“Barbenheimer” was a phenomenon impossible to build. But, more than a year later, that hasn’t stopped people from trying to create something “gliked” – or even “babiratu”.
The counterprogramming of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” in July 2023 struck a nerve culturally and had the receipts to back it up.
Unlike many things that start as memes, this one transcended its online beginnings. Rather than either/or, both films ultimately complemented and boosted each other at the box office.
And since then, moviegoers, marketers and meme creators have been trying to recreate that moment, searching movie release schedules for strange mashups and sending candidates into the social media void.
Most attempts have failed (sorry, “Saw Patrol”).
This weekend is probably the closest approximation yet to a Broadway musical adaptation ‘Wicked’ opens on Friday against chest beating The sword-and-sandal epic “Gladiator II.”
With two big studio releases (Universal and Paramount), one-name titles, contrasting tones and aesthetics, and big blockbuster energy – the name game was already half over before it even started: “Wickeater,” “Wadieater,” ” Gladwick” and even the eyebrow-raising “Gladicked” have all been suggested.
“‘Glicked’ seems to be on people’s lips a little too much,” actor Fred Hechinger said at a screening of “Gladiator II” in New York this week. “I think we should all be ‘glicked’ around.” It gets very confusing if you have four or five different names for it.
As with “Barbenheimer”, as cute as it may seem, “Glicked” also has a male/female split that makes the fan art extra silly.
One is pink and bright and filled with glitter, tulle, Broadway bangers and brand tie-ins; All else is sweat and sand, blood and bulging muscles.
Both films topped Fandango’s highly anticipated holiday movie survey, where 65% of respondents said they were interested in a “Glicked” double feature.
Theaters big and small are also making waves with movie-themed tie-ins. There will be Roman guards tearing up tickets at some venues and Maximus popcorn tubs at B&B Theatres.
Marcus Theaters is doing Oz photo ops and making friendship bracelets. The Alamo Drafthouse is leaning toward the singles aspect (be careful, though, not all theaters are accepting it) and decadent drinks like the “Defying Gravy-Tea.”
“Instead of being in competition, I think they’re in conversation,” “Gladiator II” star Paul Mescal said“This industry requires an effort. Those films gave it last year. “We hope to do that this year.”
And the hope is that the audience will also come to the theaters to be a part of this moment.
An influx of potential blockbuster films is sorely needed in a market that is still at an 11% loss from last year and down 27.2% from 2019, according to comScore data.
“Competition is good for the market. It’s good for consumers,” said Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of the National Association of Theater Owners. “Having two great movies coming out at the same time is a multiplier effect.”
“Glicked” is currently tracking for a combined North American debut in the $165 million range, With “evil” forecast to earn “Gladiator II” was estimated for around $100 million (up from an estimate of $80 million a few weeks earlier) and in the $65 million range.
“Barbenheimer” demolished its projections last July. That weekend, “Barbie” was valued at $90 million and “Oppenheimer” at approximately $40 million.
Ultimately, they earned a combined $244 million on that first voyage and approximately $2.4 billion by the end of their run.
It’s possible that “Glicked” may also exceed expectations.
And the advantage is that another monster is following: “Moana 2,” which opens just five days later on the Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday. “Glicedana” triple feature anyone?
“These are 10 important days,” O’Leary said. “It will show moviegoers that there are a lot of exciting things out there for them to see.”
It has infinite warnings Incomplete comparison to “Barbenheimer” Too. “Wicked” is a “part one”. Musicals carry their own burden for moviegoers, even musicals based on hugely successful productions (ahem, “Cats”).
“Gladiator II” got a good start and opened internationally last weekend. In fact, in the UK it was played with “Paddington in Peru”, where that double was numbered as “Gladington”. “Gladiator” reviews, while positive, are a little more divided than others.
And neither director Ridley Scott nor Jon M. Chu have the built-in box office cash that Christopher Nolan alone has to his name at this point.
The new films cost more than “Barbie” ($145 million) and “Oppenheimer” ($100 million).
According to reports, “Gladiator II” cost $250 million; “Rogue” reportedly cost $150 million to produce (and that doesn’t include the cost of the second film coming out next year).
However, the narrative has moved away from “who will win at the weekend?”
earlier this year, Chu told the Associated Press He likes that this is a moment where “we can support all films all the time.”
There are a series of Christmas releases with double-feature potential behind, but they seem to be a little more exclusive. This is a remake of “Nosferatu” Nicole Kidman Kink Pic “Babygirl” and the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown.”
The Internet can’t seem to even decide its stance on that group of contenders, and no one really screams blockbuster.
However, sometimes the fun is just in the game. Some people have stuck to one-name mashups (“Bebiratu”); Others are suggesting that the fact that the two films feature real-life exes (Timothée Chalamet and Lily-Rose Depp) is reason enough for a double feature. And talking to people is half the battle.
When in doubt, or lacking a catchy name, the default is always: “This is my Barbenheimer.”
