The new “Barbie” movie, starring Margot Robbie as the iconic doll, broke records over the weekend by earning an estimated $155 million in domestic theaters. This makes it the biggest domestic opening of 2023, according to Warner Bros., the distributor of the film.
In a cinema battle dubbed “Barbenheimer,” director Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” a film about the making of the atomic bomb, surpassed expectations by earning $80.5 million in domestic theaters.
These impressive box office numbers provided a much-needed boost to studios and theaters, which have been experiencing a disappointing summer so far. Despite having a larger number of films available, ticket sales have remained below last year’s levels.
The simultaneous release of two highly anticipated but completely different movies, “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” created a frenzy in theaters, generating a lot of excitement among moviegoers.
Directed by Greta Gerwig, known for her work on “Little Women,” “Barbie” offers a fresh take on the iconic doll that has been around for 60 years. Its $155 million debut surpassed the previous record set by “The Super Mario Bros.” in April, making it the highest domestic opening ever for a film directed by a woman.
To fuel the frenzy, Mattel, the company behind Barbie, launched an extensive global marketing campaign. This included illuminating London landmarks in pink and collaborating on various Barbie-themed products, from fashion to an Xbox console.
Fans of the movie showed their enthusiasm by wearing pink outfits to screenings, while theaters offered pink cocktails and glittery popcorn, adding to the overall excitement surrounding “Barbie.”
On the other hand, “Oppenheimer” is a drama that stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American scientist responsible for developing the atomic bomb. The film has received rave reviews and is expected to be a strong contender in the upcoming Academy Awards race.
In addition to its domestic success, “Oppenheimer” also performed well in international markets, earning $93.7 million. This brings its global total to $174.2 million, according to Universal Pictures, the film’s distributor.
In conclusion, the new “Barbie” movie and “Oppenheimer” have made a significant impact at the box office, providing a much-needed boost to the film industry. Both films have garnered attention and excitement from audiences, setting records and receiving positive reviews.
