Overview
- Following Sunday’s studio estimates, the Michael Jackson biopic opened to $97 million in the U.S. and $217.4 million worldwide, marking the biggest debut ever for a music biopic.
- Critics were largely negative at about 38% on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences delivered a 97% score and an A- CinemaScore.
- Producers reworked the third act after discovering a 1994 settlement that barred depicting accuser Jordan Chandler, with estate-funded reshoots and a new endpoint around 1988.
- Premium formats were strong, with IMAX screenings generating about $24.4 million globally, even as early reports showed softer initial results in China than in other markets.
- With a reported near-$200 million budget and estate-paid changes, the film teased a follow-up in its end credits, and Lionsgate signaled it is prepared to proceed if demand holds.