, the film has not been without controversy. Critics have argued that it avoids addressing some of the more difficult aspects of Jackson’s life. Review scores have reflected this divide, with critics responding less favourably than audiences.

The subject of the film remains a complex and contested figure. Jackson, who died in 2009 at the age of 50, faced allegations of sexual abuse during his lifetime. He was acquitted in a criminal trial in 2005, and both he and his estate have consistently maintained his innocence.

The production itself encountered significant challenges. After filming was completed, it emerged that parts of the story could not be included due to legal restrictions linked to a past settlement involving Jordan Chandler. As a result, a substantial portion of the film was removed.

Reshoots were carried out at considerable cost, with the narrative restructured to conclude in 1988, before any allegations were made. The adjustments required additional filming and reworking of the script, adding to the complexity of the project.

Despite these setbacks, the film has achieved strong commercial results. Its production budget approached $200m, with international distribution rights sold to reduce financial risk. The scale of its opening weekend has positioned it as one of the most significant releases in the biopic genre.

Plans are already underway for further instalments. A sequel is in development, with the possibility of additional films also being considered. The director has expressed interest in continuing the project, suggesting that unused material from earlier filming could be incorporated into future releases.

The film arrives within a broader trend of music biopics achieving commercial success, even when critical reception is mixed. Audience interest in well-known figures continues to drive strong box office performance in the genre.

While debate around the portrayal of Jackson is likely to continue, the film’s opening weekend figures underline its immediate impact. The combination of widespread release and audience interest has enabled it to achieve record-breaking results at the global box office.