‘Michael’ Eyes Massive Opening Weekend as It Races Toward Record-Breaking Box Office Debut

The new Michael Jackson film is off to a very strong start at the box office and could become one of the biggest music biopic openings ever. According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, the movie is now expected to earn close to $90 million in its first weekend in the United States.

Early numbers show the film made around $37 to $38 million on its first full day, which has pushed projections higher than expected. Before release, estimates were much lower, but interest from audiences has clearly grown. Globally, the film could pass $180 million during its opening run, helped by strong demand outside the U.S.

The movie stars Jaafar Jackson as the late singer and is directed by Antoine Fuqua. It focuses mainly on the early years of Michael Jackson and avoids covering later controversies.

The film already made a strong impression during preview screenings, bringing in over $12 million before its official opening day. That puts it in line with some of the biggest recent film releases. These early results suggested that the movie had more potential than first predicted.

Even though critics have been divided, audiences are reacting much more positively. The film has received a very high audience score, which is helping drive ticket sales. Many viewers seem to be drawn by nostalgia and the chance to see Jackson’s rise to fame on the big screen.

Some criticism has focused on the film’s decision to end the story before major allegations against Jackson became public. Still, the filmmakers chose to highlight his early career and major success moments instead. One review noted, “Fuqua and screenwriter John Logan don’t exactly break the mold with Michael… But they tap into a vein of melancholy underlaying the stratospheric success that’s surprisingly affecting.”

International markets are also showing strong numbers. The film has opened in dozens of countries and is already breaking records for music biopics in several regions, including Europe and Australia. In many places, it is outperforming past hits like Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis.

The success of the film also stands out because it is not part of a major franchise. Instead, it relies on the global popularity of Jackson and strong interest from both longtime fans and younger audiences.

This shows how powerful music icons still are at the box office. Even with mixed reviews, people are clearly excited to see this story. It also proves that audience reaction can matter more than critics when it comes to big openings. What do you think about the film’s success so far? Do you think it deserves these numbers? Share your thoughts in the comments.