The biographical film “Michael,” centered around the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, has surpassed all expectations by becoming the highest-grossing biopic globally, raking in an impressive $977 million at the box office. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie has outperformed previous records, including Lionsgate Films’ top-grossing movie, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”
“Michael” chronicles Michael Jackson’s journey from his early performances with the Jackson 5 to his meteoric rise as a solo artist with hits like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.” Despite its success, the film has faced criticism for its omission of allegations of sexual abuse against Jackson, which were originally intended to be addressed in the script.
The movie’s theatrical version concludes in 1988, avoiding any mention of the accusations that followed Jackson later in his career. The extensive reshoots, costing up to $50 million, were funded by the Jackson estate. While the film has stirred controversy and calls for boycotts due to its perceived glossing over of key aspects of Jackson’s life, it has resonated with audiences, leading to a remarkable box office performance.
Critics have highlighted both positive and negative aspects of “Michael,” with some praising the portrayal of Jaafar Jackson as his uncle and others criticizing the film’s storytelling and character depiction. Despite mixed reviews, the film’s financial success has paved the way for potential sequels exploring different phases of Michael Jackson’s life, as hinted by director Antoine Fuqua and Lionsgate.