The new biopic “Michael” delves into the complex life of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, with a particular focus on his deep love for animals. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as Michael, showcases several of Jackson’s beloved pets from his time at the Encino family estate, including a llama, giraffe, a python, and his most famous companion, the chimpanzee Bubbles. The movie introduces Bubbles’ arrival to Michael, much to the initial dismay of his mother, Katherine Jackson (Nia Long), who questioned keeping a wild animal in a suburban home.

To portray these animals, director Antoine Fuqua exclusively utilized CGI technology for Bubbles, the llama, giraffe, and python, rather than real animals. This decision was made in consultation with PETA, as confirmed by Lionsgate in a statement to Variety. Lionsgate emphasized that while the portrayal is based on historical fact, it is not an endorsement of keeping chimpanzees as pets. The statement also noted that the real Bubbles has been living a peaceful life at the Center for Great Apes sanctuary for over 20 years.

Michael Jackson rescued Bubbles in the 1980s from a research facility in Texas. The chimpanzee famously accompanied Jackson on tour, attended his lawyer John Branca’s wedding, and even sipped tea with government officials in Japan in 1987. Bubbles later moved to Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, where he reportedly slept in a crib in Jackson’s bedroom. As Bubbles grew larger and more aggressive, he was sent to an animal trainer. Today, Bubbles is 43 years old and has resided at the Center for Great Apes sanctuary in Wauchula, Florida, since 2005. The Jackson estate continues to provide financial support for Bubbles’ care, and according to founding director Patti Ragan, Jackson was planning to visit Bubbles shortly before his death in 2009. Bubbles, now weighing about 170 pounds, lives with a group of five other chimps, including Oopsy, a 52-year-old chimp who was an understudy on the late 1970s sitcom “B.J. and The Bear.” As an elderly primate, Bubbles spends much of his time napping but is good with youngsters and enjoys fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and playing with Velcro backpacks.

Despite critical reviews, which largely criticized its hagiographic depiction of the King of Pop's early life and omission of child-abuse allegations, the “Michael” biopic has shattered box office projections in its debut weekend. The film generated $40 million domestically on opening day and is eyeing a record-breaking $90 million-plus opening weekend haul, significantly surpassing the opening numbers of “Bohemian Rhapsody” ($51 million) and “Straight Outta Compton” ($60 million). With a reported budget of $200 million, the film has a potential path to $1 billion worldwide, especially if Lionsgate follows the strategy of releasing sing-along versions. Production for a follow-up feature is already underway, with 30% of the first film's footage reportedly edited and available for part two. Audiences have clearly prioritized the impact of Jackson’s music and legacy over the controversial aspects of his life.