Family members' expressions diverged after the screening of the Michael Jackson biopic... Box office expected to be "record-breaking"

*This content was translated by AI.

The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael,' set to be released in Korea on May 13, will be released in the United States on the 24th (local time). With a blockbuster production budget of $200 million (approximately 295.7 billion won), it is expected to achieve "record-breaking" box office performance in its opening week in the U.S.

The film covers Jackson's time with the Jackson 5 up to his solo peak in 1988. Jaafar Jackson (29), Michael's actual nephew and the son of his brother Jermaine, stars in the lead role. Many family members, including sons Prince Jackson and Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon, and LaToya Jackson, attended the Dolby Theatre screening in Los Angeles.

Janet declined to appear, clashed with Jermaine at screening

However, the picture was not entirely warm. Younger sister Janet Jackson (60) politely declined the offer to appear. Janet, who has collaborated musically with Michael on songs like "Scream," does not appear in the film at all. LaToya told Variety, "I wanted everyone to be in the movie. Janet was asked but politely declined, and that decision should be respected."

TMZ reported that during a pre-screening family event, Jermaine, Jaafar's father and Michael Jackson's brother, gave a standing ovation and praised the film, while Janet reacted very critically, creating tension between the two. Earlier, Page Six also reported that Janet raised several criticisms of the film after a private screening.

Daughter Paris "caters to father's fandom fantasy" issues public criticism

Michael's daughter Paris Jackson (28) did not attend the screening. On Instagram, she stated, "This movie and I have nothing to do with each other," and "I read the early script and conveyed my opinions on dishonest parts, but they were not reflected. This movie caters to the fantasy that a certain segment of my father's fandom wants to live in," issuing a public criticism.

In contrast, son Prince stayed on set throughout the filming period, and another son Bigi (24) attended the Berlin screening to express his support.

"Jaafar's performance is overwhelming"... Box office shows green light

Critics' evaluations are mixed. While there are harsh reviews such as "closer to an advertisement than a movie" and "a jukebox for fan service," praise continued for protagonist Jaafar Jackson's performance, calling it "overwhelming." A representative review stated, "A movie worth enjoying thanks to Jaafar Jackson's powerful performance and Michael Jackson's strong music."

Box office prospects are expected to be bright. Forbes predicted that the opening weekend gross would reach $65 million to $70 million (approximately 96.3 billion to 103.7 billion won). This figure would surpass the opening weekend gross of $51.06 million for "Bohemian Rhapsody," the highest-grossing music biopic in history.

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*This content was translated by AI.