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“Michael,” the much-anticipated biopic about late superstar Michael Jackson, debuted atop the North American box office this weekend with a thriller-ing $97mn.
The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate, chronicles the legendary artist’s rise from a child star to one of the world’s most famous pop icons.
In the starring role is Jaafar Jackson, the popstar’s nephew.
“This is a record-shattering opening for a musical biography,” said analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.
“Most critics feel the film is superficial and avoids the complicated parts of the performer’s life,” Gross said.
With the film already released in Europe, it has globally taken in nearly $220mn, according to Exhibitor Relations.
