This weekend, moviegoers are in for a treat as two highly anticipated films hit the box office. Warner Bros.' "Barbie" and Universal's "Oppenheimer" may seem like an odd pairing, but audiences have shown excitement for both films. "Barbie" follows the iconic doll as she ventures into the real world, while "Oppenheimer" delves into the story of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb.
"Barbie" is expected to be the frontrunner, with projected domestic ticket sales of at least $90 million and the potential to reach $140 million. On the other hand, "Oppenheimer" is predicted to bring in between $40 million and $60 million. Combined, these two films could generate $200 million in their opening weekend, making it the highest-grossing weekend of the year so far.
Major movie chains have reported strong ticket sales for both films, with additional showings added to meet demand. Thousands of AMC Theatre loyalty program members have purchased tickets to see both films on the same day, and it is estimated that over 200,000 moviegoers will attend same-day viewings of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer."
The appeal of these films stems from the celebrated filmmakers behind them. Greta Gerwig, known for her films centered on women and featuring strong emotional cores, takes on the iconic Barbie doll. Christopher Nolan, renowned for his complex storytelling and spectacular visuals, directs "Oppenheimer." Nolan's film is expected to dominate premium format showings, including IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and ScreenX.
These highly anticipated films arrive at the box office following a string of underperforming adult-aimed blockbusters. However, "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" are not expected to suffer from a lack of publicity. Both films had extensive marketing campaigns and the casts were able to participate in film premieres before the recent strike.
Overall, the release of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" is generating significant buzz and excitement among moviegoers. With their distinct premises and celebrated filmmakers, these films are poised to have a successful weekend at the box office.