Lionsgate’s Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic, is smashing expectations, with first‑week worldwide receipts projected over $200 million. The PG‑13 film opened in North America to an estimated $95 million, far above the $70 million analysts had forecast. The surge reflects a rare disconnect between critics, who rated the movie 38 percent positive, and audiences, who gave it a 97 percent audience score.

Behind the box‑office boom, Lionsgate poured more than $50 million into a national campaign that leaned on nostalgia and targeted Black moviegoers with partnerships with HBCU marching bands. The $200 million production budget was shared by Lionsgate, Universal and the Jackson estate, while Universal handled overseas distribution, earning $111 million in its territories this weekend.

The film’s financial success has sparked renewed interest in Jackson’s catalog, boosting streaming numbers and driving ticket sales for the Broadway musical MJ. Yet it also reignites legal scrutiny, as the Cascio family’s lawsuit alleges past abuse, a claim the estate deems a “money grab.” For investors, the biopic demonstrates how star‑centric branding can outpace critical reception, delivering solid returns, including a projected $200 million global gross that eclipses previous musical biopics overall.