“Barbie” Takes the Lead in Box Office Battle with $22.3 Million in Previews
The highly anticipated box office battle between Warner Bros.’ “Barbie” and Universal’s “Oppenheimer” has officially begun, and it looks like “Barbie” is taking the lead. In Thursday previews, “Barbie” raked in an impressive $22.3 million at the domestic box office. As we await the reveal of “Oppenheimer’s” preview total on Friday morning, it’s clear that “Barbie” has made a strong start.
Projections indicate that “Barbie,” starring Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, is set for a massive opening weekend. Estimates suggest that the film could debut with over $100 million, with some even predicting a staggering $140 million. This is largely due to the extensive marketing efforts and anticipation surrounding the iconic doll’s live-action adaptation. Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy’s “Oppenheimer” is expected to open with $50 million, securing a solid second place.
Both films come with significant budgets, but the potential for profitability is high. “Barbie” had a budget of $145 million, while “Oppenheimer” was made with $100 million. Ultimately, it’s the theater owners and the thousands of fans who will benefit the most. Approximately 200,000 “Barbenheimer” fans across the country have already booked same-day, double screenings of the films, ensuring a lucrative box office turnout.
Both movies revolve around globally recognizable figures. “Barbie” brings the beloved toy doll to life with Margot Robbie as the titular character, accompanied by Ryan Gosling as Ken. The star-studded cast also includes Issa Rae, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, and many more. On the other hand, “Oppenheimer” traces the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, with Cillian Murphy in the lead role. The film features a talented ensemble cast including Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, and Casey Affleck, among others.
Coming off its previous weekend victory, Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” is expected to settle for third place. The action-packed film is projected to earn around $28 million to $30 million in its second weekend.
As the box office battle continues to unfold, all eyes are on these two highly anticipated releases. Will “Barbie” hold onto its lead and surpass expectations, or will “Oppenheimer” come from behind and surprise audiences? Only time will tell.