The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has grossed N123.2 million in its Nigerian opening weekend while shattering global records with a $218.8 million worldwide debut — the biggest opening ever for a music biopic.
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has made an impressive Nigerian debut, grossing N123.2 million across its opening weekend of April 24–26 — remarkable given that Filmhouse Group, one of West Africa’s largest cinema chains, did not screen the film.
Globally, the Antoine Fuqua-directed drama earned $218.8 million in its opening weekend, surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody as the biggest worldwide debut for a music biopic and beating Oppenheimer’s domestic opening record.
The film, starring Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, recouped an estimated 110% of its $200 million budget within 48 hours. Critical reception has been mixed, with reviewers praising Jaafar’s performance but describing the narrative as overly sanitized — particularly following the removal of references to the 1993 child abuse allegations against Jackson.