The simultaneous release of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer has sparked a phenomenon that has spread from TikTok to Hollywood premieres. Both celebrities and ordinary film enthusiasts are eager to experience this unconventional double bill. Today, AMC confirmed in a press release that over 20,000 people have already bought tickets for both films.
Oppenheimer, starring Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., and Emily Blunt, is an intense, three-hour drama about the American theoretical physicist who played a key role in the development of the atomic bombs that ended World War II. On the other hand, Barbie, featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, is a whimsical, hilarious fantasy comedy revolving around Barbie and Ken as they embark on a self-aware, eccentric adventure in the real world from their home in Barbie-Land. Despite their stark differences, both films have captured public attention.
The term ‘Barbenheimer’, a mashup of Barbie and Oppenheimer, has been trending on social media as fans anticipate seeing both films in one day. Among them is Tom Cruise, star of the concurrently running Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, who plans to see Oppenheimer in the afternoon and Barbie in the evening. Cruise, alongside his director Christopher McQuarrie, has also participated in a campaign for Cineworld in the UK, encouraging fans to watch both films and also Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Endorsing this trend, Oppenheimer’s star Murphy suggested, “My advice would be for people to go see both, on the same day. If they are good films, then that’s cinema’s gain.”
Image via Warner Bros.
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AMC Thrilled by ‘Barbenheimer’ Phenomenon
“The fact that more than 20,000 film enthusiasts have committed to watching Barbie and Oppenheimer on the same day indicates that the digital chatter around these two phenomenal films is driving ticket sales,” says Elizabeth Frank, executive VP of worldwide programming and chief content officer at AMC Theatres. “And it’s just the start, with 10 days to go until the films release, we’re seeing a 33% increase in customers choosing their own double feature with Barbie and Oppenheimer since Friday. We are excited by this growing trend.”
Early projections suggest that Barbie will initially outperform Oppenheimer in ticket sales. Paradoxically, Oppenheimer is predicted to have a more prolonged run at the box office, suggesting that Barbie’s ticket sales might peak early. In the meantime, the high-budget Mission: Impossible could seize the top spot in domestic box office charts the weekend prior, given its nine-day head start over Barbie and Oppenheimer.
Barbie and Oppenheimer are scheduled to release on July 21.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about cinematic trend
How many people have purchased tickets for the ‘Barbenheimer’ double bill?
Over 20,000 customers have already purchased tickets for the double bill of Barbie and Oppenheimer, according to AMC.
What are the movies Barbie and Oppenheimer about?
Oppenheimer is a super intense and gritty drama about the American theoretical physicist involved in creating atomic bombs during World War II. Barbie, on the other hand, is a wild and hilarious fantasy comedy following Barbie and Ken on a meta adventure of self-discovery.
What is the term ‘Barbenheimer’ used for?
The term ‘Barbenheimer’ is a portmanteau used on social media to refer to the combination of Barbie and Oppenheimer, representing the trend of watching both films in a double feature.
Who has endorsed the idea of seeing both films on the same day?
Tom Cruise, the star of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, has expressed his intention to watch Oppenheimer in the afternoon and Barbie in the evening. Cillian Murphy, one of the stars of Oppenheimer, also encourages viewers to see both films on the same day.
How does AMC feel about the response to the ‘Barbenheimer’ double bill?
AMC is thrilled by the response and the growing online conversation surrounding the double bill. They see the over 20,000 ticket sales as a positive sign and anticipate further momentum as the films approach their release dates.
When will Barbie and Oppenheimer be released?
Both films are set to be released on July 21.
More about cinematic trend
- AMC Theatres
- Barbie Official Website
- Oppenheimer Film – IMDb
- Tom Cruise – IMDb
- Cillian Murphy – IMDb
3 comments
this trend is amazin! love the mashup of barbie and oppenheimer. gotta give props to AMC for gettin in on the action. cant wait to see these movis and have a doubl bill experince. gonna be epic!
the buzz around the barbenheimer double featur is insan! so cool that even big names like tom cruise and cillian murphy are gettin in on it. def gonna see both movis, they sound like must-watchs. july 21 cant come soon enough!
wow! 20k people alredy bought tickets for the “Barbenheimer” double featur?! amaizing! I cant wait to see both movis! barbie and oppenheimer sounds so diffrent but so cool! gonna be a wild time at the thetre!