Jaafar Jackson has become the focal point of attention as the biopic Michael launches with unprecedented preview earnings. The film has generated between $12.5 million and $13.5 million in early screenings, setting a new record for the highest preview debut ever for a musical biopic. This impressive feat places it ahead of blockbuster titles such as Dune: Part Two and Oppenheimer.
Notably, it is Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his legendary uncle, Michael Jackson, that is fueling much of the excitement surrounding the film. Audiences are responding enthusiastically to his performance, which many viewers credit as a major factor in the movie’s positive reception.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Michael currently boasts a 96 percent audience score, reflecting widespread approval from fans. The film’s emphasis on music, performance, and spectacle appears to resonate deeply, especially with admirers of the late pop icon.
Meanwhile, critical response has been more mixed. The movie holds a 40 percent critic score, with some reviewers expressing concerns about how the film addresses the more contentious aspects of Michael Jackson’s life. Despite this divide, the strong box office numbers indicate that audience enthusiasm is prevailing over critical skepticism.
In a significant development, Michael has shattered previous records for musical biopic previews. The former record-holder, Straight Outta Compton, earned $4.96 million in previews, a figure that Michael has more than doubled before its official release. The film’s international debut has also been remarkable, pulling in $18.5 million on its first day overseas and setting new records in multiple markets.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael is emerging as one of the year’s most anticipated releases. However, early reactions suggest that Jaafar Jackson’s standout performance might be the film’s defining highlight, positioning him as its breakout star.
For now, both the impressive box office figures and the growing buzz indicate a clear trend: audiences are captivated and eager to experience this portrayal of the King of Pop.
