Michael Jackson Biopic Smashes Box Office Records and Sparks Debate

Michael Jackson Biopic Smashes Box Office Records Despite Controversy and Poor Reviews

The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has achieved a historic opening weekend at the global box office, shattering records for music biopics despite widespread criticism over its handling of the late pop icon’s legacy. According to studio estimates verified by multiple entertainment industry trackers, the film earned $97 million domestically in the U.S. And Canada, with an additional $120.4 million from international markets, totaling a staggering $217.4 million worldwide. The figures, released on Sunday, April 26, 2026, represent the largest opening weekend ever for a musical biopic, surpassing previous benchmarks set by films like Straight Outta Compton (2015) and Bohemian Rhapsody (2018).

A Record-Breaking Debut Amid Production Turmoil

The film’s financial success is particularly notable given its troubled production history. Reports from Puck and Variety, cited in primary coverage, revealed that Michael underwent extensive reshoots after producers discovered a legal agreement barring any dramatization of the Jordan Chandler family, whose 1993 allegations of child sexual abuse against Jackson became a central controversy in his later years. The original script reportedly included scenes depicting Jackson as innocent of the accusations, but these were removed, forcing a costly rewrite of the film’s third act. Despite these challenges, Michael exceeded even the most optimistic studio projections, which had initially estimated an opening closer to $50 million before revising expectations upward to $70 million.

Lionsgate, the studio behind the film, celebrated the results as a vindication of its decision to proceed with the project. Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson told reporters that the opening weekend demonstrated “strong audience demand for the King of Pop more than 17 years after his death.” The studio has already announced plans for a sequel, with Fogelson hinting that a third film is “not inconceivable.”

Critical Reception vs. Audience Demand

While Michael dominated the box office, critical reception has been overwhelmingly negative. The film currently holds a 38% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many reviewers dismissing it as a sanitized, superficial take on Jackson’s life. A scathing review from the BBC described the film as “a bland and barely competent daytime TV movie,” awarding it just one star out of five. The New York Times conducted a fact-check of the biopic, noting discrepancies in its portrayal of key events, including Jackson’s relationships with his family and the early days of his career with the Jackson 5.

Despite the harsh reviews, audience exit polls suggest the film resonated strongly with moviegoers. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Michael attracted a diverse demographic, with Black and female audiences leading its viewership. The film’s domestic opening day alone grossed $38.5 million, a figure that rival studios described as “super-sized” and indicative of Jackson’s enduring cultural impact. Internationally, the film performed even better, with particularly strong showings in markets where Jackson’s music remains popular. Japan, where Jackson has an enormous fanbase, was a notable exception, with the film underperforming compared to the 2011 posthumous concert documentary This Is It, which earned $57 million in the country.

Controversy and the Jackson Legacy

The film’s success raises complex questions about Jackson’s legacy, particularly in light of the allegations of child sexual abuse that have shadowed his reputation. Jackson was acquitted in his 2005 criminal trial, and his estate has consistently maintained his innocence, though he acknowledged sharing his bed with children. Michael deliberately avoids addressing these allegations, focusing instead on Jackson’s life from the 1960s through the late 1980s—a period before the controversies erupted. This editorial choice appears to have paid off at the box office, with audiences seemingly willing to separate Jackson’s music from the more troubling aspects of his personal life.

However, the film’s avoidance of the allegations has also drawn criticism from some quarters. Advocacy groups and commentators have argued that the biopic presents an incomplete and overly sanitized version of Jackson’s story, one that ignores the voices of his accusers. The New York Times fact-check noted that while the film accurately depicts many aspects of Jackson’s early career, it glosses over or omits key moments that might complicate his public image, including his changing appearance and his relationships with young boys.

What’s Next for the Michael Jackson Cinematic Universe?

With Michael already greenlit for a sequel, industry analysts are speculating about the direction future films might take. The current installment ends before the 1993 allegations, leaving ample room for a follow-up to explore Jackson’s later years, including his 2005 trial and the final chapter of his career. However, any such project would likely face even greater scrutiny, particularly given the legal and ethical complexities of dramatizing the allegations.

For now, Lionsgate is reveling in the film’s financial success. The $217.4 million global opening not only sets a new benchmark for music biopics but also marks the studio’s biggest opening in years. The film’s strong performance suggests that Jackson’s cultural influence remains potent, even as debates about his legacy continue to divide public opinion. As Fogelson put it, “From the beginning, all of the signals were that something like this was possible.”

Box Office Comparisons and Industry Impact

The record-breaking opening of Michael places it among the most successful biopics of all time, regardless of genre. Domestically, it ranks as the second-biggest opening of 2026, trailing only The Super Mario Galaxy Movie but outperforming Project Hail Mary. Its global haul of $217.4 million surpasses the previous record for a music biopic, held by Bohemian Rhapsody, which opened to $51 million domestically in 2018 before going on to earn over $900 million worldwide.

The film’s success also underscores the enduring appeal of biopics centered on iconic musicians. Straight Outta Compton, which chronicled the rise of N.W.A, held the previous record with a $60.2 million domestic opening in 2015. Michael’s performance suggests that audiences remain hungry for stories about legendary artists, even when those stories are fraught with controversy. For Lionsgate, the film’s triumph represents a major victory, particularly as the studio seeks to reassert itself in the competitive biopic space.

As the dust settles on Michael’s opening weekend, one thing is clear: Michael Jackson’s legacy as the “King of Pop” remains as powerful as ever, even as the film industry grapples with how to tell his story responsibly. Whether future installments can navigate the complexities of his later years—and whether audiences will continue to show up—remains an open question. For now, however, Michael has firmly cemented its place in box office history.