Michael” is rocking the box office with $12.6 million in North American previews. That’s the biggest preview haul of the year, above March’s “Project Hail Mary” ($12 million) and February’s “Scream 7” ($7.

The Michael Jackson biopic Michael is projected to earn more than $85 million in its opening weekend at the domestic box office, which is far more than originally anticipated.

The first numbers for Lionsgate’s Michael are in and it’s shaping up to be a $35M-$40M Friday, which includes those $12.6M previews. The Friday through Sunday range is $85M-$95M, and there’s a path to higher,

Michael” is starting strong at international box office, generating $18.5 million on opening day. Those ticket sales include $16.6 million on Wednesday and $1.9 million in Tuesday’s previews. Lionsgate’s musical biopic about the rise of Michael Jackson debuts in North America and 82 overseas markets on Friday.

Lionsgate's Michael Jackson film is set to challenge "Oppenheimer" for the all-time biopic opening weekend record

Michael including its $12.6M stateside previews now counts a running total of $44.3M for the $200M feature production. Thursday via Universal added $13.2M taking the Antoine Fuqua directed Michael Jackson biopic’s offshore take to $31.

The Michael Jackson biopic will easily boast the top start ever for a music biopic, among other milestones, after winning over audiences undeterred by far-from-thrilled critics.

Michael” is rocking the box office with $12.6 million in North American previews. That’s the biggest preview haul of the year, above March’s “Project Hail Mary” ($12 million) and February’s “Scream