Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” regains No. 1, pushing “The Devil Wears Prada 2” to second place

(SeaPRwire) –   After spending two weeks in second place, Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” regained the top spot at the North American box office with $26.1 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates released on Sunday.

Lionsgate’s film has achieved remarkable success, earning $703.9 million worldwide and continuing to grow. However, it still trails behind the current record holder among music biopics, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which grossed over $910.8 million globally.

This weekend also saw several new releases, including relationship horror film “Obsession,” Guy Ritchie’s action movie “In the Grey,” and revenge drama “Is God Is.” Yet returning films continued to attract the largest audiences. A major shift may occur next weekend when Disney and 20th Century Studios release “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

Disney and 20th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2” claimed second place in its third weekend with $18 million, bringing its domestic total to $175.9 million and global earnings to $546.2 million.

“Obsession” led among new releases by exceeding expectations with an estimated $16.1 million from 2,615 theaters. YouTube breakout Curry Barker wrote and directed this thriller about a hopeless romantic who receives more than he expected when his crush returns his affections. The film garnered positive reviews from both critics (94% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences (A- CinemaScore). Notably, Barker produced the film for just $750,000 before Focus Features acquired it out of the Toronto International Film Festival last fall for approximately $15 million.

Lisa Bunnell, president of domestic distribution for Focus Features, attributed part of “Obsession’s” success to audiences seeking fresh, original voices in cinema. The film is also benefiting from word-of-mouth promotion, particularly as younger viewers plan repeat viewings with friends. Horror films rarely achieve A- CinemaScores, but “Obsession” joins the ranks of recent hit “Weapons.”

“I’m expecting a really strong holdover,” Bunnell commented.

In fourth place this weekend was “Mortal Kombat II,” which dropped 65% in its second weekend to earn $13.4 million in domestic ticket sales. Globally, it has accumulated $101.2 million across 80 markets.

Amazon MGM Studios had three films in the top ten, including “The Sheep Detectives” in fifth place, “Project Hail Mary” in seventh, and “Is God Is” completing the top ten.

“The Sheep Detectives” experienced only a 33% decline from its opening weekend, earning an additional $10.2 million and bringing its running total to $30.5 million. “Project Hail Mary,” now available for rental or purchase at home, brought in another $3.4 million during 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 locate and eliminate their abusive father, earned $2.2 million in its debut weekend in theaters. It holds a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The action caper “In the Grey,” distributed by Black Bear, made $3 million from 2,018 locations. Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza González star in this film about elite operatives undertaking an impossible mission. It currently holds a 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a B CinemaScore.

This weekend also featured several high-profile re-releases, including “Top Gun” which earned $3.1 million and “Shrek” which brought in $1.3 million.

Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends for Comscore, observed that the presence of “Prada,” “Michael,” and “Top Gun” all in the top ten demonstrates “nostalgia is on full display.”

“What’s old is new again and audiences clearly love it,” he stated.

Top 10 movies by domestic box office

With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list incorporates estimated ticket sales from 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.