In a surprising turn of events, Margot Robbie, the star and producer of the film 'Barbie', refused to move the premiere date of her film despite a request from 'Oppenheimer' producer Charles Roven. This decision led to the simultaneous release of 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer', creating a phenomenon known as 'Barbenheimer'.
The two films, despite their contrasting themes and target audiences, grossed a combined $2.39 billion at the worldwide box office. 'Barbie' became Warner Bros.' highest-grossing film of all time, while 'Oppenheimer' achieved critical acclaim with a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Robbie, in an interview, revealed that she saw the pairing of the two films as a perfect double billing. She also shared her unique approach to preparing for her role as Barbie, which contributed to the film's success. Cillian Murphy, the lead actor in 'Oppenheimer', spoke about his experience working with director Christopher Nolan and how the film's subjective storytelling added to its significance.
Despite the success of both films, a publicist for Roven did not respond to requests for comment. Robbie credited the filmmakers, including Greta Gerwig and Christopher Nolan, for creating buzz and excitement among audiences, which played a significant role in the success of both films.
The 'Barbenheimer' phenomenon is a testament to the unpredictability of audience preferences and the potential for diverse films to succeed simultaneously.