Michael Jackson, famously known as the King of Pop, continues to influence the box office nearly two decades after his passing. His biopic, titled ‘Michael,’ is set to reach the remarkable milestone of $1 billion in earnings, claiming the title of the highest-grossing biopic of all time.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, ‘Michael’ launched on April 24 and has already accumulated $977 million, surpassing Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer,’ which has grossed $975 million. Trailing behind these successes is the 2018 biopic about Queen, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ with $911 million in earnings.
The film portrays Jackson’s journey from his early years with the Jackson 5 to his reign as a global music icon. Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, stars in the film. Additionally, Colman Domingo and Nia Long portray his parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson.
Despite impressive box office results, ‘Michael’ has received mixed reviews. Critics have given it a moderate rating of 38% on the Tomatometer, while audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter show a high approval rating of 97%.
Fans of Jackson are unsurprised by the film’s success, with many expressing their admiration for his enduring legacy. Comments online include sentiments like, ‘The King of Pop,’ and ‘Michael Jackson is still releasing number ones.’
While ‘Oppenheimer’ was rated R, ‘Michael’ carries a PG-13 rating, which contributes to its broader audience appeal. This rating difference has been discussed by some on social media. Nevertheless, the film’s significant impact in the market is undeniable, having opened to $97 million domestically and earned $217 million globally.
Despite its box office triumph, ‘Michael’ has faced criticism for not thoroughly addressing the more controversial aspects of Jackson’s life. Still, the film remains popular with viewers and continues to approach the $1 billion mark.
As for ‘Oppenheimer,’ the film garnered acclaim at the 96th Academy Awards, receiving seven awards out of 13 nominations, including accolades for Best Director and Best Picture.