Eh no offense but Barbenheimer WAS Barbenheimer under very specific conditions. Both films were highly anticipated, both films were critically lauded and both films were so vastly different vibes that it was an odd pairing. Not saying it can’t happen again but this just wasn’t meant to be.
As I said all three need to come together for that spark to happen and Gladiator II didn’t put up. That being said knowing Ridley Scott’s track record these days I also wouldn’t have called it “highly anticipated” but more something we were aware was coming and most of us were generally indifferent
Unfortunately I did see headlines touting the term "Glicked" which just doesn't work, it sounds gross and takes unnecessary mental energy to realize it's meant to be two syllables.
So we wanted to capture the racism of gladiator and wicked against the racism of killing the Japanese and Barbie masogyny?? I think we allow that old bomb to die out and end sexism now. Not sure if we are any closer to ending the racism though…
Gladiator 2 is just a lazy rehash of the first that manages to retcon loads of stuff for literally no reason, only redeeming aspect is some of the action scenes are cool but still pale in comparison to the og
It is. They’re both successful. So is Moana. And I’m 90% sure Sonic will do well, it always does. They aren’t eating each others business. That’s the logic of Barbenheimer.
The "Barbenheimer" phenomena is that people made an event out of going to the movies to see both of them on the same day. It's not just that both movies ended up being successful.
Though now looking at the numbers, Gladiator 2 seems to be doing pretty respectable? (not at the latter 2’s level though but decent second weekend hold)
Trust me, they tried it - there was a brief moment the phrase or something similar was touted. But it came from the marketing dept, not the fans itself, so it came off as trying to cynically catch lightning in a bottle.
Barbenheimer was a social media challenge and a theater binge challenge. You watch Oppenheimer first, then go see Barbie after. 5 hours in the theater. It certainly helped box office success for both shows.
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Wickedator II
https://youtu.be/RoUAp9HCUv0?si=7IpsIRi5ASjTgkIa
Imagine H'wood sinking a boodle into a musical about the Wicked Which of the west and making her a daughter of Sheba.
Somebody must have had shares in the theatrical production. Nowhere near Cole Porter, Rogers and Hart, or even A-L Webber.
Though now looking at the numbers, Gladiator 2 seems to be doing pretty respectable? (not at the latter 2’s level though but decent second weekend hold)
For me, it would have to be Wickiator II.
Although now I think about it that sounds like Wickerman meets Terminator II - and I would definitely go to see this film.
Barbenheimer was straightforward with a pink pantsuit and a porkpie hat.
Now we have to update our witchy robes with armor plates?
I suppose its as good a time as any