After being overshadowed by “The Devil Wears Prada 2” for the past two weeks, the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” surged back to the top of the North American box office, raking in an impressive $26.1 million over the weekend, as per studio estimates on Sunday.
Produced by Lionsgate, the film has achieved a remarkable milestone, amassing $703.9 million globally. However, it still trails behind the reigning musical biopic champion, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which has grossed over $910.8 million worldwide.
This weekend saw several new films entering the fray, including the horror romance “Obsession,” Guy Ritchie’s action-packed “In the Grey,” and the vengeance-driven “Is God Is.” However, established films continued to dominate the box office. A shift in dynamics is anticipated with the upcoming release of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” next weekend.
In its third weekend, Disney and 20th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2” secured second place, earning $18 million and bringing its domestic total to $175.9 million, with worldwide earnings reaching $546.2 million.
Among the new releases, “Obsession” led the charge, surpassing expectations with a $16.1 million debut across 2,615 theaters. Written and directed by YouTube sensation Curry Barker, the thriller follows a romantic who encounters unexpected consequences when his affections are returned. Garnering a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore, the film impressed both critics and audiences. Notably, Barker produced the film on a $750,000 budget, and it was acquired by Focus Features at the Toronto International Film Festival last fall for approximately $15 million.
This weekend, “Mortal Kombat II” slipped to fourth place, experiencing a 65% drop in its second weekend with $13.4 million in domestic sales. Internationally, the film has accumulated $101.2 million across 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.
“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.
