Getty ImagesThe new Michael Jackson biopic has achieved a remarkable feat, surpassing “Oppenheimer” to become the highest-grossing biopic in history, with an impressive worldwide box office haul of $977 million (£739 million).
This cinematic achievement builds on its prior success, as “Michael” had already claimed the title of the biggest musical biopic, outperforming 2018’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the film chronicling the legendary band Queen.
Now, it has also eclipsed Christopher Nolan’s 2023 drama about physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, which previously held the record for any film based on a real-life individual.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “Michael” charts the transformative journey of the iconic American singer, from his early days as a child prodigy in the Jackson 5 to his undisputed reign as the “King of Pop.”
The lead role is portrayed by Jaafar Jackson, the music icon’s own nephew, supported by Colman Domingo and Nia Long as his parents.
Upon its debut in April, “Michael” immediately captivated audiences, grossing $217 million globally in its opening week. This early success propelled it past other music biopics, including 2015’s “Straight Outta Compton” and the aforementioned “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
The film also marks a significant milestone for Lionsgate Studios, becoming its most commercially successful movie to date, surpassing even the franchise hit “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” from 2013.
Remarkably, “Michael” achieved this box office dominance despite “Oppenheimer” having benefited from the unique cultural moment known as “Barbenheimer” in the summer of 2023, a phenomenon driven by memes celebrating the simultaneous release of two vastly different yet highly anticipated films.
The Unaddressed Narrative
The success of “Michael” with its global fanbase is undeniable, resonating through its exploration of Jackson’s childhood and its faithful recreations of his legendary concert performances and music videos.
Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson, garnered particular acclaim for his sensitive portrayal of his celebrated uncle.
However, the film has also faced considerable criticism from reviewers who described it as a “whitewash” and a “sanitised” rendition of Jackson’s life and career. These critiques largely stem from the biopic’s decision to sidestep the widely publicized sexual abuse allegations against the singer, a topic reportedly impacted by a historic non-disclosure agreement that led to the removal of certain related footage.
While publications like The Hollywood Reporter acknowledged that the film “delivers for lifelong fans who cherish the music,” others, such as The Telegraph, pointed out that it “refuses to address the elephant in the room.” The Independent went further, labeling it a “ghoulish, soulless cash grab.”
Despite these critical reservations, audience reception has generally been far more favorable than critical reviews, as indicated by strong scores on aggregate sites like Rotten Tomatoes.
“Michael” is financially supported by the late singer’s estate, and the film utilizes his original vocal recordings for its musical sequences, which form a substantial part of the narrative.
Furthermore, Lionsgate is reportedly planning to release at least one more film focused on Michael Jackson’s life, according to industry publication Variety.
The Enduring Power of Streams
Beyond its theatrical success, the biopic has demonstrably reignited interest in Michael Jackson’s music, leading to a significant surge in streaming numbers.
Over the past month, Jackson has emerged as the most played artist on YouTube in the UK, with his stream count doubling that of the second most popular artist, Drake.
His iconic hit “Billie Jean” currently stands as the most streamed song globally on Spotify.
The artist also topped the Spotify charts in the UK for the past month, shortly after the film’s release, and remains in the top three as of this writing.
Additionally, “The Essential Michael Jackson” album reclaimed the number one spot on the UK albums chart, fending off competition from emerging artists.
Business Style Takeaway: The extraordinary box office performance of the Michael Jackson biopic underscores the enduring global appeal of iconic cultural figures and their narratives. For businesses and brands, this highlights the power of nostalgia, legacy, and well-crafted storytelling to drive consumer engagement and commercial success across various platforms, from cinema to streaming.
Information compiled from materials : www.bbc.com