Michael’s box office numbers surged again as the film reclaimed the No. 1 spot in North America after trailing The Devil Wears Prada 2 for two weeks. The Lionsgate release earned $26.1 million over the weekend, taking its worldwide total to $703.9 million and strengthening its position among the biggest musical biopics ever released.
After two weeks trailing “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” reclaimed the No. 1 spot at the North American box office with $26.1 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday.
The Lionsgate movie is in rarefied territory, having brought in $703.9 million worldwide and counting. It still has a way to go to surpass the current reigning champion of musical biopics: “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The Queen movie grossed over $910.8 million worldwide.
;The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Earns $18 Million
There were also several newcomers in the mix this weekend, including the relationship horror movie “Obsession,” the Guy Ritchie action pic “In the Grey” and the revenge saga “Is God Is,” but the holdovers continued to draw the largest crowds. The power dynamics are poised to shift when “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” hits theaters this weekend.
Disney and 20th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2” took second place in its third weekend with $18 million, bringing its domestic total to $175.9 million and worldwide earnings to $546.2 million.
‘Obsession’ Beats Expectations With $16.1M Debut
A freaky tale of a young man whose wish to be with his childhood crush comes true, Obsession topped the newcomers, exceeding expectations with an estimated $16.1 million from 2,615 theatres. YouTube breakout Curry Barker written and directed thriller made heads turn with its diabolical story and execution . The film received positive reviews from both critics (94% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences (A- CinemaScore). Perhaps more notable is that Barker made the film for $750,000. Focus Features acquired it out of the Toronto International Film Festival last fall for around $15 million.
Lisa Bunnell, president of domestic distribution for Focus Features, attributed some of “Obsession’s” success to audiences craving fresh, original voices at the movies. It’s also getting an infusion by word-of-mouth, with younger audiences making plans to go back with friends. Horror movies don’t often get CinemaScores in the A- range, but “Obsession” is in good company with another recent hit: “Weapons.”
“I’m expecting a really strong holdover,” Bunnell said.
‘Mortal Kombat II’ Earns $101M Globally
Fourth place at the box office this weekend went to “Mortal Kombat II,” which fell 65% in its second weekend to $13.4 million in domestic ticket sales. Globally, it has made $101.2 million from 80 markets.
Amazon MGM Studios had three movies in the top 10, including “The Sheep Detectives” in fifth place, “Project Hail Mary” in seventh place and “Is God Is” rounding out the top 10.
Amazon MGM Studios had three movies in the top 10, including “The Sheep Detectives” in fifth place, “Project Hail Mary” in seventh place and “Is God Is” rounding out the top 10.
“The Sheep Detectives” enjoyed a slim 33% drop from its first weekend, taking in an additional $10.2 million and bringing its running total to $30.5 million. “Project Hail Mary,” which is now available to rent or buy at home, brought in another $3.4 million in its ninth weekend in theaters. “Is God Is,” Aleshea Harris’s adaptation of her Obie-winning play about twin sisters ( Kara Young and Mallori Johnson ) on a quest to find and kill their abusive father made $2.2 million in its first weekend in theaters. It has a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Meanwhile, the action caper “In the Grey,” released by Black Bear, made $3 million from 2,018 locations. Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal and Eiza González star in the film about a team of elite operatives on an impossible mission. It currently carries a 44% on Rotten Tomatoes and a B CinemaScore.
There were also several high-profile re-releases in theaters this weekend, including “Top Gun” which made $3.1 million, and “Shrek” which earned $1.3 million.
Top 10 movies by domestic box office
With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:
1. “Michael,” $26.1 million.
2. “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” $18 million.
3. “Obsession,” $16.1 million.
4. “Mortal Kombat II,” $13.4 million.
5. “The Sheep Detectives,” $9.3 million.
6. “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” $4.5 million.
7. “Project Hail Mary,” $3.9 million.
8. “Top Gun” 40th Anniversary, $3.1 million.
9. “In the Grey,” $3 million.
10. “Is God Is,” $2.2 million.
