'Michael' eyes record-breaking music biopic opening after $39.5m start at box office

Industry projections indicated that 'Michael' was heading toward a $65m to $70m debut

Michael kicked off its box office run with a strong $39.5 million start, putting it on track to deliver the biggest opening weekend ever for a music biopic.

The Lionsgate release, based on the life of Michael Jackson, drew significant early audiences through a mix of preview screenings and opening-day sales. Industry projections indicated the film was heading toward a $65 million to $70 million debut, which would set a new benchmark for the genre.

If the estimates hold, Michael would surpass previous music biopic openings, signaling strong audience interest in Jackson’s story and enduring cultural impact. The film’s performance was bolstered by premium formats like IMAX, which contributed to higher ticket sales.

The biopic entered a competitive marketplace, facing off against holdover hit The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which continued to draw large crowds following its successful run in theaters. Despite that competition, Michael maintained strong momentum heading into the weekend.

With a solid start and high projections, the film positioned itself not only as a commercial success for Lionsgate but also as a potential record-setter in the music biopic category, as final weekend numbers were expected to confirm its standing.