While the reviews have been rough, audiences seem to be moonwalking to theaters in droves to see Michael. The Michael Jackson biopic—plagued by reshoots due to legal complications surrounding how the singer’s criminal cases were depicted—now ends at the peak of his career, with the release of 1987’s Bad. (A sequel already seems likely.)
Audiences don’t seem to mind the behind-the-scenes drama. According to Deadline, the film pulled in a staggering $12.5 million (at least) in Thursday night previews alone, outperforming recent heavy hitters like Project Hail Mary, Dune: Part Two, and Oppenheimer. While early industry estimates suggested a $60 million opening, it now looks poised to debut closer to the $80 million range we predicted earlier this week—if not higher.
Critics vs Audience Score: Why Is There Such a Big Gap?
There’s a massive disconnect between critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics have hit the film with a 40% “rotten” score, while audiences have given it an impressive 96% “fresh” rating.
Some might argue that Jackson’s fanbase is boosting the audience score, but the gap remains striking—and highlights just how differently the film is being received depending on who you ask.
Will Michael Be Lionsgate’s Biggest Hit in Years?
Either way, Michael is shaping up to be Lionsgate’s biggest hit since John Wick: Chapter 4. It could even end up as one of the studio’s top-grossing films ever.
Internationally, the film may perform even better. Jackson remains a global icon, and his legacy tends to be less controversial overseas than it is in North America—potentially giving the movie even stronger legs worldwide.
What Did You Think of Michael?
With all that in mind, we want to hear from you.
I’ve already received a few messages—some more polite than others—taking issue with my review, clearly from hardcore Jackson fans. Now’s your chance to weigh in.
What did you think of Michael? Let us know in the comments.
The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.
What’s Not Allowed