Box Office Update: “Michael” Tops Weekend Sales
After two weeks of monitoring, “Michael,” the biopic about Michael Jackson, has officially taken the lead at the North American box office with an estimated $26.1 million in ticket sales. This report came in on Sunday from the studio, marking a return to the No. 1 spot.
The film, produced by Lionsgate, has achieved impressive global earnings, reaching $703.9 million so far. However, it’s still quite a bit short of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the current highest-grossing film in the music biopic genre, which raked in over $910.8 million worldwide.
This weekend introduced a few new releases, such as the romantic horror film “Obsession,” Guy Ritchie’s action-packed “In the Grey,” and the revenge drama, “Does God Exist?” Despite these newcomers, “Michael” continues to draw in the largest audiences. Though, the dynamics may shift soon when “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” hits theaters next weekend.
In second place, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” brought in $18 million during its third weekend, totaling $175.9 million domestically and $546.2 million worldwide.
“Obsession” surprised many by exceeding expectations with an estimated $16.1 million from 2,615 theaters, making it the top new film. Directed by Callie Barker, a rising star on YouTube, the film follows a hopeless romantic who gets tangled in unexpected consequences. It received favorable reviews, scoring 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and earning an A-CinemaScore. Notably, it was made for just $750,000, and Focus Features acquired it last fall for approximately $15 million following its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Lisa Bunnell from Focus Features commented that part of “Obsession’s” success can be attributed to audiences craving new and original narratives. Word of mouth has fueled its popularity, especially among younger viewers who plan to rewatch it with friends. It’s not often a horror film gets such high marks on CinemaScore, but “Obsession” is joining the ranks of other recent hits like “Weapons.”
“We anticipate a strong holdover,” Bunnell added.
Mortal Kombat II landed in the fourth position, with its ticket sales dropping 65% to $13.4 million during its second weekend, accumulating $101.2 million across 80 international markets.
Amazon MGM Studios had three films in the top 10: “Sheep Detectives” at fifth place, “Project Hail Mary” at seventh, and “Is God Is” making an appearance in the list as well.
“Sheep Detectives” only fell 33% from its opening weekend, earning an additional $10.2 million, which brings its total to $30.5 million. “Project Hail Mary,” now available for home viewing, added $3.4 million in its ninth weekend. “Is God Is,” which adapts Alecia Harris’ Obie Award-winning play about twin sisters seeking revenge on an abusive father, debuted in theaters with $2.2 million and has an impressive 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Additionally, Black Bear’s action flick “In the Grey” pulled in $3 million from 2,018 locations. Starring Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza Gonzalez, the film centers on a group of elite operatives facing a daunting mission. Its Rotten Tomatoes rating sits at 44%, with a B CinemaScore.
The weekend also featured some notable re-releases like “Top Gun,” which earned $3.1 million, and “Shrek,” garnering $1.3 million.
According to Paul Dergarabedian from comScore, “Prada,” “Michael,” and “Top Gun” are all in the top 10. “Nostalgia is clearly a driving force here.”
“What’s old is new again, and viewers are clearly responding,” he noted.
Top 10 Domestic Box Office Revenue
Final domestic figures will come out on Monday, but according to Comscore, the estimated ticket sales from Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters are as follows:
- “Michael,” $26.1 million.
- “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” $18 million.
- “Obsession,” $16.1 million.
- Mortal Kombat II, $13.4 million.
- “Sheep Detectives,” $9.3 million.
- “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.
