Films like Bohemian Rhapsody earned 60% from critics but 85% audience love for Freddie Mercury’s charisma. Joker split at 69% critics versus 89% fans craving its chaotic energy. Venom struggled with 30% reviews yet hit 81% crowd score through pure spectacle. Michael now faces a similar predicament with its 40% to 96% Rotten Tomatoes gap.

Michael Jackson’s biopic Michael has sparked a stark divide since its April 2026 release. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, the film tracks Jackson’s rise from child prodigy to global icon. Its trailer drew 116.2 million views within its first 24 hours, setting a benchmark for music biopics. But critics have handed the film a 40% Rotten Tomatoes score, pointing to what they see as a sanitized portrayal.

Reviews argue that the narrative avoids deeper engagement with Jackson’s legal controversies and allegations. Some outlets acknowledge strong performances but suggest the film does not push the genre forward in meaningful ways. Audiences, however, have embraced the film with a 96% score, framing it as a heartfelt tribute.

Fans have praised Jaafar Jackson’s resemblance and performance, along with recreations of iconic songs like 'Billie Jean.' For many viewers, the emotional connection to Jackson’s music outweighs concerns raised by critics. The 56-point gap mirrors past biopic divides, where fan loyalty drives reception more than critical consensus.

That strong audience backing is already translating into powerful box office momentum.

Strong box office performance defies critical reception

Michael launched with a strong start at the box office, earning $12.6 million in Thursday previews ahead of its April 24 opening. Premium formats like IMAX contributed significantly, with early access screenings adding $3.8 million across thousands of screens. The film’s preview numbers surpassed earlier music biopic benchmarks, including Straight Outta Compton.

Early projections suggest a North American opening weekend between $65 million and $70 million from nearly 3,900 theaters. Walk-up ticket sales exceeded expectations, pushing totals higher than initial estimates. The film has also outpaced recent major releases like John Wick: Chapter 4, Dune: Part Two, and Oppenheimer in preview comparisons.

Audience metrics further reinforce its appeal, with strong PostTrak scores and an A- CinemaScore. Viewership data shows a diverse audience, with a significant share driven by long-time fans of Michael Jackson. Early international numbers also point to steady global interest.

What is your take on the Michael movie? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Pratham Gurung

Edited by

Hriddhi Maitra