The biopic on the late American “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, has delivered a massive global debut, earning about $217.3 million worldwide in its opening weekend and outperforming previous music biopics.

The film “Michael,” showing in North America (United States and Canada), contributed $97 million, representing 44.6 per cent of total earnings.

International markets, including France and the United Kingdom, accounted for larger earnings of about $10 million and $15 million respectively.

“Michael” premiered in Berlin on April 10, before opening in cinemas in the United Kingdom and Nigeria on April 22, followed by its release in the United States on April 24.

The film, produced by Lionsgate in collaboration with the Jackson estate, was released across multiple countries, with Universal Pictures overseeing distribution in most international markets.

Adam Fogelson, chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said the film’s strong performance had been anticipated based on early audience interest.

“From the beginning, all of the signals were that something like this was possible. We were seeing massive engagement with every conceivable audience segment that you could identify,” he said.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “Michael” portrays the life and career of the pop icon, from his childhood in the Jackson 5 to his rise as one of the most influential figures in music history.

The lead role is played by Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s nephew. Ahead of the film’s release, he said he “really had to earn and prove to the filmmakers, myself and my family that I can pull it off.”

The film features a supporting cast portraying members of the Jackson family and key figures who influenced his journey.