Warner Bros.’ highly-anticipated film “Barbie” has kicked off its box office run with a bang, dominating the competition and exceeding expectations. In Thursday previews alone, the movie raked in an impressive $22.3 million, leaving Universal’s “Oppenheimer” in the dust with its earnings of $10.5 million.
Not only did “Barbie” break records for Thursday previews, but it also set a new record for the biggest preview haul of the entire summer box office season. With its $22.3 million, the film surpassed the previous record held by “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” which earned $17.5 million.
Experts predict that “Barbie” is poised to have a massive opening weekend, with estimates ranging from well over $100 million to as high as $140 million. This impressive projection can be attributed to the extensive marketing efforts behind the film, as well as the star-studded cast, which includes Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie.
Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy’s “Oppenheimer” is expected to open in second place with an estimated $50 million. This would surpass the previews of Nolan’s previous film, “Dunkirk,” and solidify the film’s position as a strong contender at the box office.
Despite their high budgets, both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” have the potential to be profitable ventures. “Barbie” boasts a budget of $145 million, while “Oppenheimer” was made with $100 million. Fans of the films are showing support by booking same-day double screenings, benefiting theater owners across the country.
What sets these movies apart is their exploration of globally recognizable figures. “Barbie” brings the iconic toy doll to life with an A-list cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Issa Rae, and Kate McKinnon. On the other hand, “Oppenheimer” delves into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, with Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Robert Downey Jr. among its cast members.
However, one cannot forget about Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.” As last weekend’s box office champion, the film is expected to secure third place with estimated earnings of $28 million to $30 million in its second weekend.
With these exciting releases in theaters, film enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to. Whether it’s the glamour of “Barbie,” the historical intrigue of “Oppenheimer,” or the high-octane action of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” there’s a movie for everyone this summer.
