Michael Jackson movie surpasses top-grossing biopics to date

“Michael,” the big-budget Michael Jackson biopic, shrugged off negative reviews and production difficulties to debut with $97 million (about 89 million euros) on Sunday, breaking a record for a music biopic, according to studio estimates.

An authorized portrayal of the King of Pop, co-produced by Jackson’s estate, Lionsgate’s “Michael” significantly outgrossed previous music biopics such as “Straight Outta Compton” ($60.2 million / about 55.4 million euros, in 2015) and “Bohemian Rhapsody” ($51 million / about 46.9 million euros, in 2018).

International sales were also strong. “Michael” earned $120.4 million (about €110.8 million) overseas, giving it a global opening of $217.4 million (about €200 million) — a new record for a music biopic. Universal handled distribution in most international markets.

Even in the lucrative music biopic market, “Michael” was a bold bet by Lionsgate on a hugely popular but also controversial figure. Jackson, who died in 2009 at the age of 50, had a reputation often tarnished by allegations of child sexual abuse. Jackson and his team have consistently maintained his innocence. He was acquitted in his only criminal trial in 2005.

Several members of Jackson’s family opposed the film. Janet Jackson was not involved and does not appear in it. Jackson’s daughter, Paris, called the film a “fantasy land.” However, following the documentary “Leaving Neverland,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” producer Graham King announced plans for a biopic, with Jaafar Jackson (Jackson’s nephew) cast in the lead role. “Michael” was an incredibly difficult production. After filming was completed, the producers realized they had made a costly mistake: the third act focused on allegations involving Jordan Chandler, then 13, to whom Jackson paid $23 million (about €21.2 million) in a 1994 settlement. The terms of that settlement prohibited Jackson’s estate from ever mentioning Chandler in the film.

As a result, much of the film had to be cut. Reshoots were carried out at a cost of up to $50 million (about 46 million euros), at the expense of the heirs. Director Antoine Fuqua and screenwriter John Logan reworked the film to complete the story in 1988, before the charges were filed.

However, despite how bad the situation seemed at one point, the film became a hit. The total production cost approached $200 million (about 184 million euros). To cover the costs, Lionsgate sold the international distribution rights to Universal. A sequel is expected, although it has not yet been officially announced.

Kritikët e kanë kritikuar filmin për lënien pas dore të disa aspekteve më problematike të jetës së Jacksonit. Në Rotten Tomatoes, filmi mori 38% të vlerësimeve, ndërsa publiku ishte më entuziast, duke i dhënë “Michael” notën “A-” në CinemaScore.

Hapja e filmit “Michael” i shtoi performancës së fortë pranverore të Hollivudit, e nxitur nga hite në arkë si “Project Hail Mary” i Amazon MGM dhe “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” i Universal. Pas tre javësh në krye të renditjes, vazhdimi i “Mario” ra në vendin e dytë me 21.2 milionë dollarë (rreth 19.5 milionë euro). Brenda katër javësh, ai fitoi 386.5 milionë dollarë (rreth 355.6 milionë euro) në tregun vendas./BuzPost/