'This Is It' has $2.2M U.S. debut

The film shows pop icon Michael Jackson in the weeks before he died rehearsing for a series of planned London concerts that never happened. Jackson's death June 25 at the age of 50 was labeled a homicide, but the circumstances are still under investigation. The concerts were to have started in July.

"This Is It" officially opened around the world Wednesday for what is to be a two-week engagement. Its director Kenny Ortega said the movie may possibly remain in theaters longer if there is the demand for it.

Variety said the documentary earned about $2.2 million at the domestic box office its second day of release, as well.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.