The Michael biopic has set a new benchmark at the global box office, earning $217 million (£160 million) in its opening weekend to become the highest-grossing debut for a biographical film.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, nephew of late pop icon Michael Jackson, in the lead role. Despite a midweek release, it quickly built strong momentum across international markets, overtaking previous leaders in the genre.
Data reported by the BBC show the film surpassed the $124 million (£91 million) debut of Bohemian Rhapsody and outperformed Oppenheimer, which opened with $180 million (£133 million).
The figures mark the strongest worldwide opening for a biopic to date.
Executives credited the film’s wide appeal for the performance. Adam Fogelson, chairman of Lionsgate, said turnout reflected interest from a broad audience base.
“Audiences are clearly having a blast,” he said.
Critical reception has been mixed, even as audience response remains strong.
Review site Rotten Tomatoes shows a 38% critics’ score compared with a 97% audience rating.
The film extends a recent run of successful musical biopics focused on global stars such as Queen, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston.
Backed by the singer’s estate, “Michael” features original vocals and centres on his rise to global fame. It has, however, drawn attention for omitting child sexual abuse allegations that surrounded Jackson.
Filmmakers had initially planned to address that period but revised the storyline after discovering a legal agreement tied to one of his accusers. The narrative instead concludes in 1988, before the allegations became public.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the production faced setbacks including costly reshoots that pushed its budget to about $200 million (£148 million).
Following its record-breaking debut, “Michael” is expected to remain a major talking point as it continues its global rollout.
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