As expected, Lionsgate's Michael Jackson biopic is shattering industry projections in its debut weekend at the box office. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, had an eventful production. Reports say the filmmakers rewrote the third act after filming finished.
The movie opened to poor reviews this week, with most of the criticism being directed at its hagiographic depiction of the King of Pop's early life. Michael is nevertheless breaking box-office records this weekend, as Lionsgate prepares to put a follow-up feature in motion. The movie features Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the lead role alongside Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, and Nia Long. The film hails from producer Graham King, whose previous blockbuster, Bohemian Rhapsody, is its closest comp.