NEW YORK (AP) — Waves of moviegoers dressed in pink entered theaters on the exciting first day of “Barbenheimer.” After a frenzy of memes and anticipation, the highly anticipated movie duo of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” made their debut.
Lucy Ruiz, a 17-year-old attendee, expressed, “I think it’s the contrast… If you want to do both in the same day, it’s like two sides of the same coin.” Although she could only watch “Barbie” on that day, many are eager to see both films during opening weekend. The National Association of Theater Owners reported that approximately 200,000 people in North America have purchased same-day tickets for both movies.
As of Friday, it became evident that “Barbenheimer” had become the biggest movie event of the year. Greta Gerwig’s satirical take on the iconic doll and Christopher Nolan’s film about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, were not competing for ticket sales but rather amplifying the excitement for this unique and colorful movie weekend.
Initial estimates projected an $80 million opening weekend for “Barbie” and around $40 million for “Oppenheimer.” However, both films are expected to surpass those predictions significantly. Warner Bros. announced that “Barbie” collected $22.5 million from Thursday previews, making it the highest preview ticket sales of the year. Universal Pictures’ “Oppenheimer” also had a strong start with $10.5 million in preshow ticket sales.
“Barbenheimer” is likely to dominate the box office. It provides a much-needed boost of excitement for the movie industry, which is still recovering from the pandemic and experiencing slower sales compared to 2019.
While internet hype played a significant role in the success of “Barbenheimer,” it is also a reflection of the quality work by two exceptional filmmakers. Both movies have received critical acclaim, with “Oppenheimer” being hailed as a masterpiece and “Barbie” described as visually stunning and clever.
For many moviegoers, “Barbenheimer” offers a nostalgic return to the tradition of watching double features. Jack Robinson, a 17-year-old attendee, shared his excitement, saying, “It’ll be interesting to not leave the movie theater. Usually, it’s like bathroom and go home.”
In recent years, theater owners have expressed concerns about the lack of diverse films available as streaming platforms gained popularity. However, “Barbenheimer” proves that having a selection of different films can drive box office success.
The movie phenomenon has united a divided America, appealing to a wide range of audience demographics. Although “Barbie” primarily targets a younger, female audience, “Oppenheimer” is more popular among older males. Parrot Analytics reported that global demand for both films’ casts grew at a similar rate, showing the widespread interest in both movies.
Movie theaters have embraced the “Barbenheimer” trend by offering double feature tickets and themed promotions. This unique movie weekend has generated a level of excitement and playfulness rarely seen with mainstream cinema.
Despite their differences, “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” have merged into a single cultural event. At the Yonkers Alamo Drafthouse, a man dressed in a pink shirt beneath a blazer inquired about showtimes for “Oppenheimer.” The theater clerk, observing his attire, politely asked if he wanted to know the showtimes for “Barbie” as well.
Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP