It appears ‘Michael’ is not just starting strong, it’s starting big. The much-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic is already breaking records, with a premiere that feels more like a global phenomenon than a movie.
And whether you’re a fan, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, it’s clear that people are watching.
‘Michael’ Proves The King Of Pop Still Draws Power
‘Michael’ has already joined the ranks of the big modern hits with $12.6 million in Thursday previews. That’s not the usual way a music biopic performs; it’s a blockbuster. Even more remarkable is the film’s overseas performance. Preliminary figures indicate it’s setting opening-day records in several markets, including the UK, France, and Australia.
In some markets, it’s not only the top biopic, but the top non-franchise film. That global momentum matters. Michael Jackson has always been a global phenomenon. His songs were easily digested across the globe, and this early success suggests it still is.
The anticipated $70+ million opening weekend would make it the largest opening weekend for a music biopic, surpassing ‘Straight Outta Compton’. That’s a big deal, and it wasn’t looking likely a few weeks ago.
‘Michael’ Becomes A Surprise Box Office Juggernaut
Here’s where it gets interesting. The film hasn’t received a warm reception from critics, with average ratings that could have a dampening effect. However, audiences? That’s another matter. The early reviews are much more positive, with high scores suggesting that word of mouth may be a big factor in the coming weeks.
And for a film like this, it’s more important to connect with the audience than the critics. However, there are potential problems. The controversy around Jackson’s life continues, and there is competition on the horizon, like ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’, that could limit its longevity.
So, is ‘Michael’ front-loaded or does it have the staying power? If it is, the sky’s the limit. While it may not reach ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’s global haul, it could easily hit huge numbers, and that alone would make it one of the largest biopics of all time. For now, though, the story is simple: ‘Michael’ didn’t just arrive, it made an entrance.
You might also like to read: The Time Michael Jackson Trolled Russell Crowe with ‘Mr. Wall’ Calls
