Michael Biopic Review: Box Office Success and Controversy Explained

Michael, the highly anticipated biopic about the late pop icon Michael Jackson, has shattered box office records for the biographical film genre, despite a wave of critical backlash and production controversies. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the titular role, debuted to a staggering $217 million worldwide over its opening weekend, including $97 million in North America. The numbers not only surpass previous biopic records but also underscore the enduring global appeal of Jackson’s legacy, even as the film faces scrutiny over its narrative choices and historical omissions.

Record-Breaking Debut

The film’s financial success is undeniable. Michael now holds the record for the biggest opening weekend for a biopic, both domestically and in 64 of the 83 international markets where it was released. The previous worldwide record was held by Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which opened to $174 million in July 2023. Domestically, Michael surpassed Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper, which had a $90.1 million opening in January 2015. The closest comparison in the music biopic space is Bohemian Rhapsody, the Freddie Mercury biopic that grossed over $910 million worldwide despite similar criticisms about its sanitized portrayal of Mercury’s life.

The film’s international performance was particularly strong, with $120.4 million earned outside North America. Notably, Japan—home to one of Jackson’s most devoted fanbases—has yet to release the film, which is scheduled for a June premiere. Industry analysts suggest the delay could further boost the film’s long-term earnings, given the country’s historic enthusiasm for Jackson’s music, and persona.

Critical Reception: A Divide Between Critics and Audiences

While Michael has resonated with audiences—garnering a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes—critics have been far less enthusiastic. The film currently holds a 38% critics score on the same platform, with many reviewers arguing that it glosses over some of the more complex and controversial aspects of Jackson’s life. Spanish outlet 20Minutos described the film as as luxurious as it is empty, suggesting that its visual spectacle and musical numbers fail to deliver a substantive exploration of Jackson’s legacy.

The divide between critics and audiences mirrors a broader trend in Hollywood, where sanitized biopics often perform well commercially despite mixed reviews. The Wrap noted that Michael followed a golden rule of such films: prioritizing broad appeal and musical spectacle over nuanced storytelling. This approach has proven successful for other music biopics, including Bohemian Rhapsody, which won four Oscars despite its controversial omissions.

Controversies and Production Challenges

The road to Michael’s release was far from smooth. The film faced significant production hurdles, including costly reshoots funded by the Jackson estate after a legal clause emerged from a 1993 settlement with one of Jackson’s sexual abuse accusers. The clause reportedly prohibited any mention of the accuser in the film, forcing the production to remove entire sequences from the original third act. This last-minute change contributed to a narrative that critics argue feels incomplete, particularly in its handling of Jackson’s later years.

Family reactions to the film have also been mixed. Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, publicly criticized the biopic, stating in an interview with El Universal that We find many lies in the film. Her comments highlight the challenges of portraying a figure as complex and scrutinized as Michael Jackson, where even authorized projects can draw skepticism from those closest to him.

Jaafar Jackson’s Performance and the Film’s Legacy

Despite the controversies, Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his uncle has drawn praise from both critics and audiences. His physical resemblance to Michael Jackson, combined with his commitment to capturing the pop star’s mannerisms and stage presence, has been widely noted as a standout element of the film. However, some reviewers have argued that the script’s limitations prevent Jaafar from fully exploring the depth of Jackson’s character, leaving his performance feeling more like an impression than a fully realized portrayal.

The film’s commercial success suggests that, for many fans, Michael serves as a celebration of Jackson’s music and cultural impact rather than a definitive biographical account. Its record-breaking opening weekend reflects the enduring global fascination with Jackson’s life and artistry, even as debates continue about how his story should be told.

What’s Next for Michael?

With its strong opening, Michael is poised to become one of the highest-grossing biopics of all time. The film’s performance in Japan, where it is set to release in June, could further solidify its financial success. However, its long-term legacy will likely be shaped by ongoing discussions about its narrative choices, particularly in how it addresses—or avoids—some of the more contentious aspects of Jackson’s life.

For now, Michael stands as a testament to the commercial power of Jackson’s legacy, even as it reignites conversations about the ethics and challenges of biographical storytelling in Hollywood. As La Jornada noted in its coverage, the film’s record-breaking debut proves that, decades after his peak, Michael Jackson’s influence remains as potent as ever.