Warner Bros.' summer blockbuster film Barbie has achieved another significant milestone, surpassing The Dark Knight to become the studio's highest grossing domestic release. The film, which features a star-studded cast including Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and Will Ferrell, has earned a staggering $537.4 million domestically since its mid-July release. This surpasses The Dark Knight's previous record of $533.7 million.
Barbie's success is further highlighted by its position among Warner Bros.' top five highest grossing domestic releases. Following The Dark Knight, the other films on the list are The Dark Knight Rises, Wonder Woman, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
Looking ahead, Barbie is expected to become the highest grossing film of the year, surpassing The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The latter earned over $1.3 billion during its global theatrical run earlier this year, according to Box Office Mojo.
Internationally, Barbie has grossed an impressive $1.19 billion since its release, solidifying its global appeal and popularity. However, it is worth noting that this figure includes the film's entire international run, not just its performance in the domestic market.
In related news, Variety reported that Barbie will be digitally released on September 5, allowing viewers to enjoy the film from the comfort of their own homes.
Barbie's success at the box office is a testament to its widespread anticipation and appeal. Directed by Greta Gerwig, the live-action film tells the story of the iconic Mattel dolls, Barbie and Ken. With its all-star cast and a pop soundtrack produced by Mark Ronson, the film has captivated audiences since its premiere. Interestingly, Barbie's release coincided with Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, resulting in some moviegoers enjoying a double feature of both films.
Overall, Barbie's record-breaking performance at the box office is a notable achievement for Warner Bros. and the film industry. It has not only surpassed previous records but has also garnered attention as the highest-grossing film directed by a woman, with Greta Gerwig's success surpassing that of Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck's Frozen II.