Story perspectives

“Michael” Smashes Biopic Records with $217 M Debut, Sequel Planned

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

“Michael” opened with $97 million domestically and $217 million worldwide, setting the opening-weekend record for any biopic.
IMIMAX screenings contributed $13.8 million domestically and $24.5 million globally, the largest IMAX opening for a musical biopic.
The film received an “A-” CinemaScore and a 97% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Lionsgate announced a sequel covering omitted chapters, expecting the franchise to stay a summer box-office draw.

History

Historical Context

In 1996 Alan Parker’s film Evita, starring Madonna and released by Warner Bros., became a landmark musical biopic, its soundtrack reaching quintuple-platinum status (2.5 million U.S. shipments) and climbing to number 2 on the Billboard 200. The movie’s Golden Globe and 1997 Academy Award wins for “You Must Love Me” proved the commercial pull of the genre, a pattern studios now echo with Lionsgate’s high-budget musical Michael.

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Story summary

“Michael” opened with $97 million domestically and $217 million worldwide, setting the opening-weekend record for any biopic.
IMIMAX screenings contributed $13.8 million domestically and $24.5 million globally, the largest IMAX opening for a musical biopic.
The film received an “A-” CinemaScore and a 97% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Lionsgate announced a sequel covering omitted chapters, expecting the franchise to stay a summer box-office draw.

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