Michael Biopic Surges to Second-Biggest Opening of 2026
Michael Biopic Surges to Second-Biggest Opening of 2026
Controversy surrounds the Michael Jackson biopic, but early box office numbers are strong and audiences are flocking to theaters.
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael is off to a powerful start at the box office, shrugging off a chorus of negative reviews to draw moviegoers in record numbers. The film grossed almost $40 million in U.S. theaters on opening day, Friday, and is projected to rake in between $90 million and $100 million over the weekend. If those figures hold, it would mark the second biggest domestic opening weekend of the year, behind The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’s $131 million, and comfortably ahead of Project Hail Mary’s $80 million debut in March.
The movie has sparked controversy since its first trailers and reviews, with many critics arguing it “whitewashes” Jackson’s legacy by ending the story in 1988, before several well-known abuse allegations toward the singer emerged. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics give the film a 38% score, while audiences have greeted it with a strikingly positive 97% Fresh rating. Other metrics reflect a similar divide: IMDB lists the film at 7.6 out of 10, and Letterboxd shows an average around 3.6 stars out of 5, with many ratings clustered in the 4–5 star range.
Director Antoine Fuqua has faced questions about the film’s approach, yet Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his uncle Michael has drawn praise from viewers for capturing the performer’s energy and charisma. Across social feeds, early chatter suggests a broad public reception that contrasts with critics’ reservations, a dynamic that’s helped the film build momentum beyond its opening numbers. While reviews have been mixed, the audience reaction appears to be lifting the film’s profile and fueling strong word-of-mouth.
The mix of critical skepticism and enthusiastic audience response highlights a broader conversation about legacy cinema: can a biopic balance honesty with a star’s larger-than-life persona? As Michael moves through its opening weekend, studios and fans will be watching closely to see whether the movie sustains this momentum and how future projects might tackle the complex history surrounding its subject.
