Can ‘Michael’ Create History Despite Mixed Reception?

The much hyped biopic on the biggest Pop King Michael Jackson, which is eponymously titled Michael, released amid huge expectations and started shattering numerous box office records in no time. The film secured a phenomenal opening despite mixed reviews and mediocre word of mouth and set for a strong first weekend at the global box office. 

The film, which stars his nephew Jaafar Jackson in the titular role, released worldwide on Friday with paid previews in some markets on Thursday evening. According to the makers, the film raked in over $13 million from paid previews alone. 

As per trade reports, Michael is set to notch up $ 200 Million haul in the first weekend from all territories and emerge as the biggest opener among musical biopics by a big margin. In USA alone, Michael opened on an impressive note with $ 39.5 Million on Friday and projected to touch the $ 100 Million by the end of the Sunday. In India, Michael started off with 10 Crores gross in the first two days. 

As Michael Jackson was a pan-world superstar, the biopic is poised to dominate the box office in other segments and pull in another $ 100 Million in the first weekend and take the overall total past the $ 200 Million, which is going to be a fantastic start given that several controversies surrounded the film prior to its release and also the response has not been quite unanimous as expected. 

Michael has already edged past previous musical biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody  ($51 million) and Straight Outta Compton ($60.2M) and also gave director Antoine Fuqua the biggest ever opening in his career. But, the real test for Michael starts from weekdays as it will need to perform steadily to achieve more milestones in the coming days to emerge as a clean box office hit. 

Michael was made on a staggering $ 155 Million budget due to extravagant sets and heavy music rights. After the film was shot, producers additionally uncovered a clause in the settlement with the accuser of a 1993 lawsuit that barred the depiction or mention of them in film or TV projects. This has shot the expenses further towards $200 Million. 

As Michael generated strong buzz since the day it was announced, many expected that the biopic would went on to clock $ 1 Billion at the ticket windows. But, the underwhelming public response will impact the box office run for. The film will need to hold well to achieve that milestone. It would be a historic feat and a befitting tribute to the legend if the biopic touches the coveted mark.