Proving the critics wrong: Michael Jackson movie rakes in over $1 billion in global box office

When “Michael” the biographical film directed by Antoine Fuqua, opened in April of this year, the critics and naysayers piled on.

They said it would not appeal to audiences, that Gen Z and younger folk would not be interested and would stay away from going to see the movie in cinemas.

Now, “Michael” office receipts are in excess of US$1 billion, and the movie is still going strong. Audiences are enthralled by the genius of the pop star Michael Jackson and his enduring legacy.

It is now the most successful biographical film ever made, surpassing “ Elvis” and “Bohemian Rhapsody”.

Michael Jackson was the greatest pop star the world has known. As a performer, he was sensationaL, as a dancer he was riveting, as a singer he was unique. His videos were unforgettable epics. His album “ Thriller” is still the best-selling album of all time, and his work is being engaged with by younger generations who have now watched the movie.

There are those who want to tarnish Michael Jackson’s legacy, claiming sexual abuse of young children. Michael Jackson has strenuously denied this, and there is no evidence that he did the things some claim. Michael Jackson said people’s depravities and twisted natures have led them to misconstrue his affection for children and the time he spends in their company. He was always touched by children’s innocence, their zest, their joy and lack of sophistry.

Today, the world is bland, and the pop universe does not have stars that are cultural phenomena with talent that makes one gasp. Michael Jackson was not just a once-in-a-generation phenom-his like may never be seen again.

There are many imitators, but he was the real deal.

For those of a certain generation, Michael Jackson’s music was the soundtrack of our lives.

Many of us turned up in droves to watch the movie because of what Michael Jackson meant to us. We watched him grow from a boy into a man, and he continued to enthral us over the decades.

What this movie proves is that Michael Jackson still has one of the best fan bases in pop music and is an icon transcending generations. Michael Jackson redefined what a pop star could be. 

His moonwalk dance at the Motown 25 tribute was an international event with young people all over the world trying to imitate it the next day. It was insane, inhuman-a dance move that everyone who saw it suspended disbelief.

No other pop star before or since has created such an epic occasion live.

The Michael Jackson story is one of the American dream. Overcoming circumstances, hard work, grit, determination, parents supporting their children, pushing them on, dreaming big, manifesting destiny.

Antoine Fuqua is a fantastic director and did a good job with this movie. The door is open for another Michael Jackson movie, which hopefully he will direct.

Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, playing his celebrated uncle, was absolutely sensational as the lead in the movie. It’s difficult to comprehend that prior to the movie, he had no acting experience. He definitely captured Michael Jackson’s moves and persona. He transformed into his uncle. He embodied Michael Jackson’s energy and talent.

The Jackson family must be proud of his performance and how he portrayed Michael Jackson. 

The first week.  “Michael” opened, and it brought in $217 million globally. Now its box office takings are north of $650 million globally and close to $400 million domestically (America ). Remarkable.

“Audiences have embraced the movie from the beginning, turning it into a unique cultural phenomenon in theatres around the world.

“Their passion speaks to the enduring appeal of one of the greatest recording artists of all time, and it underscores the continued strength and vitality of the theatrical moviegoing experience,” said Chairman of Lionsgate Motion Pictures Group, Adam Fogelson.

“Michael was made by Lionsgate and released in April of this year. Development for the Michael Jackson biopic sequel is already underway, according to Lionsgate.