Story perspectives

Michael Film Smashes $70 M Record, Fans Love, Critics Divided

4/25/2026

Summary

Michael Sets Record

Michael opened with $12.6 million in previews and is set for a $70 million domestic debut, a record.
It holds a 96 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, while critics rate it 29-40 percent.
The story ends in 1988 after the Bad World Tour and excludes later abuse allegations.
Producer Graham King and Lionsgate dropped a 1993 lawsuit subplot after a 1994 settlement barred the estate from depicting accusations.

Summary

Paris Jackson Lawsuit

Prince Jackson, executive producer of “Michael,” said seeing Jaafar in hair and makeup was an emotional shock.
Paris Jackson labeled the film dishonest and sued executors John Branca and John McClain for alleged financial mismanagement.
The Jackson estate funded 22 additional days of production, costing more than $25 million, with reports estimating up to $50 million.
Kat Graham filmed Diana Ross scenes that were cut from the final film for legal considerations.

History

Historical Context

In 1994, a settlement between Michael Jackson’s estate and his managers barred any depiction of abuse allegations, setting a legal precedent for posthumous portrayals. The new biopic, produced by Graham King and distributed by Lionsgate, targets a $70 million domestic opening after $12.6 million earned in previews. Today, Paris Jackson’s lawsuit against executors John Branca and John McClain echoes that 1994 restriction, alleging financial mismanagement of the film’s $25 million budget. These recurring estate conflicts demonstrate how historic settlement terms continue to dictate creative control and financing decisions for high-profile music biographies.

1 of 3

Michael Sets Record

Michael opened with $12.6 million in previews and is set for a $70 million domestic debut, a record.
It holds a 96 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, while critics rate it 29-40 percent.
The story ends in 1988 after the Bad World Tour and excludes later abuse allegations.
Producer Graham King and Lionsgate dropped a 1993 lawsuit subplot after a 1994 settlement barred the estate from depicting accusations.

1 / 3