Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic opened to $12.6 million in previews, positioning it for a $70 million-plus domestic debut that would surpass all previous music biopics.
The figure includes $3.8 million from Imax and premium large-format screenings on Wednesday night, matching the preview grosses of Dune: Part II and Oppenheimer before inflation adjustments. Audiences responded strongly, with a 96 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and an A- CinemaScore, though critical reception remained sharply divided, with the Tomatometer hovering between 29 and 40 percent.
Critics cited the film’s avoidance of Jackson’s later-life controversies as a key flaw, noting it ends with the 1988 Lousy World Tour in London, years before allegations of child sexual abuse emerged. As THR’s David Rooney observed, the epilogue card reading “His story continues” attempts to address the omission, but many reviewers viewed it as a narrative evasion.
The Guardian described the film as a “bland, bowdlerised” montage of music-movie clichés, praising Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his uncle while criticizing its failure to interrogate Michael’s inner life or the sources of his later struggles. Colman Domingo’s performance as Joe Jackson stood out as the film’s most dynamic element, portraying the patriarch’s exploitative severity with visceral intensity.
Despite the critical split, audience demographics revealed broad appeal: 56 percent female, 58 percent under 35, and 55 percent in the 18-34 bracket. Black moviegoers led at 36 percent, with Latino/Hispanic and Caucasian audiences each at 25 percent, and 50 percent of attendees cited fandom as their primary motivation.
Internationally, the film launched in 82 markets excluding Japan, earning $16.6 million on Wednesday for a running total of $18.5 million, including previews. France contributed $2 million to the overseas tally, though full territorial breakdowns were not detailed in the sources.
The strong preview performance exceeded initial tracking of $55–60 million, suggesting a resurgence of nostalgia-driven attendance or heightened interest from Gen Z audiences returning to theaters post-pandemic. If it holds, Michael would surpass Straight Outta Compton’s $60.2 million opening to become the highest-debuting music biopic in history.
How the film’s structure avoids controversy while drawing audiences
By concluding before the allegations surfaced, the film sidesteps the most contentious chapters of Jackson’s life, a choice producers and the Jackson estate appear to have made deliberately to limit backlash. This approach allows focus on his artistic rise and familial trauma without engaging the legal and moral complexities that defined his later years.
What audience signals suggest about the film’s staying power
The 81 percent definite recommend rating from PostTrak and strong youth and family turnout indicate potential for sustained interest beyond the opening weekend, especially if word-of-mouth compensates for mixed critical reception. However, the front-loading risk remains uncertain, with comparisons to Dune and Oppenheimer suggesting possible steep drop-offs after initial fan enthusiasm.
Why Jaafar Jackson’s casting carries symbolic weight
Casting Michael’s real-life nephew in the lead role adds a layer of familial authenticity, with Jaafar reportedly capturing his uncle’s mannerisms and stage presence intuitively. Yet the film’s limited scope prevents exploration of how such inherited traits may have intersected with the pressures and isolation that shaped Jackson’s later persona.
Will there be a sequel to Michael?
Producer Graham King and the Jackson estate are reportedly considering a “Michael 2” that would address the later, more controversial period of Jackson’s life, though no formal commitment has been made and sources indicate uncertainty about pursuing a follow-up.
How does the film’s audience score compare to other music biopics?
Michael’s 96 percent Rotten Tomatoes audience score exceeds that of Bohemian Rhapsody and Straight Outta Compton, though its critical score remains far lower, highlighting a stark divide between viewer and critic reception.
What role did Imax and premium formats play in the preview gross?
Imax and other premium large-format screenings contributed $3.8 million of the $12.6 million preview total, reflecting a strategy to maximize revenue from dedicated fan events during midweek showings.