Michael Jackson Biopic Reclaims Top Box Office Spot
After two weeks behind The Devil Wears Prada 2, the Michael Jackson biopic Michael regained the number one position at the North American box office. It achieved $26.1 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates. The Lionsgate film is among the elite, having earned $703.9 million globally. However, it trails behind Bohemian Rhapsody, the leading musical biopic with more than $910.8 million in worldwide revenue.
This weekend also saw the arrival of several new films. The relationship horror film Obsession, the action movie In the Grey by Guy Ritchie, and the revenge narrative Is God Is premiered but couldn’t overshadow the longer-running hits. The dynamics may shift when Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu releases next week.
In its third weekend, Disney and 20th Century Studios’ The Devil Wears Prada 2 claimed second place with $18 million. Its domestic earnings now total $175.9 million and worldwide $546.2 million. Among the newcomers, Obsession did exceptionally well, surpassing expectations with an estimated $16.1 million from 2,615 theaters. Critically acclaimed, it boasts a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore. Directed by Curry Barker with a $750,000 budget, Focus Features acquired it for around $15 million.
“Audiences are looking for fresh, original voices,” said Lisa Bunnell, president of domestic distribution for Focus Features. “The strong word-of-mouth from younger audiences suggests a solid holdover.”
Mortal Kombat II took fourth place, a 65% decline from the previous weekend, generating $13.4 million domestically. Its worldwide earnings now stand at $101.2 million across 80 markets.
Amazon MGM Studios had significant presence with three films in the top 10. The Sheep Detectives, in fifth, saw a modest 33% decline, adding $10.2 million for a total of $30.5 million. Project Hail Mary earned $3.4 million in its ninth week. Is God Is, the adaptation by Aleshea Harris, made $2.2 million with a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score.
In the Grey, featuring Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza González, brought in $3 million. It has a 44% Rotten Tomatoes score and a B CinemaScore.
Several re-releases also drew audiences. Top Gun earned $3.1 million while Shrek added $1.3 million to its legacy.
“Nostalgia is thriving, with films like Prada, Michael, and Top Gun all in the top 10,” noted Paul Dergarabedian of Comscore.
Top 10 Movies by Domestic Box Office
These are the estimated figures for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, based on Comscore data:
- Michael, $26.1 million.
- The Devil Wears Prada 2, $18 million.
- Obsession, $16.1 million.
- Mortal Kombat II, $13.4 million.
- The Sheep Detectives, $9.3 million.
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, $4.5 million.
- Project Hail Mary, $3.9 million.
- Top Gun 40th Anniversary, $3.1 million.
- In the Grey, $3 million.
- Is God Is, $2.2 million.