Michael biopic hits box office highs as music charts brace for a boost
Michael biopic hits box office highs as music charts brace for a boost
The Michael biopic defies critics with a record-breaking debut, sparking a potential chart surge for Jackson's classics.
The Michael biopic has defied its critics by delivering a global box office surge, pulling in $217m (£160m) in its opening weekend and setting a new benchmark for music biopics. Antoine Fuqua directs the film, with Jaafar Jackson portraying Michael, a casting choice that has kept audiences flocking to cinemas even as reviews remain mixed. The momentum at the box office is already echoing in the music world, where several Jackson tracks are forecast to climb the UK album charts in the coming week.
In the latest chart update, Michael: Songs From The Motion Picture sits at No 4, signaling strong appetite for the soundtrack that accompanies the biopic. Classic albums are also enjoying a revival: Number Ones is at No 7, Thriller at No 18 and Bad at No 22, while The Essential held a No 5 position the previous week. The chart resurgence underscores how, for many fans, the singer’s enduring catalog remains a magnet even as the film division navigates its reception.
Despite the big box office numbers, the film has been criticized for its handling of sensitive real-life allegations, with some reviewers arguing it eschews the more troubling aspects of Jackson’s life. Early press materials had promised a portrayal that balanced talent with personal struggles, but the final product has drawn debate about responsibility and context. Nonetheless, audiences have pushed the movie into record territory, illustrating a lasting interest in Jackson’s story and music.
As the global conversation continues, the soundtrack’s performance and the ongoing chart movement offer a companion narrative to the cinema success, highlighting how the King of Pop’s influence persists across media and generations.
