By Eili Cordova
This weekend, the spirit of the King of Pop dominates theaters across North America. “Michael”, the long-awaited biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Lionsgate, has become a box office phenomenon by grossing $39.5 million on its opening day alone, presented in 3,955 theaters, according to data from Field Place of job Mojo.
The initial projections indicate that the film will reach between $90 and $100 million by Sunday, which establishes it as the best debut in the history of the musical biopic genre.
With these figures, “Michael” easily surpasses iconic titles like “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018)which made $51 million in its opening, and “Straight Outta Compton” (2015), with $60 million.
A road full of obstacles
Behind the resounding commercial triumph, the project faced serious difficulties. Lionsgate needs the film to make huge profits, as its production budget totals $155 million.a high figure due to expensive music rights and extravagant concert settings.
But the complications did not end there. Jackson’s heirs had to shell out dozens of additional millions after the film’s third act was deemed unusable.
This segment addressed a 1993 lawsuit that accused Michael Jackson of child sexual abuse —an accusation he flatly denied. After filming the scenes, the producers discovered a clause in the agreement with the accuser that expressly prohibited her representation or mention in film or television projects.
Given this situation, Fuqua was forced to restructure the film to focus on another key aspect of the artist’s life.: The complex and tense relationship between Michael Jackson and his controlling father, Joe Jackson, played by Colman Domingo.
The main role falls to Jafaar Jackson, nephew of the singer in actual life, who plays the King of Pop. The cast is completed with Nia Lengthy as Katherine Jackson, Tre’ Horton as Marlon Jackson, Rhyan Hill as Tito Jackson, Joseph David-Jones as Jackie Jackson and Jamal Henderson as Jermain Jackson.
Continue reading:
· Prince Jackson confesses that seeing his cousin Jaafar as Michael in the new biopic was “an emotional shock”
· “Michael” defies criticism and starts with success at the international box office
· Michael Jackson biopic sparks dispute between Janet and Jermaine Jackson
