‘Michael’ is off to a massive global start, opening to $217.4 million worldwide, including $120.3 million overseas from 82 markets and $18.7 million in previews. Universal, which acquired foreign rights to the Lionsgate title, is already seeing repeat business, with the film playing less like a standard release and more like a communal event.

The Jaafar Jackson-led musical biopic is now the second-biggest opening of the year, behind ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie,’ and the biggest opening weekend ever for a musical biopic. Its offshore debut easily tops ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’’s $79.9 million comparable start.

Universal reportedly paid about $70 million for international rights, with the studio positioned to recoup P&A and share in upside. Producer Graham King, who also produced ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ chose to sell foreign rights and wanted Universal involved because of its strength with music-driven films.

The UK and Ireland led all markets with $15.6 million, the territory’s biggest musical biopic opening ever and 33% ahead of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ France followed with $10.2 million, Mexico with $9.8 million, Brazil with $8.2 million, Italy with $8.1 million, Germany with $7.2 million, Spain with $6.8 million, Australia with $6.5 million, and China with $5.9 million.

Across many territories, ‘Michael’ set records for musical biopics or biopics overall. Brazil delivered Universal’s second-biggest post-pandemic opening behind Fast X, while Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Peru and Southeast Asia all saw standout record-setting launches. Audience enthusiasm has been strong, with fan dress-ups, dancing, theater activations, light-up wristbands and premium-format showings contributing to the event feel.

Elsewhere, Universal’s ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ added $57.9 million in its fourth global weekend, lifting its worldwide total to $831.4 million. Japan opened at No. 1 with $9.8 million.

Amazon MGM’s ‘Project Hail Mary’ crossed $613.3 million worldwide after a $25.4 million sixth weekend, while Warner Bros./New Line’s ‘The Mummy’ reached $65.5 million worldwide after an $18 million second global weekend.

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