The King of Pop Returns to the Throne – ‘Michael’ Crushes Thursday Previews | VIDEO Reactions

*Let’s be honest. We all knew this was coming. The 2026 Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” starring the eerily perfect Jaafar Jackson, has officially done what no music biopic has done in years. It made critics roll their eyes and audiences empty their wallets simultaneously. And honestly? That is the most Michael Jackson outcome possible. According […] The post The King of Pop Returns to the Throne – ‘Michael’ Crushes Thursday Previews | VIDEO Reactions appeared first on EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More.

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Apr 24, 2026 - 20:13

The King of Pop Returns to the Throne – ‘Michael’ Crushes Thursday Previews | VIDEO Reactions

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in Michael. – via Lionsgate

*Let’s be honest. We all knew this was coming.

The 2026 Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” starring the eerily perfect Jaafar Jackson, has officially done what no music biopic has done in years. It made critics roll their eyes and audiences empty their wallets simultaneously. And honestly? That is the most Michael Jackson outcome possible.

According to early box office reports from today (04-24-26), “Michael” delivered a monstrous $12.6 million in Thursday previews alone. That breaks down to $3.8 million from early access screenings on Wednesday and another $8.8 million on Thursday proper. For context, that is the highest preview total of 2026 so far. Not bad for a movie the critics tried to bury.

The Numbers That Actually Matter

Here is where things get fun. The critical response? Brutal. Rotten Tomatoes shows a measly 27-39% from critics. They are panning the execution, the structure, and the convenient omission of anything after 1988. Shocking, right? A film produced with the Jackson estate’s blessing might have left out a few uncomfortable chapters.

But audiences, bless their chaotic hearts, do not care.

The film currently holds an A- CinemaScore. The Rotten Tomatoes Popcornmeter sits at a glowing 95-96%. That is not a divide. That is a canyon. Fans are walking out of theaters emotional, nostalgic, and completely unbothered by what critics think. The word-of-mouth is thunderous.

Internationally, “Michael” has already pulled in roughly $18-18.5 million from early markets, setting first-day records in several territories. The global audience simply wants to see the King of Pop on the biggest screen possible. Jaafar Jackson’s performance is being singled out as uncanny, electric, and worthy of the name.

Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson in Michael. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate — Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson in Michael. – via Lionsgate

What Comes Next

Projections for the domestic opening weekend are currently tracking between $65 million and $70 million, with some estimates going as high as $80 million if walk-up business stays strong. That would absolutely smash the current music biopic record held by “Straight Outta Compton” ($60.2 million). Global opening estimates are eyeing $140-150 million or higher.

Director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King have positioned this as an event, not just a movie. With roughly 3,900 theaters (heavily loaded on IMAX and premium large formats), Michael is playing like a superhero blockbuster, not a prestige drama.

The Bottom Line

Here is the uncomfortable truth the critics refuse to accept: audiences are not looking for a documentary. They are looking for a celebration. And Michael delivers exactly that. It is a two-hour spectacle of music, movement, and manufactured nostalgia. Fans know what they are getting. They paid for it anyway.

Love it or hate it, “Michael” just proved that the King of Pop still rules the box office. Critics can keep writing. The rest of us will be in the theater.