The much-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” debuted atop the North American box office this weekend with $97 million, industry estimates showed Sunday, bringing its global total to nearly $220 million.
The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate, chronicles the legendary artist’s rise from a child star to one of the world’s most famous pop icons. In the starring role is Jaafar Jackson, the pop star’s nephew.
“This is a record-shattering opening for a musical biography,” said analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.
The film has strong audience approval, “playing as a feel good, nostalgic appreciation,” Gross said, but “reviews are weak.”
“Most critics feel the film is superficial and avoids the complicated parts of the performer’s life, including allegations of sexual misbehavior,” Gross noted, while adding that a Part 2 is in the works.
In second place at the US and Canadian box office was “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” with $21.2 million. After spending the last three weeks in the top spot, the animated sequel has hauled in over $775 million globally.
Third place went to Amazon MGM’s “Project Hail Mary” with $13.2 million, starring Ryan Gosling as a teacher-turned-astronaut who must save Earth from a dimming sun. The film has earned nearly $600 million worldwide.
Rounding out the top five were “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy” with $5.6 million and “The Drama” with $2.6 million.
