Lionsgate’s Michael, the highly anticipated biopic about Michael Jackson, has kicked off its theatrical run with a strong start, grossing $12.6 million from preview screenings nationwide. This includes $9 million earned on Thursday night alone.
While critics have expressed disappointment in the film—particularly due to extensive reshoots—it has resonated deeply with Michael Jackson’s fans. The movie holds a 40% score on Rotten Tomatoes among critics, but it boasts an impressive 96% audience score on the same platform.
With Jackson’s devoted fanbase expected to flock to theaters this weekend, Lionsgate has revised its opening weekend projection to at least $70 million. If achieved, this would surpass the $60.2 million opening of Straight Outta Compton, making it the highest-grossing opening weekend for a music biopic in history.
Exhibition sources suggest the film could perform even better, potentially surpassing the $82.4 million opening weekend of Oppenheimer to become the highest-grossing opening weekend for any biopic.
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