Warner Bros’ blockbuster movie Barbie continues to reign supreme at the box office in its second weekend, while Oppenheimer follows closely behind. It seems ‘Barbenheimer’ has captured the attention of audiences amidst ongoing challenges in the film industry.
Weekend Box Office: ‘Barbenheimer’ fever escalates
Director Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Barbie has proven to be a massive success, ranking as the year’s top movie and achieving the highest-grossing opening weekend for a film directed by a woman.
The film, starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, has garnered widespread acclaim and substantial box office returns.
Outstanding Box Office Figures
According to media analytics firm Comscore, Barbie is estimated to have earned an impressive $93 million in ticket sales during the weekend, firmly securing its place at the top of the box office.
The film’s total domestic earnings in the US and Canada since its 21 July 2023 release amount to over $351 million, with a staggering $775 million in global earnings.
‘Oppenheimer’ Emerges as Strong Contender
Director Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer tells the compelling story of physicist J Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb.
The film’s gripping narrative has resonated with audiences, leading to substantial ticket sales.
A Phenomenal Second Weekend for ‘Oppenheimer’
Comscore reports that Oppenheimer earned an estimated $46.2 million during its second weekend, solidifying its position as a major contender in the box office race.
With a total of $174 million in the U.S. and Canada and $400 million worldwide, the film has achieved remarkable success.
The ‘Barbenheimer’ Phenomenon
The simultaneous success of Barbie and Oppenheimer has drawn attention as both films continue to dominate the box office.
The duo’s combined sales have been labelled Barbenheimer, highlighting the rare occurrence of two blockbuster films opening on the same weekend.
The success of Barbie and Oppenheimer comes at a crucial time for the film industry, however.
Hollywood is currently grappling with challenges caused by the Writers’ Guild of America’s ongoing strike over pay since May 2023 and the recent strike by SAG-AFTRA, which represents artists and actors, including A-list stars like Margot Robbie.
