Overview
- The Michael Jackson biopic led the box office over the weekend with $97 million domestically and $217.4 million worldwide, setting a new opening record for a music biopic.
- Critics panned the film, which holds about 38% on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences gave it an A- CinemaScore and a 97% audience rating, signaling a sharp split in reception.
- Producers cut planned 1993 material after discovering a settlement clause barring depiction of accuser Jordan Chandler, which triggered late rewrites and reshoots paid in part by the Jackson estate.
- Industry reports peg the production near $200 million with additional millions for reshoots, raising the bar for how much box office the film must generate to turn a profit.
- Lionsgate says it is prepared to make a sequel if demand continues, a prospect hinted at by the film’s end-credit message that his story continues.