The Michael Jackson biopic has shattered box office records, surpassing Christopher Nolan's Oscar-winning Oppenheimer to become the highest-grossing biopic of all time.
The film has raked in $977.4 million after its release in Japan, and it's likely to reach the $1 billion mark, making it the first billion-dollar biopic.
Industry experts praise the film's success as a testament to the enduring power of shared big-screen experiences in the age of streaming.
However, critics argue that the film's triumph is not a victory for exceptional filmmaking, citing its low critics' score of 38% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film's reliance on the King of Pop's built-in fanbase has led some to question the quality of the movie, with some critics labeling it a "daytime TV movie" that lacks depth and nuance.
Biopics are often seen as a cheat in the film industry, as they rely on the fame of their subjects rather than original storytelling.
While some biopics, such as Rocketman and Better Man, have been praised for their creativity and imagination, others, like Bohemian Rhapsody, have been criticized for their lack of depth and authenticity.
Nolan's Oppenheimer is a notable exception, as the director's unique vision and approach set it apart from more conventional biopics.
The Michael Jackson biopic's success is likely to lead to more biopics in the future, with some critics warning that the genre has become lazy and unimaginative.
The film's reliance on the King of Pop's music and fanbase has also led to concerns that it may not address the controversy surrounding Jackson's life and legacy.
A sequel to the film has already been confirmed, with Lionsgate's motion picture chair Adam Fogelson stating that the studio has 25 to 30% of a second movie already shot.
The sequel will likely cover the rest of Jackson's life, including the real-life controversies he was at the heart of.
As a critic, the biggest box office hitters that bring joy are often original films that take risks and push boundaries, such as Sinners and Marty Supreme.
With the success of horror films like Obsession and Backrooms, there is hope that the industry will continue to prioritize originality and creativity over formulaic biopics.
