Despite facing harsh criticism from film reviewers, the Michael Jackson biopic Michael has emerged as a major box office success, proving that audience enthusiasm can outweigh professional skepticism.
The film opened to an estimated $97 million in U.S. And Canada theaters, according to studio estimates released Sunday, marking the strongest debut ever for a music biopic. This figure shattered previous records in the genre and signaled strong commercial traction despite a troubled production history and widespread negative press.
Globally, the movie is projected to earn around $150 million during its opening weekend, a performance that has pleased investors and studio executives alike. Whereas professional review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes shows the film at just 40 percent approval among critics, audience scores tell a very different story — polling reveals an A- grade from cinema audiences, and a striking 96 percent approval rating among fan-driven votes on the site.
This sharp divide highlights a growing cultural phenomenon: audiences appear willing to embrace the film’s portrayal of Jackson as a musical genius and humanitarian figure, even as critics point out its avoidance of the more controversial chapters in his life, including the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations and his later legal battles.
The film deliberately concludes in 1988, ending before the scandals that defined Jackson’s later years. By focusing on his early life in Gary, Indiana, his complex relationship with his father Joe Jackson, and his meteoric rise to fame — including moments like creating the “Thriller” video and performing at Wembley — the movie presents a sanitized, almost saintly version of the artist.
As noted in various international reports, the original plan had included scenes addressing the abuse allegations, but those were reportedly removed due to legal restrictions tied to a settlement with one of Jackson’s accusers. The decision to omit that material has fueled debate about accountability versus artistic legacy, though it clearly resonated with viewers seeking a nostalgic, music-driven experience.
Whether a sequel will follow remains uncertain, but for now, Michael stands as a testament to the enduring power of Jackson’s music and the complex ways in which fame, memory, and public perception continue to evolve.
