Two of Hollywood’s biggest upcoming 2023 releases are set for a battle of the box office as Barbie and Oppenheimer compete for number one on July 21.
While initially thought too close to call, a clear winner is emerging between the two hotly-awaited summer blockbusters for opening weekend. Barbie is projected to gross between $70 million to $80 million domestically in the US, while Oppenheimer is expected to land around $40 million.
The biographical horror-drama Oppenheimer is the latest film from British auteur Christopher Nolan. Dubbing him ‘the most important man who ever lived’, the film follows theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer as he creates the atomic bomb. Starring Cillian Murphy in the titular role, the film features Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr. and many more. The film is set to deal with difficult ethical dilemmas and Nolan has hinted at an ending similar to that of Inception.
Partially filmed in black-and-white, Nolan’s scientific epic is a stark contrast to the fantastically pink Barbie Land in more ways than one.
Directed by Greta Gerwig (Little Women, Lady Bird) who also co-wrote the screenplay with partner Noah Baumbach (The Squid and The Whale, Marriage Story), Barbie also boasts a phenomenal cast as they bring the beloved doll to life. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling headline a stellar cast, including Will Ferrell, America Ferrera and Simu Liu. The film has also done an incredible job with its marketing campaign, including an impressive list of musicians featuring on Barbie The Album (set for same-day release as the film) and the Malibu Barbie DreamHouse available for rent in a marketing stunt with Airbnb.
Another factor in the projected earnings for opening weekend is Barbie’s PG-13 rating in the United States, which will most likely translate to a 12 age rating in the UK. Conversely, Nolan’s Oppenheimer is rated R. This will undoubtedly affect opening weekend numbers, since it significantly limits the size of its potential audience.
While the first week earnings play a significant role in the success of a film, it doesn’t mean that Oppenheimer can’t still win overall. Nolan’s 2014 science-fiction film Interstellar placed second on the opening weekend charts, but then went on to gross over $700 million globally.
Oppenheimer is also set to screen at select IMAX cinemas around the world. In the UK, IMAX screenings are available at the BFI IMAX and The Ronson Theatre at the Science Museum in London, and Vue Manchester IMAX & The Printworks in Manchester.
Nolan is known for his vocal support for the theatrical releases over streaming service debuts. Oppenheimer is the first film since his split from Warner Bros. due to their decision to release their entire 2021 slate on HBO Max. Universal Pictures won the bidding war for Oppenheimer, and is releasing the biopic. With Barbie being one of Warner Bros. biggest blockbuster releases, it’s difficult not to see the box office competition as a rivalry that goes beyond just gross earnings.
In a busy season of big releases, with Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny also screening in theatres, the title of 2023’s most successful summer blockbuster is all to play for.
Barbie and Oppenheimer will be available to watch in cinemas on July 21, 2023.