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Fans flock to theaters for the 'Barbenheimer' double feature

Rachel Treisman

Jeffrey Williams (left), who rented out a Barbie screening for his birthday, and Andrew Roof pose next to an Oppenheimer poster at the Regal Gallery Place in Washington, D.C., on Friday night. Rachel Treisman/NPR hide caption

Jeffrey Williams (left), who rented out a Barbie screening for his birthday, and Andrew Roof pose next to an Oppenheimer poster at the Regal Gallery Place in Washington, D.C., on Friday night.

The two big movies hitting theaters this weekend couldn't be more different.

There's Oppenheimer , Christopher Nolan's sprawling biographical thriller about the man known as the father of the atomic bomb, which the director has said will leave viewers "absolutely devastated." And there's Greta Gerwig's Barbie , a fantasy comedy with original songs and enough pink paint to prompt a real-life shortage .

Together, they form Barbenheimer. Or is it Oppenbarbie? Boppenheimer?

Movie Reviews

Go see 'barbie' and 'oppenheimer' in theaters — doubleheader or not is your call.

Whatever you call it, it's blown up into a cultural juggernaut.

Warner Bros. and Mattel unleashed a powerful Barbie marketing blitz , with over 100 official brand collaborations . Retailers and restaurants have followed suit, offering their own twist on " Barbiecore ."

And while Oppenheimer has taken a more subdued approach, all the hype appears to have given both movies a boost.

For weeks people have been making memes and merchandise celebrating the mashup, effectively transforming a box-office battle into an unlikely double feature.

And it seems many people are actually committing to the bit: The National Association of Theatre Owners projects that more than 200,000 moviegoers will attend same-day viewings of both movies across North America this weekend.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

A 'barbie' v. 'oppenheimer' game.

"This weekend has captured the cultural imagination in an unprecedented way," association President and CEO Michael O'Leary, told NPR in a statement. "People ... are flocking to the theatres in groups, with family, friends, neighbors, to celebrate two different, but amazing motion pictures."

Sixteen percent of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema chain's guests have bought tickets to both films, a spokesperson for the chain, which has 39 locations, told NPR in an email Friday. Roughly two-thirds of those seeing both are starting with Oppenheimer , the spokesperson said.

NPR spoke to more than a half-dozen people at a Washington, D.C., movie theater who were there to see one or both movies Friday night. Several of them doing the double feature — either on the same day or back-to-back nights — said they were in it largely for the experience.

Mishaela Robison, who saw Barbie on Thursday, was back at the theater with two friends the next night to watch Oppenheimer and then Barbie again. They said they had decided earlier in the day to double on Barbie because they had loved it so much, and because they'd bought a movie subscription pass months ago to lower the cost.

They agreed they probably wouldn't be seeing the former — at least on opening weekend — if not for the latter.

"I wouldn't see Oppenheimer , but I would see Barbenheimer," Robison said.

What's the deal with these movies?

Both movies come from directors with devoted fanbases, feature ensemble casts and grapple with existential dread — to varying degrees.

Oppenheimer tells the story of American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer (played by Peaky Blinders ' Cillian Murphy), who directed the Los Alamos Laboratory during World War II and helped develop the country's first nuclear weapons. Nolan has described him as "the most important person who ever lived."

'Barbie' is pretty in pink — but will she also be profitable?

Upon seeing the first successful bomb test in the New Mexico desert in 1945, Oppenheimer reportedly quoted a Hindu scripture: "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds" — now available on a T-shirt in pink curlicue script, as it happens.

The three-hour epic is based on the Pulitzer-Prize winning book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Martin Sherwin and Kai Bird. It's the 12th film by Nolan, whose previous blockbusters include "The Dark Knight" trilogy, Inception and Dunkirk .

Barbie , on the other hand, follows the Mattel icon (played by Margot Robbie) as she experiences an existential crisis: "Do you guys ever think about dying?" she asks on the dance floor at one point in the trailer.

Is 'Barbie' corporate propaganda or Malibu Metacommentary™? Why not both!

She and Ken (a very committed Ryan Gosling) leave idyllic-looking Barbieland behind to explore the real world and discover "the truth about the universe."

Indie director Gerwig wrote the screenplay with her partner Noah Baumbach. This is her third film as solo director, after Lady Bird and Little Women.

The movie, which clocks in at just under two hours, amounts to both corporate propaganda and Malibu metacommentary, NPR's Aisha Harris writes .

Advertisements for Oppenheimer and Barbie are seen above the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday. Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Advertisements for Oppenheimer and Barbie are seen above the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday.

Why did they come out on the same day?

It's increasingly rare for two such high-profile movies to hit theaters on the same day.

Some think it might have to do with Nolan leaving Warner Bros. (after its controversial decision to release its 2021 movies in theaters and on its streaming service simultaneously) and make Oppenheimer with Universal instead.

Their theory is that Warner Bros. chose to release Barbie the same day out of spite. When asked about this by Insider at a recent press event, Nolan chuckled and refused to answer.

Trinity and the Birth of the Atomic Bomb

'american prometheus' authors on 'the triumph and tragedy of j. robert oppenheimer'.

Opposite blockbusters have been pitted against each other in the past, like 10 Things I Hate About You opening against The Matrix in 1999. And, in a much-discussed parallel , Nolan's The Dark Knight premiered on the same day as Mamma Mia in the summer of 2008.

Experts say releasing two different genres of movies on the same day can actually be good for business, especially if they appeal to distinct demographics.

And it certainly appears to be fueling ticket sales for both Barbie and Oppenheimer , whose target audiences may not be as segmented as some originally thought.

One Twitter user went viral back in April for suggesting that there would be little overlap. He was immediately inundated with tweets — many from women in STEM — proving otherwise.

Did the 'Barbie' movie really cause a run on pink paint? Let's get the full picture

The Barbenheimer frenzy has reached a fever pitch in the weeks since.

Viral social media memes have poked fun at everything from the movies' opposing aesthetics to viewers' requisite costume changes to the sheer volume of the hype itself.

People have started making Barbie/Oppenheimer posters featuring a massive pink mushroom cloud. And sites like Etsy and Redbubble are selling all kinds of crossover T-shirts, mixing and matching the movies' slogans and visuals.

"It's Mattel versus the Manhattan Project and BarbenHeimer," Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst for Comscore, told NPR's Mandalit del Barco . "That just means that this is going viral, and that's good news for both Barbie and Oppenheimer ."

What does an internet phenomenon look like in real life?

Deneen Nabinett and her daughters dressed up for Barbie on Friday, after seeing Oppenheimer the previous night. Rachel Treisman/NPR hide caption

Deneen Nabinett and her daughters dressed up for Barbie on Friday, after seeing Oppenheimer the previous night.

The crowd at the Regal Gallery Place in downtown D.C. was awash in hues of bright pink and glittering rhinestones on Friday night, as groups gathered in the lobby for evening showings of Barbie and, in some cases, Oppenheimer too.

Jeffrey Williams, rocking a replica of Robbie's Western-inspired outfit from the movie, was celebrating not only opening night but his 26th birthday. He had called ahead back in May to reserve a theater to screen Barbie with more than 50 friends.

"I'm just an extra human being ... if the outfit doesn't sell that enough, and so I thought it would be a fun way to celebrate," said Williams, who plans to see Oppenheimer next weekend. "I think it's probably the biggest movie cultural day in a while, so can't pass that up."

Even movie regulars said they were surprised by the size of the crowds.

Deneen Nabinett and her daughters say they come to the theater every Friday, but had to split their double feature into two nights in order to get their preferred seats. They saw Oppenheimer first on Thursday, and Nabinett said — on her way out of Barbie — that the order didn't really matter.

"Either way we wanted to see both of them, so I'm just glad it worked out," she said.

Not everyone NPR spoke with was in the midst of a double feature.

It's Been a Minute

The spectacular femininity of bimbos and 'barbie'.

Brandon Thomas said he's a fan of Nolan and has been waiting to see Oppenheimer for months — and says while he doesn't care much about Barbie, he'll probably see it eventually.

"I'm just glad people are in the theaters," he added.

And the costumes weren't only for Barbie . Robison dressed up for Oppenheimer , wearing a vintage, long-sleeved turquoise dress that she said her grandmother used to wear to work when she was around her age.

"It really reminds me of Barbie , even if it's not a Barbie fit, because it's about the ties of femininity and there's a really good line in [the movie] about mothers and daughters and the work mothers do so their daughters can see how far they've come," she explained. "And I have composed a very nice text to send her about all of this."

Robison, 24 and her friend Margaret Murphy, 23, compared Barbenheimer to another ongoing cultural phenomenon — Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, for which people have been dressing up in aesthetically similar outfits and shelling out money for Swift-themed merchandise and experiences, too.

"I feel a little bit of fomo with the Eras Tour," Murphy said. "And so getting to have my own little Eras Tour, where I got a dress for Barbie last night, and I felt like a little princess going to see Barbie, and it being so influential for my life, it felt like such a good, well-rounded moment."

Mishaela Robison and Margaret Murphy made Barbenheimer-themed friendship bracelets to give out at the theater in a nod to another cultural phenomenon, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. Rachel Treisman/NPR hide caption

Mishaela Robison and Margaret Murphy made Barbenheimer-themed friendship bracelets to give out at the theater in a nod to another cultural phenomenon, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

The two even took a page out of the Eras Tour playbook by making friendship bracelets , which Swifties have been exchanging in the crowds at concerts. But instead of referencing Swift lyrics or album titles, their beaded creations said things like "Kenergy" and "Barbenheimer."

Robison said she had been inspired by that embrace of femininity and expression of solidarity and figured they would transfer well to Barbie too — she'd been giving out bracelets at the theater.

"And hopefully it'll be a cultural moment people remember," she added. "So maybe it'll go in a museum in a hundred years."

What's the ideal viewing order?

There's been so much chatter about seeing both movies that it's even spurred a spirited online debate : Which one should you watch first?

Spending five-plus hours in a movie theater is no small commitment, and there's been a lot of discussion on how best to go about it. Do you start with Oppenheimer and some strong coffee, and finish with Barbie and a dance party? Or do you ease in with a Barbie brunch so you can drag your depleted self straight to bed when it's all over?

Coffee and face masks at 10AM Mimosas and glam 11:30AM Barbie movie 2PM Joint at 4:30PM Olive Garden 5PM Oppenheimer 7PM Applebees Happy Hour 10PM https://t.co/eWowDFZzat — Jacqueline (@jvckierios) June 24, 2023

While public opinion seems to favor ending on a lighter note, there are compelling arguments to be made for each side, as Slate reports .

Some experts have weighed in, too.

Robbie, Barbie herself, called it a "perfect double bill" at her movie's premiere last week .

"I think actually start your day with 'Barbie,' then go straight into 'Oppenheimer' and then a 'Barbie' chaser," she said.

In search of tunes for your 'Barbenheimer' pregame? Look no further

Tom Cruise, whose latest "Mission: Impossible" movie opened in theaters last week, said at his premiere that he plans to see both, likely starting with Oppenheimer . Others have endorsed his approach.

"If you see Oppenheimer last then you might be a bit of a psychopath," Barbie actor Issa Rae said.

Gerwig told The Hollywood Reporter that she also recommends treating Barbie as a palate cleanser.

"I want to have mimosas and drinks and cocktails after Barbie , I don't want to, like, sulk," she said. "That's just my plan, as long as you're seeing Barbie I don't care."

What's Hollywood saying?

Those who worked on the movies appear to be enjoying the rivalry-turned-alliance.

A picture of Gerwig and Robbie posing with their Oppenheimer theater tickets last month, for example, sent the internet into another minor frenzy.

Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie with their opening night tickets for ‘OPPENHEIMER’. pic.twitter.com/VHwFuxst6d — DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 30, 2023

"I love that there's solidarity though, where people tried to pit us against one another but now it's turned into like a double-feature situation," Gerwig told THR .

She also told USA Today that she feels "very shiny" to be associated with Oppenheimer , adding that "a rising tide lifts all boats."

Nolan told Insider that many in the industry have been longing for "a crowded marketplace with a lot of different movies."

"That's what theaters have now, and those of us who care about movies are thrilled about that," he said.

3 lessons past Hollywood strikes can teach us about the current moment

Oppenheimer actor Emily Blunt, who wore "Barbie" pink heels to her movie's premiere, similarly told USA TODAY that the other film's cast has been "so supportive" toward hers.

"It doesn't have to be competitive!" she said. "It's really cool and that's what we want: that full spectrum of what you can see in movie theaters. We love it."

An important note: Now that SAG-AFTRA is on strike, the actors are officially prohibited from promoting their movies. That's why the Oppenheimer stars walked out of the London premiere last week, and why Robbie's glamorous parade of Barbie-inspired red carpet outfits was cut short.

And don't worry, you can watch the movies without crossing the proverbial picket line.

SAG-AFTRA is not calling for a consumer boycott of movie theaters or streaming services at this time, National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland told NPR in an email.

"There may well come a time when we ask fans to send their message of support through direct economic action, but for now, we hope that they will inform themselves about our cause and share that information with their network of family, friends, and colleagues," he said.

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Tom Cruise Is a Barbie - Oppenheimer Double-Feature Evangelist

Tom Cruise is going door-to-door spreading the gospel. The Barbie and Oppenheimer double-feature gospel, that is, a church in which Matt Damon also belongs . These two big-budget summer blockbusters will debut on the same day, which leads some to pit each movie’s box-office numbers against the other or vow to see both of them in a doubleheader. Cruise is a part of the latter sect. “This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theaters,” the Mission Impossible star tweeted. “Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indy and one of the most iconic characters in history,” he wrote before adding the important bit about an atom-bomb procedural epic and an existentialist movie about a plastic doll. “I love a double feature, and it doesn’t get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie,” he finished. Cruise included pictures of himself and an executive holding movie tickets to each film mentioned. The real question, though, is the order one should view the movies. Is there a universally acknowledged sequence that one must view to get the best possible experience? Cruise doesn’t give us insight in his tweet. He needs to hurry up and make a suggestion before some brave soul tries to watch both films at the same time and ends up subconsciously associating Barbie with congressional hearings about nukes.

• why not both?
• oppenheimer

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Tom Cruise Is Doing an 'Oppenheimer' and 'Barbie' Double Feature Too: 'Doesn't Get More Explosive'

The "Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One" star shared his excitement for some of the upcoming films he wants to watch in theaters

Monica Schipper/WireImage

Tom Cruise is showing some love for his fellow filmmakers and actors!

The Hollywood icon — gearing up for the theatrical release of his own film Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One next month — took a break from his action-packed schedule to tweet about some of the summer movies he is looking forward to watching himself.

Among the films he praised were Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny , the long-awaited sequel starring Harrison Ford as the legendary adventurer (out Friday), the atomic-bomb biographical thriller Oppenheimer starring Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer and Barbie with Margot Robbie as the famous toy. The latter two films will be released on the same day: July 21.

“This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theaters,” Cruise wrote alongside photos of himself and his Dead Reckoning — Part One director Christopher McQuarrie in front of each of the films' respective posters.

"Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indy and one of the most iconic characters in history," added the actor, 60, "I love a double feature, and it doesn't get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

Cruise was recently on the red carpet in Rome for the world premiere of Dead Reckoning Part One, as previously reported by PEOPLE, praising how people of different cultures "all join together to enjoy cinema" as he gave a speech from the city's famous Spanish Steps, according to Variety .

"It’s something that I grew up with, that made me and inspired me to dream and want to travel the world," Cruise said. “My goal since I was little was to make movies and travel. And not just be a tourist, but work in that world and understand their culture."

"Through my movies, I’ve been able to have that because everyone here has allowed me to entertain them. It’s a privilege that I have never taken for granted," he continued in his speech, highlighting the importance of seeing movies in theaters. "It’s my passion to entertain you, and I will always fight for big theaters and that kind of experience for everyone.”

Cruise joined his longtime collaborator McQuarrie, 54, along with some of the stars of the film, such as Esai Morales , Simon Pegg , Frederick Schmidt, Shea Whigham , Mariela Garriga, Rebecca Ferguson , Hayley Atwell , Pom Klementieff and Vanessa Kirby .

TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty

The star complimented his collaboration with McQuarrie — who directed the last two Mission: Impossible movies and also wrote 2022's Top Gun: Maverick — during his speech, saying the director has "had a hand in every single film I’ve made over the past 16 years."

"He is my creative brother and an exceptional human being,” Cruise said.

McQuarrie and Cruise have been working together since at least 2008, when McQuarrie wrote the script for Valkyrie . He later directed Cruise for the first time in 2012’s Jack Reacher , which led to him becoming the Mission: Impossible franchise’s director starting with 2015’s Rogue Nation .

In the series’ newest entry since 2018,  Dead Reckoning Part One follows Cruise's Ethan Hunt and his IMF team racing their most perilous mission: to stop a horrifying weapon that endangers mankind before it’s too late.

Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One is in theaters July 12.

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Tom Cruise Is Seeing Both Barbie and Oppenheimer —But Which One First?

By Savannah Walsh

The somewhat clunky portmanteau that’s on every moviegoer’s lips is…“Barbenheimer,” i.e. a double feature of Greta Gerwig ’s Barbie, starring Margot Robbie, and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, starring Cillian Murphy. Seeing both movies in quick succession has been endorsed by no less an authority than Tom Cruise, who “saved Hollywood’s ass” (in the words of Steven Spielberg ) with the runaway box office success of 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick.

Got all that? Well: Just last week Cruise declared the start of summer movie season by sharing photos of himself holding movie tickets for various big-screen titles. “I love a double feature, and it doesn’t get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie ,” he wrote of the films, both of which debut on July 21.

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

Still, questions remain. In the lead-up to the dual release, many have debated the correct order in which to experience the bombshell and the atomic bomb: Does one kick-start their day by entering Barbie world first, before coming down with the less technicolor tale of Robert Oppenheimer? Or is the opposite—a dour start, then upbeat finish—the way to go? Cruise himself has now waded into this discourse, telling The Sydney Morning Herald, “I want to see both Barbie and Oppenheimer. I’ll see them opening weekend. Friday, I’ll see Oppenheimer first, and then Barbie on Saturday.”

While this is not technically a back-to-back double feature, Cruise is clearly jazzed about the theatergoing experience. “I grew up seeing movies on the big screen,” he continued. “That’s how I make them, and I like that experience; it’s immersive, and to have that as a community and an industry, it’s important. I still go the movies.”

Cruise’s summer-movie crusade has come amidst promotion for his own upcoming blockbuster, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One , which hits theaters on July 12.

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Even Tom Cruise is planning a Barbie and Oppenheimer double feature

We come to this place for magic.

Jessica is a staff writer at Entertainment Weekly, where she covers TV, movies, and pop culture. Her work has appeared in Bustle, NYLON, Cosmopolitan, InStyle, and more. She lives in California with her dog.

Tom Cruise , ex-husband of AMC ad sensation Nicole Kidman , is emboldening moviegoers to flock to the theaters this summer.

The movie star encouraged a double feature of Greta Gerwig 's Barbie and Christopher Nolan 's Oppenheimer, both in theaters July 21, in a Twitter post celebrating the riches of the summer movie season. That also includes James Mangold 's Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny , which marks Harrison Ford 's last outing as the famed archaeologist.

"This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theaters," Cruise wrote. "Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indy and one of the most iconic characters in history. I love a double feature, and it doesn't get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie ."

Cruise will also be fronting a blockbuster this summer with Mission Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One , in theaters July 12. The pressure's on, as Cruise's last summer outing, Top Gun: Maverick , grossed a staggering $1.5 billion worldwide. In the aftermath of its success, filmmaker Steven Spielberg was overheard telling Cruise that he was "saving Hollywood's ass" as the industry attempts to rebound from the pandemic.

As for the Barbie vs. Oppenheimer discourse, Matt Damon , who stars opposite Cillian Murphy in the war drama, previously encouraged a double feature , telling Vanity Fair last month, "People are allowed to go see two movies in a weekend. Oppenheimer is one of them!" As for which title his family would prefer to hit first (Damon shares four daughters with wife Luciana Barroso), he said, "I'll have to ask them that. If that's the case, they'll see two movies that weekend!"

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Margot Robbie "Accepted" Tom Cruise's Mission To Pose With Tickets To See Each Other's Film, And It’s So Perfect

"Mission: Accepted!"

BuzzFeed Staff

Margot Robbie is an Oscar nominee, blockbuster movie star, and perhaps most importantly a supportive industry colleague.

Margot has been out in full force alongside her costars and director Greta Gerwig to promote Barbie , which hits theaters on July 21.

Much has been made about Barbie and the film Oppenheimer opening on the same day. They're both packed with star-studded casts and were directed by notable filmmakers. Before Barbie , Greta directed Little Women and Lady Bird, while Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan was also behind The Dark Night and Inception , among other films.

But those aren't the only two major films opening in the next few weeks. Tom Cruise's latest film, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, opens in theaters about a week before, on July 12.

Plus, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, starring Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, premiered on Friday.

All of this has some cinephiles faced with the task of choosing what films to see over the next few weeks and in which order. Online, fans planning to see Barbie and Oppenheimer as a double feature on July 21 are referring to the event as "Barbenheimer."

As for the stars of these four blockbuster films, two leads have publicly spread the love for their colleagues. On Wednesday, Tom Cruise tweeted photos of himself and Mission Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie with tickets to their competing three films.

"This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theaters. Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indy and one of the most iconic characters in history. I love a double feature, and it doesn't get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie ," he wrote.

This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theaters. Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indy and one of the most iconic characters in history. I love a double feature, and it doesn't get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie. pic.twitter.com/udWHHj4fAe — Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) June 28, 2023

Just days later, Margot and Greta followed in Tom and Christopher's footsteps by posing with tickets to their three competing films.

"Mission: Accepted!" the Barbie Twitter account wrote alongside the photos of Margot and Greta holding tickets in front of posters for Mission Impossible, Oppenheimer, and Indiana Jones .

Mission: Accepted! pic.twitter.com/DJ2gm5e4XU — Barbie Movie (@barbiethemovie) June 30, 2023

It really is a big time for movies at the theaters, and it's nice to see stars supporting one another. Now, Indiana Jones and Oppenheimer, it's your turns to hop on the ticket trend.

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We’re all Barbenheimer girls in a Barbenheimer world.

The same-day release of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” has sparked an obsession on the internet, with plenty of memes, jokes, mashups and even products ranging from T-shirts to mock-up movie posters to keep the excitement going.

Other than the fact that both movies hit theaters on July 21, they have almost nothing in common.

While there’s not much known about the plot or tone of “Barbie,” we do know that it contributed to a pink paint shortage , stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, respectively, features other A-list stars and a big soundtrack, and that it’s inspired culture and fashion, dubbed “Barbiecore.”

The movie’s IMDb page reads, “Barbie suffers a crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence,” suggesting that life in plastic might not be so fantastic.

On the other hand, next to the movie’s bright and fun pink poster, there’s the black and dark poster for “Oppenheimer,” which is slightly more extreme of a movie.

Nolan’s film is a feature documentary exploring the true story of how physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, played by Cillian Murphy, developed the first atomic bomb.

While these movies seem to be complete opposites of each other, moviegoers are genuinely excited about both and are using the same-day release as an excuse for an unexpected double feature.

And, thus, Barbenheimer was born.

BARBENHEIMER by @ThatTallGinger . Available now on our web store: https://t.co/0h1EsnASzQ . pic.twitter.com/e9P7eGRiLC — Layered Butter (@layered_butter) July 7, 2023

Deciding which order to do the double feature in sent many fans into a frenzy — with the back-to-back plans almost tearing apart some friend groups.

Manhattan resident Charlie Sloane shared with The Post that his group of four best friends was immediately split two vs. two.

“For me, it was always ‘Oppenheimer’ first and then ‘Barbie.’ Dinner before dessert, ‘Game of Thrones’ before ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,'” Sloane, 27, told The Post. “It just seemed too obvious to start our evening with a banger and end our night with a rom-com.”

His friends argued back and forth over which to see first, reasoning that the intensity of Nolan’s film would cause too much fatigue and that the director “wouldn’t want us to watch his film while it’s still light out.”

“It would be impossible to watch a city get destroyed and then watch Gosling pretend to be a toy,” Sloane added.

His group debated for weeks on end and couldn’t come to a unanimous decision — so they pivoted to a different solution that seemed to work out for everyone.

“The decision was made to see ‘Oppenheimer’ on Thursday night and then a ‘Barbie’ matinee on Friday, which may have been the answer all along,” Sloane shared.

For others, Barbenheimer is a chance to party and celebrate the summer’s biggest hits.

Brooklyn’s 99 Scott Studio will be hosting a Barbenheimer rave where “two contrasting worlds come together for one night of electrifying fun,” the event page says.

“There will be Barbenheimer-themed decor and I’m hoping people will come dressed up as characters from Barbie/Oppenheimer,” DJ Senaida , who will be playing at the event, told The Post. “I’m planning on playing a mix of dark techno, cinematic ambient, disco and house music to reflect both movies. I’m really looking forward to it, and it’s going to be a really fun night.”

@.joelbp She’s a Blonde Bombshell! 👱🏻‍♀️ 💣 #barbenheimer #barbie #oppenheimer 😝 ♬ original sound – Joel Phillips

AMC Theatres, the world’s largest cinema chain, announced this week that more than 20,000 members of its loyalty program purchased tickets to watch the two highly anticipated films back-to-back on the same day.

“That more than 20,000 moviegoers have already made plans and purchased tickets to see Barbie and Oppenheimer on the same day is a great sign that the growing online conversation around seeing both of these incredible films is turning into ticket sales,” Elizabeth Frank, executive VP of worldwide programming and chief content officer at AMC Theatres, said in a statement.

“Just as exciting, with 10 days to go until these movies open, this may only be the beginning. From Friday to today, we saw a 33% increase in the number of guests who decided to create their own double feature by purchasing tickets to see both movies on the same day. We are thrilled to see this momentum.”

As of the end of June, “Barbie” was tracking for an $80 million opening weekend, while “Oppenheimer” was tracking in the $40 million range, according to the Hollywood Reporter .

Even the stars of the respective movies are getting on board with a Barbenheimer weekend — and then some!

Gerwig and Robbie showed off their tickets for viewings of a trio of movies premiering around the same time as “Barbie,” following in the footsteps of Tom Cruise, whose “Mission: Impossible” movie comes out July 12.

“Mission: Accepted!” the official “Barbie” Twitter account wrote alongside the photos of the director and star with tickets to “Oppenheimer,” “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.”

@coolcannoli between this and tom cruise in front of the barbie poster i am dead #movietok #filmtok #barbiemovie #oppenheimer #gretagerwig #margotrobbie #christophernolan #cillianmurphy ♬ PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE – zee

Meanwhile, Cruise posted photos with tickets to “Oppenheimer,” “Indiana Jones” and “Barbie.”

“I love a double feature, and it doesn’t get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie,” he wrote in the caption.

“Oppenheimer” star Murphy will be following suit, telling Barcelona, Spain, newspaper  La Vanguardia , “I can’t wait to see ‘Barbie.’ I love Margot Robbie, I love Ryan Gosling … My advice would be for people to go see both [‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’] on the same day.”

There are even an endless amount of brands launching Barbie-themed products, including Kendra Scott , Bloomingdale’s and more.

Along with the support from celebrities and popular brands, the excitement from fans online is palpable — even if some of the memes and commentary are sprinkled with a hint of irony.

“The day we find out whether Oppenheimer or Barbie got the higher Rotten Tomatoes score is gonna be like the civil war on here,” one person tweeted .

The Oppenheimer marketing team has an opportunity to do the funniest thing possible https://t.co/LTI644XiTm — that’s what it do yugi! (@bootcutgenes) June 26, 2023

I humbly present my Barbie-Oppenheimer 2024 electoral map pic.twitter.com/ULp2WFenQL — Emmet Sandberg (@SandbergEmmet) June 28, 2023

Their entire lives have led up to the Oppenheimer / Barbie release pic.twitter.com/w2FgLwhDg1 — Yann (@yannhatchuel) June 26, 2023

One person shared on Twitter , “In 2016 I bought this custom ‘cap-sac’ visor on Zazzle as a bit & cannot imagine any occasion this would be suited for besides the Barbie/Oppenheimer double premiere date that would occur years later.”

The user added a photo of the visor she purchased, which was hot neon pink and was customized with the words: “Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.”

People have even made TikToks of fake trailers of mashups of the two summer films .

@velmorfilm JULY 21 🫡 #barbie #barbiemovie #edit #cinema #film #oppenheimer #christophernolan #gretagerwig #margotrobbie #cillianmurphy #ryangosling ♬ original sound – velmorfilm

@meandthegameyt who’s going with me to barbie? #barbie #oppenheimer #auntmay ♬ original sound – me&thegame

So while people debate which movie to see and when to see them , the internet’s consensus is: why not both?

“Barbie” has a runtime of just about two hours, while “Oppenheimer” runs for a solid three hours. Viewers can have a five-hour movie marathon where they watch both a drama where a World War II invention led to the death of thousands and caused mass hysteria and also a comedy taking place in Barbie Land where “she’s everything, and he’s just Ken.”

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Tom Cruise Encourages ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ Double Feature to Support Theaters

Samantha bergeson.

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Tom Cruise is continuing to save movie theaters.

Earlier this year, the “Top Gun: Maverick” star was praised by Steven Spielberg for having “ saved Hollywood’s ass ” at the box office. Now, Cruise has taken to Twitter to encourage audiences to see this year’s summer blockbusters on the big screen.

Cruise allegedly also applauded DC tentpole film “The Flash” ahead of its premiere. His own summer action film “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” has already received positive critical reactions ahead of its July 12 debut in theaters. Related Stories Bob Bakish Expected to Resign as Paramount CEO Amid Skydance Merger Talks Sony Delays New ‘Karate Kid’ Movie to 2025 to Accommodate Final Season of ‘Cobra Kai’

The next month sees the summer movie season ramping up. Harrison Ford’s presumed final appearance as Indy in “ Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny ” hits theaters June 30 . “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” are set to battle it out at the box office with a shared July 21 release date.

“Vanilla Sky” and “Eyes Wide Shut” actor Cruise’s expansive Hollywood career has seen him become a advocate for the sanctity of theaters. Cruise allegedly convinced Paramount to give “Dead Reckoning” a theatrical release without undercutting the box office with a 30-day streaming window premiere on Paramount+.

A recent Puck report also claimed that Cruise has personally called rival studio executives and exhibitors in hopes of convincing them to relinquish PLF (premium large-format) screens for “Dead Reckoning” screenings. PLF screens come with an upcharge fee. “Oppenheimer” is already confirmed to be taking over all IMAX screens in North America for three weeks, which could kick out “Dead Reckoning” screenings.

An IMAX representative told IndieWire that IMAX will still house a three-week “Oppenheimer” plan for 1,550 out of IMAX’s total 1,700 venues worldwide while the Christopher Nolan film premieres later in China and Japan. “Oppenheimer” was entirely shot in IMAX.

This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theaters. Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indy and one of the most iconic characters in history. I love a double feature, and it doesn't get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie. pic.twitter.com/udWHHj4fAe — Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) June 28, 2023

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Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig take on Tom Cruise’s Barbenheimer challenge: ‘Mission: Accepted’

With ‘barbie’ and ‘oppenheimer’ releasing the same day, eager fans are preparing for a barbenheimer double feature, article bookmarked.

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Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig have not only joined in on the viral Barbenheimer trend, but they have accepted Tom Cruise’s mission in taking it two steps further.

“Barbenheimer” is a new term popularised by eager fans who are preparing to see Barbie and Oppenheimer back-to-back in cinemas on their mutual release date of 21 July.

Although, why stop at just two? On Friday (30 June), Barbie director Gerwig, 39, and lead actor Robbie, 32, added Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One to their lists, copying Cruise who had done the same days earlier.

In photographs shared on Twitter, Gerwig and Robbie stood proudly in front of each film’s poster holding out their movie tickets.

“Mission: Accomplished!” the caption reads.

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The duo’s support comes in response to Cruise, who, on Wednesday (28 June), tweeted photos of himself standing with three movie tickets to Harrison Ford’s newest Indiana Jones sequel, Christopher Nolan’s war drama and Gerwig’s Barbie.

“This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theatres,” the 60-year-old wrote in the caption.

He congratulated Ford – whose movie debuts today (30 June) – “on 40 years of Indy and one of the most iconic characters in history”. Read The Independent ’s three-star review of the film here .

“I love a double feature, and it doesn’t get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie ,” Cruise added.

Cruise is known for passionately promoting the cinema industry. Earlier this year, Steven Spielberg was filmed telling the actor he’d “saved Hollywood’s ass” thanks to his $1.5bn-grossing Top Gun revival, Maverick.

In his newest movie, the seventh film in the Mission: Impossible franchise, Cruise joins forces with Avengers star Hayley Atwell to track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens humanity.

For the most part, reviewers have fawned over Cruise and the film’s breathtaking action sequences . Back in April, the star treated Cinemacon attendees to an “epic” 20-minute motorcycle chase sequence from the movie , which saw the 60-year-old action star bombing around the Italian capital.

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One is out in cinemas on 12 July.

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Has Tom Cruise Instigated A Huge Surge in Barbie and Oppenheimer Double Bill Ticket Sales?

Following Tom Cruise's comments about seeing both Barbie and Oppenheimer on the same day, sales for a Blonde Bomb double bill have soared.

The most unlikely double feature in cinema history has arrived, and it could well have been instigated by Tom Cruise . Following the Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning star’s recommendation that people should go and see his new movie as well as its rivals, it seems that tens of thousands have taken up the advice with AMC revealing that they have sold over 20,000 tickets for back-to-back screenings of Greta Gerwig and Christopher Nolan’s latest cinematic offerings.

This weekend sees Tom Cruise’s latest Mission: Impossible arrive in cinemas with what looks to be a franchise best opening weekend. On July 21, Barbie is the most likely candidate to take over Dead Reckoning to claim its own piece of the summer box office. While predictions originally suggested that Oppenheimer would be looking to open on around $40 million domestically – half the expected haul of Margot Robbie-led Barbie – it seems that the bomb has been given a boosting charge by the blonde.

In a new report by Variety , it was confirmed that AMC Stubs members have been rushing to see Barbie and Oppenheimer on the same day, just as Cruise said he will be. AMC’s executive vice president of worldwide programming and chief content officer Elizabeth Frank said:

"That more than 20,000 moviegoers have already made plans and purchased tickets to see Barbie and Oppenheimer on the same day is a great sign that the growing online conversation around seeing both of these incredible films is turning into ticket sales. From Friday to today, we saw a 33% increase in the number of guests who decided to create their own double feature by purchasing tickets to see both movies on the same day. We are thrilled to see this momentum."

Considering there is still more than a week before the two films are released, that number could continue to grow and end up making both of them bigger hits than originally projected because of it.

Related: Greta Gerwig Explains the True Meaning Behind Barbie; ‘A Mother-Daughter Story at Its Heart'

Why Should Film Fans See Barbie and Oppenheimer?

As Tom Cruise alluded, he is not adverse to spending a day at the cinema, seeing multiple movies in one go. While it seems like an obvious way to spend a day if you love film, it seems that it has taken Cruise’s enthusiasm to sell the idea to other people, and this has clearly been partly responsible for the surge in sales.

Barbie and Oppenheimer could not be more different in…well, everything. You have a bright, funny, social commentary-making movie set around the world of Mattel’s most famous doll on one hand, and on the other is horrifying tale of how one man pushed human limits to the edge and had to live with the consequences. You can decide which is which.

Following the Covid pandemic, and the current uncertainty around the writer’s strike and potential actor’s strike, the sudden boost for the summer box office is one that will be welcomed by the industry, whatever the catalyst behind it. However, it could well be that for a second year running, Tom Cruise has saved the global box office in more ways than one.

Screen Rant

Tom cruise breaks silence on barbie vs oppenheimer: "it doesn't get more explosive (or more pink)".

Tom Cruise shares his thoughts on the summer's upcoming movies, including Barbie vs. Oppenheimer, which he is also reportedly angry about.

Tom Cruise shares his thoughts on the slate of summer blockbusters, including Barbie vs. Oppenheimer . The summer of 2023 will be packed with big theatrical movies, including Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny on June 30 and Cruise's own extravaganza, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One , on July 12. A week later, the highly anticipated box office battle between Barbie and Oppenheimer will go down on July 21.Today, Tom Cruise took to Twitter to comment on the many exciting movies coming to theaters this summer, including Barbie and Oppenheimer . The action star also congratulated Harrison Ford on 40 years of playing one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history – Indiana Jones. Cruise also included pictures of him and Mission: Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie in front of the summer movie posters with their tickets. Check out Cruise's post below:

Tom Cruise Isn't All Happy About Barbie Vs. Oppenheimer

Though Cruise " loves a double feature ," he isn't thrilled the big box office battle is happening one week after his own blockbuster releases in theaters. Per a report, Cruise is angry at Oppenheimer and Barbie for taking Mission: Impossible 7 's screens . While Cruise's movie will have all the IMAX screens for the first week of its release, Oppenheimer will take them all for the first three weeks of its release per an exclusive deal with IMAX. The new Mission: Impossible movie also has to compete with Barbie which, according to early tracking, is expected to open bigger than Oppenheimer .

Related: 16 Summer 2023 Movies Ranked By Box Office Prediction

IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond responded to Cruise's reported anger over the summer release schedule, saying he hopes that Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One can return to IMAX after Oppenheimer finishes its exclusive three-week run. Still, the action star doesn't seem too happy about the situation, as Cruise took a jab at Oppenheimer at Mission: Impossible 7 's premiere . While Cruise appears to be causing some conflict behind-the-scenes, he, like all movie fans, also seems excited about the big box office between Barbie and Oppenheimer . However, they won't be the only two movies struggling for supremacy at the summer box office.

Source: Tom Cruise /Twitter

Key Release Dates

Mission: impossible - dead reckoning part one, oppenheimer.

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The story behind Barbenheimer, the summer’s most online movie showdown

“Barbie” stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling discuss going to the movies to watch a double bill of their movie and “Oppenheimer,” while “Oppenheimer” actor Cillian Murphy says he’ll be sure to catch a viewing of “Barbie” (July 13)

This combination of images shows Margot Robbie in a scene from “Barbie,” left, and Cillian Murphy in a scene from “Oppenheimer.” (Warner Bros Pictures/Universal Pictures via AP)

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This combination of images shows promotional art for “Barbie,” left, and “Oppenheimer.” (Warner Bros Pictures/Universal Pictures via AP)

Margot Robbie poses for the media prior to a news conference of the movie “Barbie.” in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, July 3, 2023. The film is to be released in the country on July 19. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Greta Gerwig arrives at a photo call for “Barbie,” Sunday, June 25, 2023, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Issa Rae poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘Barbie’ on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, in London. (Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP)

America Ferrera, from left, Simu Liu, Margot Robbie, Issa Rae, Ryan Gosling and Greta Gerwig pose for photographers at the photo call for the film ‘Barbie’ on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, in London. (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Will Ferrell poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘Barbie’ on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, in London. (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Cillian Murphy poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere for the film ‘Oppenheimer’ on Thursday, July 13, 2023 in London. (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Emily Blunt, left, and Cillian Murphy pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere for the film ‘Oppenheimer’ on Thursday, July 13, 2023 in London. (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Director Christopher Nolan, left, and Cillian Murphy pose for photographers at the photo call for the film ‘Oppenheimer’ on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 in London. (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Matt Damon, from left, Josh Hartnett, Tom Conti, Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr., Rami Malek, director Christopher Nolan and producer Emma Thomas pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere for the film ‘Oppenheimer’ on Thursday, July 13, 2023 in London. (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Tom Cruise attends the premiere of “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One” at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall on Monday, July 10, 2023, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Director Christopher McQuarrie, right, and actor Tom Cruise wave during a news conference for the movie “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One” in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, June 29, 2023. The film is to be released in the country on July 12. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

The very online showdown between Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” all started with a date: July 21.

It’s not uncommon for studios to counterprogram films in different genres on a big weekend, but the stark differences between an intense, serious-minded picture about the man who oversaw the development of the atomic bomb and a lighthearted, candy-colored anthropomorphizing of a childhood doll quickly became the stuff of viral fodder.

There’s even some disagreement over whether it’s “Barbieheimer” or “Barbenheimer” or “Boppenheimer” or yet another tortured portmanteau — a phenomenon on which the AP Stylebook has yet to offer guidance, but for the purposes of this article will be “Barbenheimer.”

It didn’t hurt that both Nolan and Gerwig have very passionate and very online fandoms eager to join in. Never mind that many of those fans overlap — the memes, allegiances, and T-shirts were just too fun.

Both movies often trend on social media when the other releases a new asset — a trailer, a picture, an interview. On one level, it’s a marketing department’s dream. Awareness could not be higher, the conversation couldn’t be louder, and neither film even has official reviews out yet.

“‘Barbenheimer’ is a marketing gift borne out of social media and I think it’s benefiting both films,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for analytics firm Comscore. “You’re certainly aware of both movies in a more profound and compelling way than I think might have otherwise happened had they been released on different weekends.”

AMC Theaters reported that 20,000 of its AMC Stubs members had purchased tickets for a double feature. If you’re counting, that’s 294 minutes of moviewatching. Even Margot Robbie — Barbie herself — and Tom Cruise, the star of another summer blockbuster, have started plotting the ideal “Barbenheimer” day.

“It’s a perfect double bill,” said Robbie at her movie’s London premiere Wednesday. “I think actually start your day with ‘Barbie,’ then go straight into ‘Oppenheimer’ and then a ‘Barbie’ chaser.”

Cruise — whose “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” opened a little over a week before the “Barbenheimer” showdown — said at his premiere he’d plan to see both on their opening day, likely starting with “Oppenheimer,” which seems to be the internet’s preferred viewing order as well.

“Barbie” actor Issa Rae thinks there’s a reason for that.

“I think that there’s a very specific order that if you see them in. If you see ‘Oppenheimer’ last then you might be a bit of a psychopath,” she diagnosed at the London premiere.

The showdown has made armchair marketing experts out of everyone, quick to scrutinize every move by Warner Bros. and Universal — as though it’s possible to compare two extraordinarily different campaigns.

One has infinite opportunities for very pink, sparkly photo opportunities, whimsical brand partnerships for seemingly everything from underwear to pool floats, large-scale fan events with autograph signings and pop stars like Billie Eilish posting about the soundtrack. In other words, the “Barbie” campaign can go nuclear.

“Oppenheimer” has the bomb, the alluring mystery and the big screen hook, but it’s not the kind of movie that lends itself to, say, a frozen yogurt collaboration.

Is the competition real, though, or just a meme? Some in Hollywood wondered if Warner Bros. plopped “Barbie” on the weekend as a slight to Nolan, who had opened many films for the studio in that corridor including “Inception” and “Dunkirk.” He left Warner Bros. amid its controversial decision to send a year’s worth of movies to streaming and made “Oppenheimer” with Universal instead. But a pointed box office war doesn’t exactly make sense for a studio that has talked recently about wanting to lure Nolan back.

There is an unspoken code of conduct: Never badmouth another studio’s film, publicly at least. This is partly decorum, especially when it comes to “box office showdowns” which all will say are a creation of the press and sideline spectators. But it’s also rooted in some truth: The conventional thinking is that having eyes on one movie is good for other movies — you see their posters and trailers and on some level everyone benefits.

And social media has allowed movie stars to get in on the game, too. Following reports that Cruise was irked the latest “Mission: Impossible” was going to lose its IMAX screens to “Oppenheimer” after only a week, Cruise posted photos of himself and director Christopher McQuarrie standing in front of posters for “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” holding tickets for each.

“This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theaters. These are just a few that we can’t wait to see on the big screen,” Cruise’s Instagram caption read.

The official accounts for “Indiana Jones,” “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” responded with supportive notes. Gerwig and Robbie even followed with a similar photo series a few days later, which the official “Oppenheimer” Instagram account reposted in its stories. Charged with playing Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy told the AP at his movie’s London premiere that “of course” he’d be seeing “Barbie.” The sporting cross-promotion between four studios — Universal, Warner Bros., Disney and Paramount — is something the film business has not quite seen before.

“Not only is Tom Cruise the biggest box office star in the world, but he’s also an incredible ambassador for the movie theater, for the movie theater experience and boosting other movies,” Dergarabedian said. “And that collegial atmosphere within the framework of what is seen as the very competitive box office derby is kind of a nice thing.”

Still, everyone likes a No. 1 debut, and both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” reportedly carry $100 million production price tags (not including the millions spent on marketing). As far as box office tracking goes, “Barbie” has it in the bag with forecasts showing that it could open above $90 million in North America. “Oppenheimer” meanwhile is tracking in the $40 million range. Then there’s the wild card of “Mission: Impossible 7’s” second weekend, which could snag second place.

Still even with a second- or third-place start, “Oppenheimer” could be destined for a long, steady, profitable run into awards season. Adult audiences for R-rated movies are not often the ones who pack theaters the first weekend.

Back in 2008, in the midst of the recession, Warner Bros. and Universal faced off on the same July weekend with another Nolan film that went up against a lighthearted confection: “The Dark Knight” and “Mamma Mia!” — both of which went on to be enormously profitable (though Nolan did win the first weekend).

The bigger worry is that what’s been heralded as Hollywood’s post-pandemic comeback summer has had more ups and downs than anyone might have hoped. That’s putting quite a bit of pressure on “Barbenheimer” to overperform and boost the lagging summer box office, which pales in comparison to the bigger issues facing the industry as actors join the writers on strike.

But with just over a week to go, it’s still a source of amusement. Even “Barbie” co-star Will Ferrell threw the gauntlet in his winking way at the London premiere.

“I think the world maybe wants to see ‘Barbie’ a little bit more right now,” Ferrell said. “Just saying!”

AP journalist Sian Watson contributed from London.

‘Barbie’ or ‘Oppenheimer?’ Here’s where Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello, Quentin Tarantino and Tom Cruise stand

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It’s the phrase of the summer for cinephiles, movie stars and extremely online people alike: “ Barbenheimer. ”

The same-day release of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” starring Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. , has led to the double-feature phenomenon that packed movie theaters all weekend. While some celebs are enjoying both movies back-to-back, others are picking clear favorites.

Tom Cruise, whose “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One” hit theaters earlier this month, showed his support for both films when he shared a photo of himself with “Mission: Impossible” director Christopher McQuarrie showing off movie tickets and posters for “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer” and Harrison Ford’s June 30 release, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”

What a doll! Margot Robbie’s best Barbie-inspired looks

From Enchanted Evening Barbie to Solo in the Spotlight Barbie, Margot Robbie’s ‘Barbie’ movie premiere looks have been inspired by the doll itself.

July 13, 2023

“This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theaters,” he tweeted late last month alongside the photos, taken at screenings. “Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indy and one of the most iconic characters in history. I love a double feature, and it doesn’t get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie.”

Robbie and Gerwig followed suit and posed last month in front of the movie posters for “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One,” “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Oppenheimer” with the caption , “Mission: Accepted!”

Selena Gomez celebrated her 31st birthday over the weekend. From the looks of it, the “Wolves” singer rented out a private theater and invited her pink- and feather-clad friends to join her for a “Barbie” showing. Gomez shared several photos of the extravaganza on Instagram with the caption, “On Wednesdays we wear pink.”

Company Town

‘Barbie’ + ‘Oppenheimer’ = ‘Barbenheimer.’ Why Hollywood needs the movie mashup

The viral social media phenomenon, inspired by the same-day release of ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer,’ is the best advertising campaign for moviegoing that no studio could’ve come up with.

July 11, 2023

Quentin Tarantino, who worked with Robbie on “ Once Upon a Time in Hollywood ,” was spotted in Los Angeles sharing the love not only between both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” but also between two neighboring theaters.

In a photograph tweeted by KQED correspondent Saul Gonzalez, the filmmaker is seen theater-hopping in Westwood with director Roger Avary, his “Pulp Fiction” co-writer and co-host on the pair’s “Video Archives” podcast. After seeing “Oppenheimer” at the Westwood Village theater, Tarantino darted across the street and purchased a ticket to see “Barbie” at the Bruin Theatre, the caption said.

Amy Schumer, who was originally set to play Barbie but left an earlier version of the project in 2017, shared a photo Monday on Instagram of herself wearing a straw hat and holding a popsicle , joking that she had “really enjoyed” both films, “but I think I should have played Emily Blunts role. Do better Hollywood.” Blunt portrayed Kitty, the alcoholic wife of Cillian Murphy’s title character.

‘Barbie’ beats ‘Oppenheimer’ in record-breaking, industry-revitalizing showdown

Warner Bros.’ ‘Barbie’ and Universal Pictures’ ‘Oppenheimer’ both opened in theaters this weekend. Which movie ruled the domestic box office?

July 24, 2023

Although it’s not clear whether Camila Cabello and Beyoncé caught a showing of “Oppenheimer” or “Barbie,” the two paid homage to the hot films of summer in their own way. Queen Bey channeled Barbie’s pink look with an Acne Studios ensemble during her Minneapolis show on the Thursday before the film’s opening. She paired metallic baby-pink mini shorts with a bustier, an oversize jacket and sparkling thigh-high boots.

“Havana” singer Cabello shared a photo of herself in a killer black gown on Instagram with the caption, “I’m giving Oppenheimer.”

And on Sunday, pop star Kesha shared a TikTok of herself jamming out to Charli XCX’s “Speed Drive” from “Barbie: The Album” with the caption, “hot song.”

Photos: See the L.A. Barbies (and Kens) out in force at the movies this weekend

The double feature of ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ made for the biggest movie weekend of the year. The Times was on the scene to capture fans in costume.

July 23, 2023

Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Barbie” debuted in first place at the box office this past weekend, earning $155 million in the United States and Canada. The PG-13 comedy easily defeated Universal Pictures’ “Oppenheimer,” which opened in second place with $80.5 million — an impressive number for an R-rated film — according to studio estimates.

More to Read

How ‘Barbie’s’ awards season hopes (mostly) fizzled at the Oscars

March 10, 2024

‘Barbenheimer’ gave us a fun summer ... until you stop to think what they’re really about

Feb. 13, 2024

Quiz: Will you be voting ‘Oppenheimer’ for best picture?

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Emily St. Martin is a former entertainment reporter on the Fast Break Desk. Before joining the Los Angeles Times, she contributed to the New York Times, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, NBC, Vice, Los Angeles Magazine and the Southern California News Group. She also previously worked at the Hollywood Reporter. In 2022, she won third place for best news feature with the L.A. Press Club. St. Martin has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of La Verne and a master’s in creative nonfiction from UC Riverside.

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Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise reveals what he'll watch first: Barbie or Oppenheimer

Tom cruise recently promoted the ‘double feature’ of christopher nolan's oppenheimer and greta gerwig's barbie releasing in cinemas on july 21..

Tom Cruise got everyone's attention recently when he promoted his summer movie rivals, Christopher Nolan 's Oppenheimer and Greta Gerwig 's Barbie. He said that he loves the idea of a double feature and is excited to watch both the movies in theatres once they release on July 21. (Also Read: Tom Cruise reveals he beat Mission Impossible 7 co-stars Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg in a dance-off on his last birthday )

While Oppenheimer, starring Cillian Murphy in the titular role of a nuclear scientist; and Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in a film based on the Mattel Barbie and Ken dolls, will release in cinemas on the same day on July 21, Tom's action thriller Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One will hit the theatres only nine days prior to that, on July 12.

Tom's Barbenheimer plans

“I want to see both Barbie and Oppenheimer. I’ll see them opening weekend. Friday I’ll see Oppenheimer first and then Barbie on Saturday," Tom told The Sydney Morning Herald, when he was in the Australian capital for the premiere of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning - Part One.

What Tom said earlier on Barbenheimer

Tom had earlier taken to Instagram last week to lend support to the upcoming “double feature” of Oppenheimer and Barbie on July 21. He posed with Mission: Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie in front of the posters of both the films with tickets in hand. He wrote in the caption, “I love a double feature, and it doesn’t get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tom Cruise (@tomcruise)

Tom also promoted Indiana Jones

In the same Instagram post, Tom also sent a shoutout to the new release, Harrison Ford-starrer Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. He wrote, “Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indiana Jones and creating one of the most iconic characters in cinema history. You have given us countless hours of joy,” with a picture of him and McQuarrie posing with tickets in front of a poster of the movie.

“Harrison Ford is a legend; I hope to be still going; I’ve got 20 years to catch up with him. I hope to keep making Mission: Impossible films until I’m his age,” Tom said in the interview to The Sydney Morning Herald.

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Tom cruise urges fans to see rival summer movies ‘barbie’ and ‘oppenheimer’.

The 'Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning, Part One' star is urging fans to buy tickets for his biggest competition, including 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.'

By James Hibberd

James Hibberd

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Tom Cruise really wants you to go see Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny . And Barbie . And Oppenheimer . 

Despite his own blockbuster opening in a few weeks (that would be Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning, Part One ), Cruise is urging his fans to check out the summer movie competition. 

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“Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indiana Jones and creating one of the most iconic characters in cinema history,” he continued. “You have given us countless hours of joy.”

“I love a double feature, and it doesn’t get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie .”

The messaging suggests Cruise is once again hoping to save the summer box office — this time by bringing along a few other titles.

Last year, the massive success of Top Gun: Maverick (which made $1.5 billion globally) was credited as “ saving Hollywood’s ass ” by no less than Steven Spielberg himself.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tom Cruise (@tomcruise)

This year, a few films have struggled to gain box office traction — such as The Flash and Elemental — though Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse successfully popped.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is facing headwinds with modest reviews , yet is tracking to open with a solid $60 million to $70 million over the June 30-July 2 weekend.

Meanwhile, Dead Reckoning is headed toward a franchise-best $90 million opening for its extended weekend, which gets underway Wednesday, July 12.

There’s no tracking yet for Barbie or Oppenheimer , which open head-to-head July 21, but both are considered highly anticipated — though, with respect to Cruise, would likely make for a rather odd back-to-back viewing experience.

— Pamela McClintock contributed to this report

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Mission: Impossible takes flight at box office … before Barbie and Oppenheimer join the party

Early release for the latest Tom Cruise action film proves a shrewd move, amid talk of an eventful summer season

Just as actors are congregating on the picket line in Los Angeles for the first time in more than 40 years, audiences are flocking to the cinemas to see their films in unprecedented post-pandemic numbers.

Tom Cruise ’s new film, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One has beaten its own franchise record this week, making $15.5m on its opening day of release, including $7m in the US; a million more than the sixth instalment managed over the same time period in 2018.

By releasing early in the week, Paramount’s blockbuster extends its “opening weekend” numbers over five days – a tactic also employed by some recent James Bond films to boost numbers. Predictions suggest Mission: Impossible’s final audience figures on Sunday will be around $95m in the US and $160m internationally.

Such numbers would mean the tentpole release would recoup much of its $290m budget before it’s been out for a week, and mean Cruise is likely to repeat last year’s trick of re-energising the Covid-battered box office. Top Gun: Maverick , his belated sequel to the 80s aviators hit, took $1.5bn in 2022 and was credited by many, including Steven Spielberg, with saving the cinematic experience.

Glowing reviews and energetic marketing – focusing on why the new film’s spectacular stunts are best seen on a big screen – are expected to help Cruise’s latest follow suit.

Such a strong start was, however, also enjoyed by the latest Indiana Jones film, which took $60m on its opening day two weeks ago ahead of a $130m opening weekend. Yet the film then sputtered and is currently on $250m – $50m shy of its budget.

Yet worse returns have been clocked for Pixar’s Elemental and DC superhero movie The Flash , both of which were held in high hopes by their studios.

The new Mission: Impossible has a week and a half to dominate cinemas before the double-headed threat of Barbie and Oppenheimer . Both Greta Gerwig’s perky comedy and Christopher Nolan’s epic atomic-bomb drama are released worldwide on 21 July, and buzz around their battle has boosted pre-sales for both.

Cruise has professed enthusiasm rather than anxiety about the looming competition, declaring that he has bought tickets for Oppenheimer next Friday and Barbie the following day.

AMC cinemas in the US said that at least 20,000 of its members had booked to see both films on the same day, and many exhibitors globally are promoting the concept of this unlikely double bill.

Even without such smart marketing, both Barbie and Oppenheimer are being sold as “event cinema”. Barbie is billed as best seen en masse and, perhaps, after having visited the cinema’s licensed concession stand.

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Oppenheimer, meanwhile, was shot on Imax, and as with many of Nolan’s films, audiences are strongly encouraged to see it on Imax screens – or, at least, the very largest possible. The film’s un-family friendly subject matter, as well as its R-rating in the US, may however limit its final takings. Tracking for Oppenheimer’s opening weekend currently stands as $43m in the US while Barbie’s is more than double, at $93m.

Bookmakers William Hill said on Friday that Barbie was 3/1 to become the highest-grossing film the year, with only The Super Mario Bros Movie (1/4) ahead of it in the betting.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One was 10/1 with forthcoming superhero movie The Marvels down to 14/1.

Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1 is also amongst the frontrunners at 10/1, with The Marvels (14/1) likewise in the reckoning. Dark horse Wonka came in at 33/1: the first trailer for Paul (Paddington) King’s origins story about Willy Wonka starring Timothée Chalamet was warmly received earlier this week.

Reviews for Barbie are embargoed until midnight BST on 18 July, with Oppenheimer at 5pm the following day.

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The Barbie Movie Posters Highlight Her Controversial Best Friend

As posters for the Barbie movie tease the film’s colorful cast on social media, a controversial character plans to make a big-screen debut.

There was no telling what Barbie would bring to the big screen, but movie posters highlight her many careers -- and her controversial best friend. With over half a century of friendship, imagination, and way too many dolls to count, Barbie has not been without its share of odd figures forgotten in the toy box. However, good, bad, or just plain bizarre, Mattel, Inc. embraces it all while Barbie gears up (and properly accessorizes) for her biggest adventure yet.

The Barbie line of dolls has been a staple of playtime and a globally recognized brand since 1959. Having previously appeared in just about every form of media imaginable, Barbie and her friends were announced for a live-action movie as far back as 2009. However, after being stuck in development hell and shifting between multiple studios, in 2018, Warner Bros. Pictures revealed Margot Robbie of DC Universe fame would be playing the blonde icon in the upcoming comedy. Since production began, the already extensive cast expanded its diverse pool of talent to populate Barbie 's hot-pink world with stars like Ryan Gosling, John Cena, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon and Emerald Fennell as Barbie's best friend, Midge.

Related: Margot Robbie's Barbie Enters the Real World In a Slightly Naughty Trailer

How Barbie's Best Friend Caused Controversy

With such an extensive line of toys and infinite avenues of imagination to explore, Barbie saw her share of controversies. If not the queer-coded Earring Magic Ken or Barbie's messy dog Tanner, then divisive figures like former talk-show host Rosie O'Donnell found their way to toy shelves under the Barbie name. However, perhaps one of the strangest toys released was Margaret "Midge" Hadley Sherwood, who made headlines that made consumers question the plastic birds and the bees, becoming one of the most controversial Barbie dolls in history.

Originally debuting in 1963, Midge had humble origins, ironically created to address Barbie's more mature-looking style. Introduced as part of Barbie's inclusive group of friends, she'd eventually marry Alan Sherwood and start a family. However, in 2003, a pregnant Midge doll reached toy stores and made the headlines. Wedding rings not included, it didn't take long for protestors to notice Midge's removable womb and baby cradled inside it. Accused of promoting teen pregnancy and being inappropriate for younger children, Walmart pulled the toy from shelves as Mattel attempted to redesign the character. Since then, Midge's family expanded, and she eventually appeared in Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse . Then after a collection of Barbie movie posters went viral on social media feeds, one revealed actor Emerald Fennell as Midge, once again pregnant and reflecting the once notorious doll.

Related: The Barbie Movie Teaser Missed a Golden Opportunity to Use Aqua's 'Barbie Girl'

Barbie Tells a Different Kind of Toy Story

Since Barbie 's teaser trailer premiered, the film has been a project of pure curiosity. With a character who has been an astronaut, a mermaid, a time-traveling pop star, and just about everything else, it raises the question of how a Barbie movie would approach its source material. However, with a plot about Margot Robbie's Barbie in the real world, a colorful cast of characters, and enjoyably over-the-top trailers, it's clear the comedy is a self-aware love letter to everything Barbie .

Not afraid to crack jokes or revisit controversial characters like Midge, Barbie knows what kind of movie it wants to be. Barbie embraces its legacy, good or bad, bizarre or mundane; over 50 years of characters, mythology, and history come together for a larger-than-life story. Despite being seen as a symbol of a perfect life and an inspiration for people worldwide, there's a certain absurdity to the pink plastic realm of Barbieland the movie takes to heart. Adaptations such as Transformers , Clue , The Lego Movie , and Barbie teach their audiences that playtime can be anything they want it to be: fun, emotional, silly, or even scary. These movies featuring nostalgic toys and games encourage viewers to let their imaginations run wild while having fun.

Barbie's world comes alive in theaters on July 21, 2023.

Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise's stunning daughter Suri, 18, is a vision as she steps out in flowing skirt and cowboy boots

The daughter of katie holmes and tom cruise, recently celebrated her milestone 18th birthday without her father.

Stepping out in the heart of New York City, Suri Cruise was the epitome of urban chic on Wednesday. The daughter of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise , who recently celebrated her milestone 18th birthday, was spotted enjoying a casual stroll through the bustling streets. 

For her day out, Suri opted for a stylish ensemble, featuring a billowing tan sweater cinched at the waist with a leather belt, paired perfectly with a flowing white skirt. 

Her outfit was completed with a pair of well-worn cowboy boots, adding a touch of rugged charm to her sophisticated look.

As she navigated the sidewalks, Suri snacked on a bag of chips and sipped from a green water bottle, her long brunette locks styled with a center part, cascading beautifully down her back. 

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This sighting comes shortly after her significant birthday, a celebration in which her estranged father, Tom was notably absent. 

The Hollywood star has been busy in London, engrossed in the filming of his eighth Mission Impossible movie and recently attending Victoria Beckham’s 50th birthday celebration.

Tom’s involvement in the glittering social scene, including his time with the Beckhams, starkly contrasts with his absence from Suri’s life. 

The pair have been estranged since 2013, a year following his highly publicized divorce from Katie. 

The end of Suri’s 18th year also marked the conclusion of Tom's child support obligations, which were reported to be around $400,000 a year as stipulated in their divorce settlement.

The last public sighting of Tom and Suri together was during a trip to Disneyland in 2012, the same year his marriage to Katie ended. 

Reports suggest that Katie’s decision to end the marriage was influenced by concerns over raising Suri within the Church of Scientology, to which Tom is a devoted member.

Looking to the future, Suri is rumored to be eyeing a career in fashion, with plans to study the subject in New York starting this September. 

Family lawyer Theresa Wright from solicitors Britton & Time commented on the situation, explaining the nuances of child support obligations that might extend due to educational pursuits. 

"If Suri is enrolling in Art college, Tom would still be responsible for paying child maintenance to Katie until Suri reaches the age of 20, provided she stays in Art college full time. There may have been an agreement in Katie and Tom’s divorce settlement that maintenance is provided for longer, in which case it may be that Tom continues to pay child maintenance until either Suri finishes university or reaches the age of 25," she told HELLO!

Meanwhile, Tom remains committed to his own career, continuing to film the latest Mission Impossible sequel in the UK. The project, tentatively titled Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two , is expected to release on May 23, 2025. 

This follows the release of Dead Reckoning Part One last July. The production of MI:8 has faced several setbacks, including delays due to the Hollywood writers' strike and the need to pause filming to promote the previous installment.

Filming locations for the eighth installment have included various iconic sites across Derbyshire, Surrey, and central London, such as the Natural History Museum in Kensington and Westminster Bridge. 

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