Michael Jackson Biopic Faces Tough Box Office Race

Michael Jackson Biopic Faces Tough Box Office Race

The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, simply titled Michael, is set to hit theaters this weekend, aiming to make a massive global debut. The film is expected to open between $60 million and $100 million domestically, with Universal hoping for a $200 million worldwide launch. However, the movie faces a crowded May schedule and questions about its studio, Lionsgate, and overall audience buzz.

While trailers and clips have surfaced, the film hasn’t generated the same social media energy as other upcoming releases. This could make its box office performance harder to predict. The review embargo lifts this Tuesday, with early access screenings on Wednesday, giving critics a chance to weigh in before the weekend.

Premium Screen Showdowns

The race for premium screens like IMAX and Dolby Cinema is already intense. Michael will only hold onto its premium screens for one weekend before The Devil Wears Prada 2 takes over. That film will then lose its IMAX screens to Mortal Kombat 2 the following weekend. Adding to the congestion, concert films from Jimmy C and Billie Eilish are also vying for prime showtimes, creating a real traffic jam.

To combat this, Disney is introducing its “Infinity Vision” sticker program for December’s Avengers Doomsday. This isn’t about building new theaters, but about certifying existing premium screens as IMAX alternatives to ensure a premium viewing experience. Industry insiders have scoffed at the sticker idea, but it remains to be seen if it will convince audiences to pay more for a “premium” viewing.

Franchise Power and Animated Hits

As the year’s box office continues, animated franchises are showing their staying power. The Super Mario Galaxy films, while slightly trailing their predecessor, have propelled Nintendo into the top 10 most successful animated franchises. Despicable Me/Minions remains the reigning champion in this category, with Illumination known for its consistent output. Toy Story is the only other franchise close, with five films to its name.

Hollywood is currently leading the global box office charts for 2026, surpassing China’s Pegasus 3. However, the connection between the Chinese and North American markets seems to be weakening, with fewer films crossing over. This makes the success of films like Project Hail Mary, which has shown remarkable staying power and a low drop in its fifth weekend, even more notable.

Horror’s Reliable Returns and Star Power

The horror genre continues to be a reliable money-maker, as seen with the new Mummy Movie, which did not star Brendan Fraser. Produced for just $22 million, the film is expected to make its money back, thanks to strong support from the Latino community and surprisingly good overseas performance.

Meanwhile, Zendaya’s latest drama is performing similarly to Challengers, creating a pattern for her lead roles. This contrasts with Ariana Grande, who has focused on big mainstream blockbusters. Both actresses’ career choices will be interesting to watch as they progress.

Streaming Dominance and Fan Backlash

On the streaming front, Netflix continues to dominate with new seasons of Virgin River and Beauty and the Black. Disney Plus sees Zootopia 2 remain strong, while Apple TV+ features The Madison, a new Taylor Sheridan show. Invincible continues to stand out among animated shows on Prime Video.

However, some shows face significant fan backlash. The Pit, a popular series, is experiencing intense criticism, particularly directed at its lead, Noah Wy. Fans are calling for a shift in focus to secondary characters, sparking debate about whether the show should heed online sentiment or forge ahead. Wy, who recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is advised to consider the broader success of shows like 911, where stars aren’t always front and center.

Looking Ahead

This coming week sees the wide release of Mother Mary, just before Anne Hathaway’s The Devil Wears Prada 2 arrives. On streaming, Netflix offers Apex, starring Charlie Theron and Taron Egerton, and a new stand-up reality competition hosted by Kevin Hart. HBO will debut Richard Gadd’s new show, Half Man, following the success of Baby Reindeer.

Source: 2026 Box Office – Michael Tracking, Disney Infinity Vision vs IMAX, The Pitt Season 2 Backlash (YouTube)