*The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” is not set to open until April 24, yet its projected box office performance is already drawing sharp criticism.
Analytics site BoxOfficeTheory estimates the film will earn between $52 million and $65 million domestically in its opening weekend—figures that some fans consider surprisingly low. ComingSoon notes that in a widely circulated Box Office Reddit thread, highly upvoted commenters pushed back, with one jokingly calling the projection “being ignorant.” Some users predict the film could reach $100 million domestically in its debut. While no official global estimate has been released, others are already forecasting the biopic could surpass $1 billion worldwide.
The high production cost makes the opening weekend and box office projections particularly important. Variety estimates the film’s budget at $155 million, requiring $375 million to $400 million worldwide to recoup expenses.
Antoine Fuqua directs the film, which traces Jackson’s life across several distinct periods. Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, steps into the lead role. Juliano Krue Valdi appears as a younger version of Jackson, Kat Graham portrays Diana Ross, with Nia Long as Katherine Jackson and Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson.
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Fuqua spoke to Variety about working with his lead actor. “It’s incredibly exciting to watch Jaafar bring Michael to life. There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera,” he said.
The film’s official synopsis promises to capture “triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale – from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, captured by his most iconic performances.”
“Michael” is scheduled for release on April 24 by Lionsgate in the United States and Universal Pictures internationally.
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