AceShowbiz - The Michael biopic about Michael Jackson has experienced a strong box office performance in its second weekend, moving to the number two spot domestically while surpassing major milestones worldwide. Despite its controversial nature, the film has significantly boosted its chances of reaching the coveted $1 billion gross, potentially becoming the highest-grossing music biopic in history.

Currently, the title of the top-grossing music biopic belongs to Bohemian Rhapsody, which amassed just over $900 million globally following its 2018 release. The gap between the two films had been considerable, but Michael managed to surpass the previous No. 2 contender within just 10 days, signaling its robust commercial appeal.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael was met with mixed critical reception upon release, but audiences responded favorably, helping the film maintain strong momentum at the box office. During its latest weekend, the movie earned over $50 million domestically, trailing behind The Devil Wears Prada 2, which debuted with nearly $80 million. The domestic total for Michael now stands at approximately $180 million.

On the international front, the film has accumulated $424 million so far, with a reported production budget of $200 million. This financial figure reflects the film's ability to resonate with audiences globally, despite earlier challenges during production. Reports indicate that the movie faced significant hurdles, including the rewriting of its third act after legal constraints were communicated to Lionsgate, the distributing studio.

Despite these obstacles, the production’s potential was never in doubt. The decision to invest further resources into the project appears to have paid off handsomely, solidifying Michael as a formidable contender in the music biopic genre. The film's success has also led to confirmation that a sequel focusing on the latter half of Jackson’s career is almost certain to be developed, promising to continue the story of the iconic artist.

The rise of Michael in the box office landscape highlights the ongoing fascination with biographical films centered on music legends, even when they stir controversy. The film’s ability to generate significant revenue while navigating production and legal complexities underscores the powerful draw of Michael Jackson’s story and legacy.

As the film continues its theatrical run, it will be closely watched to see if it can break the billion-dollar threshold, a feat that would not only secure its place as the highest-grossing music biopic ever but also reinforce the enduring global interest in Michael Jackson's life and music.