28/04/2026
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28/04/2026
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Kuwaiti artist Bashar Al-Jazzaf
KUWAIT CITY, April 28: In the Middle East, audiences are quick to latch onto any trend, and many celebrities and stars rush to be the first to adopt it, seemingly indifferent to the frenzy that sweeps social media platforms and intensifies the competition.
In line with the popular saying, “Go with the flow,” social media platforms have been buzzing with a ‘fresh’ trend — recreating dance clips from the new film “Michael,” which topped the box office, generated millions in revenue, and approached the billion-dollar mark within just one week of its theatrical release.
Stars and celebrities have appeared on social media, dressed in elaborate outfits and adopting a style reminiscent of the pop icon.
A number of artists and public figures used social media platforms to record and share these short clips, triggering a wide spectrum of reactions from the public, including support, bullying and outright rejection.
Some encountered severe criticism, often in the form of bullying and mockery, as it happened with Egyptian actress Asmaa Galal. She was subjected to consecutive waves of ridicule, yet she handled the situation with notable composure, avoiding confrontation with her critics. Instead, she welcomed the reactions, engaged with them, and responded with humor.
Meanwhile, Kuwaiti artist Bashar Al-Jazzaf received a stream of humorous comments—both supportive and critical—after sharing a video of himself imitating the pop star.
Al-Jazzaf, despite his full figure, appeared light and witty as he mimicked Jackson’s iconic dance moves. He refused to be drawn into disputes or arguments, choosing instead to simply observe the comments.
A video clip of Emirati artist Abdullah Belkhair, taken from one of his music videos, also circulated widely, showing him performing in the style of the pop star through both singing and dancing. The ‘Michael Jackson imitation’ trend continues to gain momentum at the time of writing.
On the other hand, the Michael Jackson biopic opened strongly, securing the top spot at the box office. It is expected to surpass $90 million in weekend revenue, having already generated $39.9 million.
From its first day of release on Friday in the United States, the film’s success was clear, bolstered by $12.6 million earned during pre-release screenings on Wednesday and Thursday.
The biopic grossed around $314 million worldwide during its opening weekend, with projections suggesting it will exceed these figures within its first week.
The film has already drawn comparisons to “Straight Outta Compton,” which holds the record for the highest-grossing opening weekend for a musical biopic in American history, earning $60.2 million in 2015.
Forecasts indicate it could surpass $700 million in total revenue.
Reports estimate the film’s production budget at between $150 million and $200 million, putting it among the most expensive musical biopics ever produced.
The film traces Michael Jackson’s journey from a challenging childhood to the heights of global fame, highlighting both the human and artistic dimensions of one of the most iconic musical figures.
Set in the 1960s, it portrays Michael Jackson as a gifted child within the Jackson 5, the group founded by his father, in which he underwent strict and demanding training. This discipline, imposed from an early age, shaped his personality while depriving him of a typical childhood.
The film depicts the band’s rise to success and their signing with Motown Records, marking the beginning of their ascent to fame, as the family’s life transformed from modest beginnings to widespread stardom throughout the United States.
At the same time, it underscores how producers quickly recognized the extraordinary talent of Michael and his potential to pursue a solo career.
Michael launched his solo career with the album “Off the Wall” in the late 1970s, before reaching unprecedented heights with the record-breaking album “Thriller.”
The film provides a behind-the-scenes perspective on this success, showcasing his artistic innovations in dance and music videos, as well as his relentless pursuit of excellence despite the psychological struggles tied to his relationship with his father and his own self-image.
By Falah Al-Enezi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
