Michael Jackson Biopic "Michael" Targets $150M Box Office Amid Mixed Reviews
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," is projected to earn $150 million globally and traces the pop icon's life from his early years to the "Bad" era.
- Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, the film aims to portray Jackson's humanity beyond his global icon status, though early reviews are mixed.
- Despite debates over its portrayal and some reshoots, the film's strong anticipation is fueled by decades of global fandom and interest in Jackson's legacy.
The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," is poised to make a significant splash at the global box office, with projections estimating around US$150 million. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and featuring Jaafar Jackson, the King of Pop's nephew, in the titular role, the film delves into Michael Jackson's life from his beginnings as a child star to his peak as a global phenomenon, focusing on pivotal moments up to his "Bad" era. The casting of Jaafar Jackson is particularly noteworthy, given his familial connection and perceived ability to authentically embody his uncle's persona.
The film boasts a strong supporting cast and a narrative crafted by screenwriter John Logan, aiming to explore the immense pressures and complexities that accompanied Jackson's unparalleled fame, alongside his musical achievements. The involvement of Jackson's estate in providing details for wardrobe and storytelling further bolsters the film's authenticity. With a "Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes and robust box office forecasts, "Michael" is positioned to potentially set new benchmarks for music biopics, capitalizing on enduring global fascination with Jackson's legacy since his passing in 2009.
does the impossible
However, the film has not been without its critics and mixed reactions. Early reviews have sparked considerable debate, with figures like Questlove offering a nuanced perspective. Questlove, initially approaching the film with a critical eye for factual accuracy, found his view transformed as he watched. He shared on Instagram that the biopic achieves the
If this is the final word on his legacy, showing his humanity was more important to me than any technical faux pas
Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.