Michael opened strong at the box office, drawing big crowds despite negative reviews and production drama.

Studios love a tough opening weekend and this one delivered. Early estimates put the film’s haul at $97 million in U.S. and Canada theaters, a number that surprised critics and industry observers alike. The figure gives the studio breathing room after a noisy and highly publicized production period.

“Michael,” the big-budget Michael Jackson spectacle, shrugged off bad reviews and a troubled production to launch with $97 million in U.S. and Canada theaters, according to studio estimates

What audiences see when they walk in may not match the critics’ notes, but opening weekends are driven by curiosity and brand power. Michael Jackson’s name still packs a punch, and the marketing leaned hard into spectacle and nostalgia. That translated into lines at multiplexes and a burst of initial ticket sales.

Critics were quick with their takes, pointing to uneven storytelling and a production that reportedly hit multiple snags. Negative reviews have a shelf life, however, and word-of-mouth will determine how long the movie keeps pulling crowds. For now, the money spent on promotion appears to have done its job.

Box office openings are only one chapter, and competition in theaters matters. The film launched into a crowded market with several other titles vying for attention. Even so, a near-$100 million debut is a statement, especially for a film that faced questions during its making.

Analysts will be watching weekend-to-weekend drops to see if the film enjoys legs or fizzles fast. A steep second-week decline would signal that the opening was front-loaded and driven by loyal fans or curiosity seekers. A moderate drop would suggest broader audience interest beyond the initial rush.

Production hiccups can complicate a release, from reshoots to behind-the-scenes disputes, and those stories often leak into coverage before critics weigh in. In this case, whatever happened behind the curtain didn’t stop people from buying tickets on day one. The film’s marketing focused on spectacle, and spectacle sells, at least at first.

Studios also balance global returns with domestic numbers, and this launch gives the international rollout some momentum. Overseas markets can change the picture quickly, adding significant revenue that helps a film reach profitability. The U.S. and Canada opening set a tone, but international audiences will play a big role in the eventual tally.

Financial success doesn’t erase debate about artistic quality or the controversies that may surround a project. But in the commercial world of movies, cash flow influences future decisions more than critical consensus. For executives, a strong opening weekend often means more leeway for sequels, merchandising, and extended exhibition.

For fans and casual viewers, the conversation now shifts to whether the experience inside the theater lives up to the hype. If ticket buyers feel they got value, social chatter could soften the critics’ impact. If not, the film might rely on its opening weekend glory and fade as new releases arrive.

Whatever the outcome, the film’s debut is a reminder that star power and clever marketing can still drive big box office numbers, even when the road to release has been rocky. Studios will take note, and trade headlines will dissect every percentage point of the post-opening performance. The rest of the rollout will determine if this is a one-weekend splash or the start of a sustained run.