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The new film about pop star Michael Jackson has set a box office record for a biopic, grossing $217 million worldwide in its opening weekend, the BBC reports.
The world premiere of the film "Michael" took place on April 22. The lead role was played by the actor's nephew, Jaafar Jackson.
The film surpassed the previous record for a music biopic, held by Bohemian Rhapsody, starring Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury. In 2018, that film grossed $124 million in its opening weekend.
Among all biographical films, "Oppenheimer," about Robert Oppenheimer, remained the previous leader, grossing $180 million in 2023. Thus, "Michael" also set a record in this category.
The film's reception varies significantly between audiences and critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the critic rating is 38%, while audiences have given it a significantly higher score of 97%.
Some critics note that the film presents a watered-down version of the artist's life. Specifically, it omits any mention of the sexual assault allegations that plagued the singer in his final years. Michael Jackson himself denied these allegations and was acquitted in 2005.
The filmmakers initially planned to include references to these events in the plot, but were forced to change the script due to a previously signed non-disclosure agreement with the family of one of the accusers, Jordan Chandler. According to the agreement, his name cannot be used in films.
As a result, director Antoine Fuqua reshot some of the material, and the narrative was completed at the events of 1988, before the accusations appeared.
The final version of the film focuses on the artist's concert activities and his complex relationship with his father, Joseph Jackson, played by Colman Domingo.
According to media reports, the film's budget was approximately $200 million, making it one of the most expensive biographical films.
From the early 1980s, following the release of his album "Thriller," which became the best-selling album of all time, Michael Jackson remained one of the most popular performers in the world until his death in 2009.
