This coming weekend may be the rosiest box-office we’ll see for some time as the event known as Barbenheimer is finally here, whilst the strikes by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are still to early to have an impact as yet.
Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” and Chris Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” are expected to pull in a combined global debut of over $260 million over the three-day period.
What “Barbie” will do in the U.S. is not clear as projections vary wildly depending upon whom you talk to. Warner Bros. Pictures is demuring with a $75 million estimate. Rivals and pre-sales suggest at least $90 million and up to $125 million.
In addition, the film is expected to pull in a further $60-65 million from nearly seventy overseas markets.
Over at Universal, Nolan’s new film is tracking for a $40-50 million domestic start and another $45 million overseas for a global debut of nearly $100 million – very strong numbers for a three-hour adult drama.
Widespread reviews for both have not been published as yet, but some reactions have popped out with praise for both films – “Oppenheimer” in particular is already being seen as a major awards contender.
The news comes as the 2023 box-office is currently 13% ahead of last year with more than $5 billion, but the lack of stars to promote the late Summer/Fall line-up could have an impact on sales in the coming weeks and months.
Source: Deadline
