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Tom Cruise Endorses Your Barbie and Oppenheimer Double Feature

By Savannah Walsh

Tom Cruise Endorses Your ‘Barbie and ‘Oppenheimer Double Feature

When Steven Spielberg proclaimed that Tom Cruise “saved Hollywood’s ass” with the unequivocal box office success of Top Gun: Maverick at last year’s Oscar nominees luncheon, Cruise took that to heart—and made it his mission to support the theatrical box office business for years to come.

Consider the opening bell on summer movie season rung. On Wednesday, Cruise shared photos of himself holding movie tickets for various big-screen titles alongside the following message: “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.” Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the fifth installment in the blockbuster franchise, hits theaters on June 30.

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Cruise then acknowledged the two tentpoles that have become inextricably linked thanks to their shared release date— Greta Gerwig ’s Barbie, starring Margot Robbie, and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, starring Cillian Murphy. “I love a double feature, and it doesn’t get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie ,” he said of the films, both of which debut on July 21.

He’s not the only A-lister to weigh in on the battle of atomic bomb versus arched foot. Matt Damon, who stars in Oppenheimer as General Leslie Groves, director of the top-secret Manhattan Project who appointed Oppenheimer as developer of nuclear weapons, also supports back-to-back viewing with Barbie . “People are allowed to go see two movies in a weekend. Oppenheimer is one of them!” he said with a laugh when asked about its box office competition by Vanity Fair at the Air premiere. But he admits his daughters may opt to see Barbie instead. “I’ll have to ask them that,” Damon said. If that’s the case, they’ll see two movies that weekend!”

Cruise’s own summer blockbuster, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One is set to fly into theaters smack-dab in the middle of summer movie season, on July 12.

Savannah Walsh

Staff writer, hollywood daily.

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Tom Cruise Lays Out Plan To See ‘Oppenheimer’ & ‘Barbie’ On Their Opening Weekend

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Cruise has made it no secret of his intentions to hit the Cineplex to see Oppenheimer and Barbie and recently showed off his tickets as proof .

“This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theaters,” he tweeted. “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 .”

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

Cruise is highly credited for bringing audiences back to theaters when Top Gun: Maverick broke records over the summer. The actor is also preparing to hit theaters again as Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One opens July 12, a week before Oppenheimer and Barbie .

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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.

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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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Even Tom Cruise is planning a Barbie and Oppenheimer double feature

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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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Tom Cruise, Self-Appointed Box Office Savior, Plans to See ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Barbie’ on Opening Weekend

By Emily Zemler

Emily Zemler

Tom Cruise ‘s latest mission is to single-handedly prove that movies should be seen in theaters. The Mission: Impossible star has confirmed he will see Christopher Nolan ‘s Oppenheimer and Greta Gerwig ‘s Barbie as soon as they open simultaneously on July 21.

“I want to see both Barbie and Oppenheimer ,” the actor told The Sydney Morning Herald . I’ll see them opening weekend. Friday I’ll see Oppenheimer first and then Barbie on Saturday.”

Cruise added that he wants to encourage viewers to go out and see movies in theaters, rather than waiting for streaming. He confirmed he’s a big proponent of enjoying films with that sense of true spectacle.

“I grew up seeing movies on the big screen,” Cruise said. “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.”

“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 .”

Speaking to the Herald , Cruise added, “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.”

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After Cruise tweeted his intention to see Barbie , Gerwig and star Margot Robbie posted photos of themselves with tickets for Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One , as well as Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Oppenheimer . “Mission accepted,” the pair wrote on the Barbie Twitter page.

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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?
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Tom Cruise is all in on Barbie-Oppenheimer double feature: ‘It doesn’t get more explosive (or more pink)’

Fans have been debating what order to see the blockbusters, which both release on 21 july, article bookmarked.

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It’s less than a month until two of the biggest movies of the year are released on the same day – and Tom Cruise is excited.

Greta Gerwig ’s Barbie – starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling – and Christopher Nolan ’s Oppenheimer – starring Cillian Murphy – are both due for release on 21 July.

As a result, cinemagoers have been planning on watching the two blockbusters as a double feature and are now debating in what order to watch them.

Cruise, whose own summer action film Mission: Impossible – Dead Ref10ckoning Part One is out on 12 July, has expressed his desire to see the movies back-to-back.

In a tweet shared on Wednesday (28 June), the 60-year-old Top Gun star also praised Harrison Ford on his fifth and final Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny , which is released in cinemas on Friday 30 June.

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“This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theatres,” 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 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.

At the Dead Reckoning UK premiere last week, Cruise told Insider : “I’m always pushing. I just remember, every time they say, ‘Can you top it? Can you not top it?’, we’re always pushing.

“Every film I do, whatever genre it’s in, I want to make it as entertaining as possible for that audience. I know I can do things better.”

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In the seventh film in the Mission: Impossible franchise, Cruise join 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 12 July.

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

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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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SHOCKER: Tom Cruise Reveals All! Here's The Order He Plans To See Barbie And Oppenheimer

Both Greta Gerwig's ultra-pink, kid-friendly fantasy "Barbie" and Christopher Nolan's terse biography "Oppenheimer" will be released on July 21, 2023. One promises to be a fluffy look at one of the most popular toy products ever made, while still interrogating the negative impact it had on the world. The other will be a deep look into the mind of a man whose brilliance and engineering acumen created one of the most deadly weapons ever conceived by humankind. The audiences for the two films could not be more different.

Or could they? Enterprising cineastes the world over have been intrigued by both Gerwig's and Nolan's movies, and delight in the bizarre juxtaposition of the two being counterprogrammed in theaters against one another. As such, one might find that some audience members fully intend to go to their local multiplex on July 21 and construct one of the most jarring double features imaginable. The term "Barbenheimer" has become a minor meme in recent months, happily blending the two prospective film experiences into one. One can even find Barbenheimer t-shirts on Etsy.

Of course, the question remains: which film does one watch first? Do you start with a frothy, lighthearted romp, have a drink, and then contemplate the destruction of the Earth via nuclear bomb? Or does one start with the longer, headier film, and chase it with something colorful?

One notable fan asking this question is Tom Cruise, star of "Taps" and "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part One." He, like many of us, intends to see "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" on their opening weekend. He also, as he revealed in a recent interview with Variety , has a plan of action.

Cruise's Barbenheimer plans

Cruise, it seems, has no plans to marathon both films on the same day. Gerwig's "Barbie" is a surprisingly long 114 minutes, while Nolan's "Oppenheimer" is a hefty 180 minutes. Add in a 15-minute break for coffee, as well as the typical theater's coming attractions reels, and that's about six straight hours at the theater. This is not feasible for viewers who have day jobs or require babysitters. Cruise is likely a busy guy — his own new action blockbuster will be playing in theaters alongside "Barbenheimer" — so he'll be splitting up the experiences. His plan:

"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."

Fine. A hefty movie for a Friday night, then a Saturday matinee to unwind. This is as good a plan as any.

How one orders "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" may well depend on your disposition. If one wants to leave the theater in a hopeful mood, pondering that little kids can take hope from their toys and construct identities for themselves, then finish with "Barbie." If one prefers to leave a theater with a great weight on their brain, contemplating how humankind's implied promise of a grand technological future was ultimately betrayed by the construction of an atomic bomb, then definitely finish with "Oppenheimer." Personally, I would skew toward the latter. Either way, I'd be interested to hear reviews from people — including Cruise — who tried doubling up.

It's been theorized that any two films, when watched back-to-back, seem to share a thematic link. Perhaps the link would be different if "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" were watched in a certain order.

How would you construct a Barbenheimer double feature?

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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.

Tom Cruise Reveals If He's Seeing 'Barbie' or 'Oppenheimer' First

By Stephen Andrew - July 7, 2023 03:43 pm EDT

Tom Cruise has revealed if he'll be seeing Barbie or Oppenheimer first when both films open on July 21. Speaking to the The Sydney Morning Herald , Crusie confessed, "I want to see both Barbie and Oppenheimer." He then added,"I'll see them opening weekend. Friday I'll see Oppenheimer first and then Barbie on Saturday."

Going on to share his love of experiencing movies in a theater, Cruise offered, "I grew up seeing movies on the big screen. That's how I make them, and I like that experience." He continued, "It's immersive, and to have that as a community and an industry, it's important. I still go the movies." Notably, Barbie and Oppenheimer open a little over a week after Cruise's new movie Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One premieres in theaters on July 12. It was previously alleged, per Screen Rant , that Crusie was upset over the two films taking screens away from his, though the claims were never proven.

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

Barbie stars Margot Robbie as the iconic doll , along with Ryan Gosling as Ken. The film follows the pair as they set out on an adventure in the real world, after leaving Barbie Land. Other stars of the film include America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell, among others. The movie is directed by Greta Gerwig, from a script she wrote with Noah Baumbach.

Oppenheimer is a biopic-thriller about the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist who helped develop the first nuclear weapons. It is directed, written and co-produced by Christopher Nolan, and is based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. Cillian Murphy stars as Oppenheimer, with additional performances from a star-studded cast that includes Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., and Florence Pugh.

In addition to Cruise, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One brings back Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, and Vanessa Kirby. Esai Morales plays the villain this time around, and Agent Carter star Hayley Atwell is added as well. Other franchise newcomers include Frederick Schmidt, Sea Whigham, Pom Klementieff, and Cary Elwes.

M:I – Dead Reckoning Part One is directed by Christopher McQuarrie, from a script he wrote with Erik Jendresen. It marks the seventh movie in the film franchise after Mission: Impossible (1996), Mission: Impossible 2 (2000), Mission: Impossible III (2006), Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011), Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015), and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018). Next up will be Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two , which is currently in post-production and scheduled to be released in 2024.

Ryan Gosling Brings His Sister as His Date to 'Barbie' Toronto Premiere
Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' Trailer Released
'Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part 1' Trailer Shows Tom Cruise Crashing a Train

Why Tom Cruise and Margot Robbie Are Hyping Each Other’s Movies

Pro Available to WrapPRO members

Are the “Mission: Impossible” and “Barbie” stars promoting theatrical moviegoing or angling for preferential treatment?

There is at least one episode of almost every adventure TV show where the good guys and the bad guys team up to take on a greater threat, like when the 1990s syndicated “Untouchables” show saw Elliott Ness and Al Capone team up to catch a child murderer .

Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie dropped tweets last Wednesday promoting rival theatrical films . Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig joined on Friday, via tweets from the official “Barbie” Twitter feed , to show off purchases of tickets to movies that were not “Barbie.” By Friday afternoon, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” director James Mangold had expressed his commitment to see those films and “Oppenheimer” — the most anticipated of July — on opening night. As of Monday, Tom Cruise had pledged to see “Oppenheimer” on July 21 and “Barbie” on July 22.

“Like all things, the traditional means of promoting a movie (especially post-COVID) likely don’t yield the same result that they once did [which] requires contemporary approaches to get the word out and stay in the media cycle,” brand strategist Marcus Collins told TheWrap. “This is a good story that gets people talking about all their movies so they all benefit.”

Tom Cruise switches to softball

At least one distribution executive wondered out loud if Tom Cruise — or his handlers — planned the photo ops as damage control after reporting in Puck painted him as trying to muscle “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” out of Imax and other large-format screens.

Several high-level studio insiders told TheWrap the alleged Imax feud between “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” and “Oppenheimer” was much ado about nothing. One told TheWrap that the would-be scuffle was merely Cruise showing exhibitors his latest “Mission: Impossible” film in the hopes he could keep some non-Imax auditoriums after July 20.

“Every studio on Earth is asking for more [premium large format] screens,” said a former Hollywood executive.

The seventh “Mission: Impossible” movie opens on July 12 and is likely to lose its Imax screens and many of its other premium auditoriums to the Chris Nolan atom bomb thriller or the toy-based comic fantasy nine days later.

Meanwhile, at least one high-ranking industry executive told TheWrap that Margot Robbie has been lobbying AMC’s Adam Aron for “Barbie” to get its share of non-Imax premium large format screens, a notion that’s been disputed by other insiders. If that’s true, either for Cruise or Robbie, it’s not all about bravado and it’s an understandable move.

A poll conducted by The Cinema Foundation last April noted that 13% of those surveyed would only attend a movie if it was available in a premium auditorium, and even films that have underwhelmed in one territory or another have been expected to overindex in Imax . The premium push is about maximizing the number of theatrical moviegoers who otherwise might opt for streaming or VOD.

Cruise has been Hollywood’s pitchman before

Cruise has a history of playing ambassador for Hollywood.

“Tom Cruise has been supporting theaters for years,” stated one former studio executive speaking on background. “He’s always been a theatrical experience proponent.”

He famously made a big show of putting on a mask and seeing “Tenet” on its global opening weekend in the summer of 2020.

He was the first speaker at the 2002 Academy Awards, asking and answering the question about the necessity and appropriateness of celebrating movies in the shadow of the 9/11 attacks.

And he even joined Stephen King, James Gunn and David Zaslav in praising “The Flash,” even if in that case it was in a private phone call to the film’s directors Andy and Barbara Muschietti.

In this case, Cruise’s message speaks to those who have still not gotten back into the swing of regular theatrical moviegoing because of COVID variables and fears of paying $20 a ticket for a subpar audiovisual presentation or unruly audiences.

“Once you get into the theater and you realize that it’s safe, the audience is being respectful and no one is playing on their phone, it’s a reminder that you once enjoyed the experience,” that former executive declared. The message, the person said, is simple: “If you’re healthy and want to see these movies, please come see all these movies in theaters.”

A rising theatrical tide lifts all boats

The industry professionals and insiders interviewed by TheWrap uniformly denied a cooperative effort on a studio level.

“Absolutely no coordination,” one high-level studio executive said.

Whether the filmmakers behind “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” may be proverbial rivals, they know that non-theatrical entertainment options are greater threats to their theatrical fortunes.

Regardless of which film earns more at the global box office, those who are heavily invested, financially and philosophically, in the continued existence of global theatrical exhibition are in better shape if the overall theatrical industry is in healthier shape.

It’s why Universal and Focus unleashed a slew of smaller programmers like “Let Him Go” and “Freaky” in late 2020, both to test out their PVOD program and — after a soft domestic performance from Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” caused Hollywood to delay its end-of-2020 tentpole slate — to make sure theaters were still around to play Comcast-distributed biggies like “F9″ and “No Time to Die” when COVID improved.

Even Jason Kilar’s controversial Project Popcorn, which sent Warner Bros.’ 2021 releases to HBO Max and theaters concurrently, at least allowed theaters to bank on a consistent slate of big movies like “Godzilla Vs. Kong,” “The Conjuring 3” and “Dune.”

Nolan’s latest epic or Cruise’s actioner can’t earn hundreds of millions at the worldwide box office if movie theaters aren’t fully functioning. And star actors and directors still tend to get a sizable cut of theatrical revenue: Cruise reportedly earned over $100 million after “Top Gun: Maverick” grossed $1.49 billion worldwide.

As much as theaters love periodic blowout hits like “Avatar: The Way of Water” or “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” chains cannot subsist on a few “Super Mario Bros. Movie”-sized blockbusters each year.

“Movie competition isn’t always a zero-sum game,” said Collins. “Outside of a few titles, going to the movies hasn’t fully returned post-COVID. It’s fitting that Tom Cruise would be the one to kick this off because it’s the job of the category leader to save the category.”

Your move, Christopher Nolan.

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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 on the red carpet in a metallic pink short dress

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

The cast and director in front of a pink cadillac

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.

Tom Cruise on the red carpet in a suit and tie

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.

Share this article.

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

Separate images showing Margot Robbie in 'Barbie' and Cillian Murphy in 'Oppenheimer'

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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.”

Australian actress Margot Robbie poses on the pink carpet upon arrival for the European premiere of "Barbie" in London

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“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.”

A cheerful woman drives a car with a serious-looking man in the back seat.

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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.

Margot Robbie standing in a pink dress and flowery jewelry, left, and Cillian Murphy standing in a gray suit and hat

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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.”

Los Angeles, CA - July 21: Nicole Partida, 32, is dressed as "Barbie" outside a movie theater where "Barbie" is playing at AMC Century City on Friday, July 21, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA. Partida organized her group of friends to go to the movie and says that Barbie has always been an important part of her life. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times).

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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.

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Columnist Glenn Whipp is J. Robert Oppenheimer for an illustration in the 0213 Envelope Magazine, The Gold Standard column.

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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Screen Rant

Tom cruise angry at oppenheimer & barbie taking mission: impossible 7 screens, new report reveals battle for summer bo.

Tom Cruise is reportedly angry that Oppenheimer and Barbie are taking key screens away from Mission: Impossible 7, revealing a box office battle.

A new report suggests Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One star Tom Cruise is angry that Oppenheimer and Barbie are taking screens away from his film. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One will be the beginning of the end of Cruise's Ethan Hunt, whose last mission begins on July 12, 2023. However, just one week later on July 21, the highly anticipated Oppenheimer and Barbie films will be released in theaters.

Now, a report from Puck claims Cruise is angry that the Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One release will lose key IMAX screens fairly quickly, most of them to Oppenheimer . While Cruise's blockbuster will play in IMAX during its first week of release, Oppenheimer will be playing on all IMAX screens in the US for its first three weeks of release as part of an exclusive deal. The new Mission: Impossible film will also have to struggle against Barbie , which opens on the same day as Oppenheimer .

What Mission: Impossible 7's Struggles Mean For The Summer Box Office

The report goes on to highlight just how many high-profile films are expected to come out during the summer. According to the article, a major film release is expected to be in theaters almost every week through mid-August, starting with Fast X 's release two weeks ago. Aside from Oppenheimer and Barbie , Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One will also have to compete with Haunted Mansion , Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem , Meg 2: The Trench , and Gran Turismo , all of which come out within one month of the newest Mission: Impossible film.

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One 's competition with other major blockbusters puts the film in a difficult position. While the new Mission: Impossible will be the longest-running of the franchise and mark the beginning of its end, its box office revenue is bound to be impacted by other films releasing during its run. This is especially true for Oppenheimer , the IMAX screenings of which could significantly slow Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One 's performance.

Cruise's anger about Mission: Impossible 7 losing IMAX screens to Oppenheimer is understandable, given how competitive it seems the summer will be for big film releases. The situation also illustrates just how many major movies are coming out in the next few months, something that could make it daunting for consumers to keep up with every major release. It remains to be seen just how much Oppenheimer, Barbie , and other high-profile films will impact Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One at the box office.

Source: Puck

Key Release Dates

Mission: impossible - dead reckoning part one, mission: impossible - dead reckoning part two.

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Barbiemania: how warner bros. and mattel painted the world pink and created marketing magic.

From custom Crocs to a special Prada line to gay pride parade floats, Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' movie has attracted more than 100 promotional partners and generated countless headlines.

By Pamela McClintock

Pamela McClintock

Senior Film Writer

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Pink is the new green.

Barbie ‘s release in theaters this weekend caps one of the most extensive and impressive marketing campaigns in recent memory. Put another way: Rarely does a film turn into a cultural touchstone before it opens in cinemas. Warner Bros.’ Barbie , which brings to life the world’s most famous fashion doll, is on the short list of exceptions.

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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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All About Tom Ackerley, Margot Robbie’s Filmmaker Husband

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Margot Robbie's known for her larger-than-life big-screen characters (hello, Harley Quinn and Tonya Harding), but little is known about her offscreen. But for years, she's been quietly taken by her husband of more than four years, Tom Ackerley. Below, a briefing on their relationship.

fiji water at the 75th annual golden globe awards

He's also in the film industry.

In an interview with Mirror , Robbie spoke about her and Ackerley’s company. “We started our production company [LuckyCap Entertainment] with our best friends, and it continues to be a wonderful group dynamic. We all really work well together. I feel very lucky.”

29th Annual Producers Guild Awards - Arrivals

Margot and Tom met on a movie set.

Coincidentally, the film industry is what initially brought Ackerley and Robbie together. In an interview with Australia's The Daily Telegraph , she confirmed that they met while working on the 2014 film Suite Française . She also discussed making the early days of their relationship work when she was away filming and he was based in London. “The most helpful thing I’ve learned from other couples in this industry is that you don’t go more than three weeks without seeing each other,” she told the outlet. “Being in a long-distance relationship can be really hard when you don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. It can mess with your head, so the three-week rule is key.” The couple were first photographed together during a New York Rangers game in February 2015.

Celebrities Attend Arizona Coyotes Vs New York Rangers Game - February 26, 2015

They rarely talk about their relationship.

Since meeting, Robbie and Ackerley mostly keep their relationship private. In fact, they didn't walk a red carpet together until fall 2017, nearly a year after their December 2016 wedding. People reported that the couple tied the knot on December 18 in Australia's Byron Bay. Margot confirmed reports by posting a photo of the two kissing on Instagram, while she held up her newly-adorned ring finger.

In 2018, she gave PORTER a rare quote about her relationship. “I’m a great advocate of doing business with your partner,” she told the outlet. “Being married is actually the most fun ever, life got way more fun somehow. I have a responsibility being someone’s wife, I want to be better.”

2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - Arrivals

They do work together frequently.

When it comes to their relationship, Robbie and Ackerley prefer to let the work speak for itself. Through LuckyChap, the couple worked on several films that Robbie starred in, including I, Tonya , Birds of Prey , and the upcoming live-action Barbie , which has real-life couple Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach attached as writers.

In an interview for The Ellen DeGeneres Show , Robbie said she and Ackerley even delayed their honeymoon to shoot I, Tonya . During the sit-down, she also detailed an embarrassing run-in with DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, and Barack Obama.

From the looks of his IG, he likes adventure.

When Ackerley isn't on a film set alongside Robbie, his Instagram feed is filled with photos of him traveling, surfing, and skiing. (Plus, a few cute dog photos.) In September 2018, he posted photos after competing in a triathlon.

Margot credits Tom for helping her cope with her anxiety when preparing for films.

In an August 2021 interview with Mirror , Robbie revealed that she gets overwhelmed with anxiety when she takes on a role—but her husband helps her cope with it.

Robbie discussed being scared as she reprised her role as Harley Quinn in the Suicide Squad sequel. “Even though Harley [Quinn] is a character I have played before, I still got scared before shooting because I’m always nervous to start any job,” she started. But Ackerley encouraged her and made a real difference as she prepared to shoot the film: “I have this complete crisis of faith and think, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m not even good at acting, and I can’t do this.’ Every time I do a movie, I turn to my husband, and I’m like, ‘I don’t think I can do this.’ He says something like, ‘You do this every time. You’ll be fine.’”

She also joked in the interview about her love of British things, including Ackerley, who is from Surrey: “I seem to love a lot of British things,” she told the British publication. “I love Harry Potter, I love my husband and I love Love Island. It’s great.”

Tom visited her on the set of Barbie for her birthday.

Margot Robbie turned 32-years-old on the set of Barbie on July 2, 2022, and her husband Tom Ackerley visited her in between filming scenes. The movie is being directed by Greta Gerwig, and Robbie is playing the titular character. Ryan Gosling is starring across from her as the iconic Ken.

During her break, Robbie was seen smiling and chatting with Ackerley. He was wearing a casual white t-shirt, black and white patterned pants and a pair of black shades. Robbie was wearing a selection from her Barbie wardrobe, a hot pink Western-style top with a white cowboy hat.

The couple were seen on a date in NYC in September 2022.

On Saturday, September 18, Robbie was seen stepping out for dinner with Ackerley in Soho, headed out for a restaurant date together. The actress was wearing a peasant-style dress in a dark red shade patterned in floral print and a high draw string waist. She paired the late summer vintage look with platform suede boots and some simple silver jewelry. She carried a small leather purse and wore a black mask and left her long blonde hair down. Robbie walked hand-in-hand with Ackerley, who was wearing a white t-shirt tucked into a pair of beige pants.

They walked the Governors Awards Party red carpet together in November 2022.

Robbie and Ackerley attended the Paramount Pictures' Post Governors Awards Party in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 19. The actress is in the midst of promoting her upcoming film Babylon, which focuses on the Roaring 20s and Hollywoods transition away from silent films.

Robbie was wearing a gorgeous emerald green satin column cutout gown by Bottega Veneta at the event hosted by President & CEO, Brian Robbins, at the Sunset Tower Hotel. The look exposed her midriff with a gold tie holding the ruched sides of the bodice and skirt together. Ackerley wore a classic black suit with a black bow tie.

The couple smiled adorably at each other in front of the cameras, looking sweet and in love.

Tom and Margot were seen on a double date in late January 2023 amid false tweets about Margot's love life.

The couple had a very rare papped day date, stepping out for a double date with Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber on January 30, 2023. The four enjoyed a meal at Malibu's Cafe Havanna. You can see photos of Ackerley and Robbie together here .

The date comes around the same time users on Twitter started sharing false tweets that Robbie was dating different pro-athletes, per The Daily Dot . Ackerley and Robbie, of course, have been solidly together for years, so the sports memes about her dating other people are just internet humor. Some athletes, the outlet pointed out, even joked along. Robbie herself, meanwhile, didn't comment on it and doesn't even have an active Instagram currently.

The pair attended CinemaCon together, then the Chanel Cruise Show in spring 2023.

Ackerley and Robbie attended CinemaCon together to promote Barbie , which their production company LuckyChap is behind. They didn't stand next to each other, but they did pose on the carpet at the same time on April 25, 2023:

us entertainment cinema convention barbie

They later had a real date night at Chanel's Los Angeles cruise show , sitting next to each other in the front row on May 9, 2023.

Tom and Margot attended the Barbie Los Angeles premiere together and posed as a couple.

As Ackerley and Robbie worked on Barbie together, the couple promoted the film alongside each other. For the Los Angeles world premiere of Barbie in particular, they matched in black on the pink carpet. Robbie, of course, was dressed as Solo in the Spotlight Barbie from 1960, and Ackerley complemented her in a suit.

Greta spoke about seeing Tom and Margot together when they met for the first time.

Greta Gerwig, Barbie 's director, spoke with Robbie about her first time meeting her for Vogue Australia , and Ackerley was part of the story.

Gerwig and Robbie recalled seeing each other frequently at events when they were promoting I, Tanya (Robbie) and Ladybird (Gerwig) in 2017. “You and Tom [Ackerley, Robbie’s husband] do not remember this,” Gerwig said. “We’d met and had this moment and then after the Oscars in 2018, I was leaving the Chateau [Marmont]. It was dawn. You and Tom were coming in and we both saw each other and we all just started laughing. It’s like we’d been professional with each other and then all of a sudden it was like, whatever just happened, here we are at dawn!”

“Was I going to a party?” Robbie asked.

Gerwig replied, “I think you were going to sleep! But I don’t know how that’s possible. But you were definitely walking in as I was walking out.”

Margot was photographed kissing Tom on vacation in late August 2023.

Fresh off Barbie’s highly successful box office run, Margot and Tom were photographed on vacation together in Greece at the end of August 2023. Margot wore a white one-piece, and the married couple was captured kissing in one shot. See photos here .

In November 2023, the couple enjoyed a tour of Australia.

On Friday, November 10, Ackerley and Robbie toured Rose Bay together in Sydney after making stops on their vacation in Perth and the Gold Coast. They were accompanied by friends and walked arm-in-arm as they went to the boat.

a man and woman posing for a picture on a boat

The next day, they headed to Coogee, a suburb of the city, where they dined at Mimi's and offered their fellow diners free drinks made with their co-owned gin brand, Papa Salt. The pair were smiling broadly as they left the restaurant after a few rounds.

At the 2023 Power of Women event, Ackerley gushed about his wife's success.

On Thursday, November 16, Robbie, Ackerley, and their producing partner, Josey McNamara, spoke with ET 's Cassie DiLaura at Variety 's Power of Women event. The trio and their production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, responsible for films like Barbie and Saltburn, was honored with the Producer of the Year award. DiLaura wanted to know what Robbie was doing with her money from the blockbuster Barbie .

“I actually really haven't done anything that crazy,” Robbie said. “But now that you've said it, all my siblings are going to be like, ‘Where's my house?’”

Ackerley was asked his opinion, and joked, “We should buy some pink Ferraris.”

More seriously, he shared about LuckyChap's success, saying, “It's been amazing. Every day we wake up and pinch ourselves, so it's been incredible.”

Ackerley praised Robbie’s work ethic in an interview with Variety .

Ackerley, Robbie, and McNamara did a joint interview for a cover story on LuckyChap in January 2024. In it, Ackerley gushed about Robbie’s dedication to her work. “Our superpower is, frankly, your work ethic,” he said, looking at her. “We always say unless the actor and director want to work as hard as the rest of the executives, it’s not gonna happen. And she works harder than everyone.”

“ It’s also because the three of us are so close,” she added. “I don’t know how you would do it if your producing partners were just business associates or colleagues. It’d be really tricky if there wasn’t friendship at the core.”

The couple posed together at the BAFTA Awards in February 2024.

Ackerley and Robbie continued their award show run together at the BAfTA Awards in London on February 18. The couple posed together on the red carpet:

2024 ee bafta film awards red carpet arrivals

And were captured in a candid shot from the ceremony:

margot robbie and tom ackerley at the baftas

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From Tom Cruise breakdancing to Spice Girls reuniting, reports from Victoria Beckham's bash capture imagination

Tom Cruise breakdancing, a Spice Girls reunion and tons of A-list celebrities gathering in one location have social media and the general public in awe over Victoria Beckham's 50th birthday party.

Beckham, who celebrated half a century over the weekend, posted about the luxurious soiree Sunday on Instagram.

But some of the most buzzworthy moments went intentionally unrecorded.

"I don’t think I’ve ever felt as loved as I did last night," Beckham's post said. "Thank you all for coming from near and so far!! X"

In the post, Beckham shared pictures of her with actor Eva Longoria, celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay, her husband, soccer star David Beckham and some of the couple's children.

In another Instagram post, Beckham shared a picture of her and the four other members of the English pop group, the Spice Girls.

"The best gift to be reunited!! Thank you to all my friends and family for celebrating with me. Kisses! xxx," Beckham's post about the Spice Girls said.

Guests 'absolutely dumbfounded' by Tom Cruise's dancing, reports say

Not included in either post were other famous attendees who came to celebrate with the Beckhams at Oswald’s, a private member’s club owned by Robin Birley in London's Mayfair district.

Oswald's is strict about taking photos and allowing social media within the venue , according to the club's member's privacy notice.

Actors Tom Cruise and Salma Hayek both made an appearance at Beckham's party and while one left an impression with their outfit, the other left it all on the dance floor, the Daily Mail reported.

Cruise, who turned 61 in July 2023, stunned guests when he began demonstrating "a series of breakdancing moves, culminating in splits," the outlet said.

"People were absolutely dumbfounded," one guest told the Daily Mail.

Social media reacts to Tom Cruise's 'split mania' and not receiving an invite to Victoria Beckham's party

While no photos or videos of Cruise dancing exist online, social media users continue to poke fun at the expense of the "Mission Impossible" movie star. An X user who goes by @Douggernaut_2 posted a clip of actor Mike Myers dancing in the film "Austin Powers" and said, "Tom Cruise arriving at Victoria Beckham's bday."

Several social media users hearkened back to when Cruise played the Les Grossman character in the 2008 comedy movie "Tropic Thunder." Cruise would hilariously reprise the character during the 2010 MTV Movie Awards and dance to rapper Ludacris' song "Get Back."

"Remember when Tom Cruise did this," X user @charletty_ said Monday in a post reacting to the video of Cruise's full dance routine at the awards show.

During the routine with singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, Cruise does a split on stage. X user @danilo_parks said Monday in a post, "It's real Tom Cruise does the splits mania out there today."

In addition to seeing Cruise do splits and the Spice Girls perform, guests also received goody bags full of Beckham's branded products, including a candle and a fragrance, the Telegraph reported.

All the fun has people wondering where their invite was to Beckham's birthday party, including X user @StaceyVaselaney who said, "I’m sitting here shaking my head wondering why wasn’t I invited to Victoria Beckham’s 50th birthday party."

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Tom Cruise reveals what he'll watch first: Barbie or Oppenheimer
Tom Cruise Reveals His Schedule for Viewing 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer'
Tom Cruise Does the Barbie & Oppenheimer Double Bill
A Indiana Jones, Barbie Y Oppenheimer, Con Amor De Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise Endorses Your ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ Double Feature
Tom Cruise Does the Barbie & Oppenheimer Double Bill

COMMENTS

Tom Cruise Reveals His Schedule for Viewing 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer'
The actor reveals his plans to watch the two summer blockbusters on their opening weekend, praising their explosive and pink elements. He also tweets about his excitement for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and congratulates Harrison Ford.
Tom Cruise Is Seeing Both 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer'—But Which One
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Tom Cruise Revealed Whether He'll See "Barbie" Or ...
Tom Cruise says he will see both Barbie and Oppenheimer on opening weekend, but he will watch Oppenheimer first and Barbie on Saturday. He shares his excitement for the two films and the importance of seeing movies in theaters.
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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 ...
Tom Cruise Reveals If He's Seeing 'Barbie' or 'Oppenheimer' First
— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) June 28, 2023. Barbie stars Margot Robbie as the iconic doll, along with Ryan Gosling as Ken. The film follows the pair as they set out on an adventure in the real world, after leaving Barbie Land. Other stars of the film include America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell, among others. ...
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Margot Robbie & Tom Cruise Got Tickets To Barbie, Oppenheimer
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 ...
'Barbie' or 'Oppenheimer?' Here's where Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello
Even Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello, Quentin Tarantino and Tom Cruise took part in the 'Barbenheimer' weekend — here's how celebs celebrated the blockbusters (and which films they saw).
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A new report suggests Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One star Tom Cruise is angry that Oppenheimer and Barbie are taking screens away from his film. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One will be the beginning of the end of Cruise's Ethan Hunt, whose last mission begins on July 12, 2023.However, just one week later on July 21, the highly anticipated Oppenheimer and Barbie ...
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Tom Cruise Encourages ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ Double Feature to Support Theaters

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SHOCKER: Tom Cruise Reveals All! Here's The Order He Plans To See Barbie And Oppenheimer

Cruise's Barbenheimer plans

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

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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

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.

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.

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 .

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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