Michael Moonwalks to $12.6M Previews, Biggest of the Year
Michael Moonwalks to $12.6M Previews, Biggest of the Year
Michael Jackson biopic leads previews with $12.6M, the year's best haul, while fans push a record audience score amid mixed critic reviews.
The Michael Jackson biopic is powering out of the gate with $12.6 million in North American previews, the biggest preview haul of the year. The film opened strong enough to top March’s Project Hail Mary, which logged $12 million, and February’s Scream 7 with $7.8 million. About $3.8 million of Michael’s preview total came from early access screenings on Wednesday, signaling strong fan demand heading into the weekend. This start positions the film for a potentially lengthy run as audiences flock to theaters for a full immersion into Jackson’s storied career.
Even as chatter swirls around the film, audiences have given it a surprisingly warm reception. Forbes highlighted a Rotten Tomatoes audience score record for the title, underscoring a rosiest mood among viewers even if critics have offered a more mixed take. The sharp contrast between critics and fans isn’t unusual for big biopics, but the numbers suggest a robust fan base that could translate into a strong box office hold.
The movie has also touched on ongoing conversations about how it handles sensitive material. An article noted that the film does not cover sexual abuse allegations that once figured into early discussions about the project, and that certain early storyline elements involving Jordan Chandler were dropped after filmmakers learned they violated the terms of a settlement. That choice appears to have kept the focus on Jackson’s artistic legacy while avoiding potentially inflammatory territory.
Looking ahead, studios will be watching the weekend results closely to gauge whether Michael can sustain its momentum and extend its run into the spring season. If the fan response continues to outpace critics, the film could redefine expectations for musically themed biopics this year.
