“Michael” has moonwalked back to No. 1 at the domestic box office, earning a strong $26 million in its fourth weekend of release.
In a sign of its remarkable staying power, “Michael” towered over several more recent releases, such as “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “Mortal Kombat II” as well as newcomers like the Focus Features horror film “Obsession,” Amazon MGM’s thriller “Is God Is” and Black Bear’s action adventure “In the Grey.”
So far, the Michael Jackson biopic has generated $283 million in North America and more than $650 million globally. It already ranks as the highest-grossing musical biopic in North America, outpacing 2018’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” ($216 million). The Queen biopic is larger at the worldwide box office with $911 million, though “Michael” could eventually supplant that record, too.
Second place went to “The Devil Wears Prada 2” with $18 million from 3,830 venues in its third weekend of release. The star-studded sequel has generated $546.2 million in global ticket sales, including $175.9 million in North America and a massive $370 million internationally.
“Obsession” enjoyed the strongest start among new releases, landing in third place with $16 million from 2,615 theaters. Audiences and critics were enthusiastic, awarding the film an “A-” grade on CinemaScore exit polls and a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes — which bodes well for box office longevity. Opening weekend crowds were 59% male while 40% were between 25 and 34 years old. YouTube breakout and first-time director Curry Barker directed “Obsession,” which follows a hopeless romantic who makes a twisted Faustian bargain to win his crush’s heart. Focus acquired the R-rated thriller out of Toronto Film Festival for $14 million.
“In the Grey,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Henry Cavill and Eiza González, opened at No. 9 with a muted $3 million from 2,018 locations. Guy Ritchie directed the movie, which has lousy reviews (46% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a tepid audience reaction (“B” grade on CinemaScore).
Not far behind, “Is God Is” debuted in 10th place with $2.2 million from 1,510 theaters, a smaller footprint from other new releases.
More to come…
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