AceShowbiz - Michael delivered a surprising box office performance, grossing an impressive $217 million worldwide in its opening weekend. Despite mixed critical reviews, the film earned $120 million internationally and nearly reached $100 million domestically, pulling in $97 million in the U.S. alone.

This stellar debut sets a new benchmark for biopics, shattering the previous record held by Straight Outta Compton, which opened with $60.2 million domestically. Industry experts had initially projected a domestic gross between $65 and $70 million, making the actual $97 million haul significantly higher than anticipated.

Michael also recouped its hefty $170 million production budget during the first weekend, which included $15 million spent on legally mandated reshoots. The original cut of the film controversially featured a narrative framing the accusers of Michael Jackson as opportunists driven by money, subjecting Jackson to public scorn and persecution until he ultimately settled, leaving his reputation in ruins. However, a settlement agreement barred any dramatization of the Chandlers, the family who accused Jackson, forcing significant edits.

Looking ahead, speculation about a sequel has already begun. The film concludes with a James Bond-style title card stating, “His Story Continues,” hinting at further installments. Yet, legal restrictions that prevent depicting much of Jackson’s later life severely limit potential storylines. Possible topics for a follow-up could include Jackson’s marriage to Lisa Marie Presley or behind-the-scenes events like the filming of Martin Bashir’s Living With Michael Jackson. Without access to key parts of his later years, future films may face creative challenges, and certain narratives like “Scream” remain off-limits.

Regardless, Michael has undeniably made a strong impact at the box office, setting a high bar for musical biopics and sparking interest in what might come next for this controversial cinematic portrayal.