Michael Jackson Biopic Opens to $38.5M Friday, Heads for $100M Domestic Debut

The film skates through Jackson’s life but leaves the darker chapters unexamined

The Michael Jackson biopic opened to $38.5 million on Friday, its official release day, with audience exit scores quickly going platinum and the film attracting virtually every demographic, led by Black and female moviegoers. Antoine Fuqua’s film is launching far ahead of expectations, with a projected domestic opening between $94 million and $100 million and … Read more

Michael Jackson Biopic Earns $12.6M in Previews Ahead of $70M-Plus U.S. Debut

How the film’s structure avoids controversy while drawing audiences

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 … Read more

Critics Call Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Whitewash’ for Ignoring Abuse Allegations

Critics Call Michael Jackson Biopic 'Whitewash' for Ignoring Abuse Allegations

Critics are sharply divided over the new Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” with some praising its nostalgic celebration of the singer’s music and others condemning it as a sanitized whitewash that avoids his most troubling controversies. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, focuses on Jackson’s early career from his days with … Read more

Michael Jackson biopic Michael receives 31% Rotten Tomatoes score, praised for acting but criticized for avoiding controversies

Michael Jackson biopic Michael receives 31% Rotten Tomatoes score, praised for acting but criticized for avoiding

The first reviews for the Michael Jackson biopic Michael are out, and Rotten Tomatoes critics are not thrilled with the big-screen story of the King of Pop. As of Tuesday morning, the film holds a 31% “rotten” critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 51 reviews, with the Tomatometer reflecting a stark divide between praise … Read more