Michael Jackson biopic smashes key box office record as critically derided film is fan success

Michael, the new Michael Jackson biopic, has smashed box office records in its first weekend of release after negative reviews from critics.

The film, which stars Jackson’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson as the late musician, launched with $97 million domestically and $217 million globally in its opening weekend, breaking the box office record for a musical biopic.

The record was previously held by Bohemian Rhapsody, which took a total of $124m in 2018.

Michael also exceeded the $180m total taken by 2024's Oppenheimer, breaking the record for the highest-grossing biopic of any kind.

Written by John Logan (Skyfall) and produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), the film charts two decades of the singer’s four decade-long career, following his rise to fame through the Jackson 5 through to his solo career.

The film has been mauled by critics, with several reviewers complaining that it depicts a sanitised version of Jackson’s life story and omits difficult subjects such as his sexual abuse allegations.

Our own 2-star review criticised the film’s "over-simplified plot points and mawkish, underwritten scenes" – with critic Terry Staunton adding: "Producers and director Antoine Fuqua have hinted that a second film may yet be made to address the sexual abuse accusations and court appearances, but their absence here results in a curiously open-ended, unfulfilling cinema experience."

Jafaar is joined by a number of other stars, including Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as John Branca, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, and more.

Read more:

Brian Cox never thought he’d direct a film "in a million years" before Glenrothan

James McAvoy on his earliest film memories and future directing hopes: 'I was offered a lot of working class Scottish dramas'

Michael is out now in UK cinemas.

Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.