The biopic about the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has opened to huge success in theaters, grossing $97 million in the U.S. and $217 million worldwide in its opening weekend. It is the highest-grossing biopic in history, surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody and Straight Outta Compton.
Despite lukewarm reviews, the film has been well received by audiences, especially for its spectacular concert scenes, which recreate Jackson’s legendary performances of “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Beat It.”
Michael Jackson is played by his nephew, Jafar Jackson, and directed by Antoine Fuqua. Although the film has been criticized for skipping over the most controversial aspects of Jackson’s life, that hasn’t stopped “Michael” from becoming one of the year’s biggest hits and one of Lionsgate’s biggest successes of the last decade.
