The domestic box office is experiencing a much-needed resurgence as two highly anticipated films, “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” are off to a remarkable start with impressive preview grosses. If early estimates are any indication, both movies are set to perform beyond expectations, promising a massive weekend at the box office.
Leading the charge is “Barbie,” which dazzled audiences with a spectacular $22.3 million in box office previews over Wednesday and Thursday, making it the best showing of the year so far in 2023. This stunning figure even surpasses preview earnings of major tentpole releases like “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” In fact, “Barbie” secures the 24th spot on the all-time best previews list. However, it’s essential to note that the $22.3 million includes special Wednesday screenings in addition to Thursday previews.
The buzz surrounding “Barbie” has been building, and it was initially projected to open to around $110 million domestically. But with the incredible response from audiences during the previews, that figure has soared to a jaw-dropping $150 million to $160 million. This potential opening weekend total would position “Barbie” as one of the biggest showings in recent cinematic history. The film, directed by the talented Greta Gerwig, boasts a star-studded cast featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
Not to be outdone, Christopher Nolan‘s highly anticipated film, “Oppenheimer,” is also making waves. The three-hour epic, chronicling the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, known as the father of the atomic bomb, earned a robust $10.5 million during its Thursday previews. This impressive showing puts “Oppenheimer” ahead of preview earnings for “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning, Part One” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”
READ MORE: Remembering Josephine Chaplin: An Actress with a Legendary Legacy
Initially projected to open to $49 million, “Oppenheimer” now has the potential to rake in a sizable $75 million domestically. With a stellar ensemble cast that includes Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, and Matt Damon, the film has generated significant interest from moviegoers.
The stunning success of both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” comes at a time when the summer box office could use a lift after a string of underperforming big-budget releases. Films like “The Flash,” “Elemental,” and “Dial of Destiny” failed to meet expectations, leaving moviegoers hungry for a blockbuster hit. Last weekend, even the highly anticipated “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning, Part One,” starring Tom Cruise, fell short of tracking projections, opening to $78.5 million instead of the anticipated $90 million-plus.
The unexpected showdown between “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” is captivating audiences, given their vastly different tones and scopes. While “Barbie” is a female-skewing event movie with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling at the helm, “Oppenheimer” is a thought-provoking historical drama directed by the visionary Christopher Nolan.
With these two powerhouse films leading the charge, the summer box office is looking to regain its momentum and end the season on a high note. Audiences are flocking to theaters to witness the magic of “Barbie” and delve into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer in “Oppenheimer.” As the weekend progresses, industry experts eagerly await the final box office numbers, anticipating an unforgettable showdown between these two cinematic giants.