Welcome to FTW Explains, a guide to catching up on and better understanding stuff going on in the world. Are you confused as to what this whole Barbenheimer thing is involving Barbie and Oppenheimer? We’re here to help.
That’s right: This is a BIG THING right now, as Barbie — directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie — and Oppenheimer (the Christopher Nolan vehicle starring Cillian Murphy that’s all about the development of nuclear weapons) will open on the same day, July 21.
That’s led to people — including the movie’s stars — to buy tickets to see the movies on the same day. But it’s also blossomed into a pop culture crossover phenomenon sweeping the nation.
Let’s dive in:
Wait, what? Barbenheimer?
Barbenheimer! A combo of Barbie and Oppenheimer? What else do you need to know about it?
You're telling me this is a thing?
Sure is. There are endless memes:
Me on Barbenheimer day pic.twitter.com/C1PjXrj8wU
— Pete 🏳️🌈 (@PeteAscolese) July 10, 2023
My Barbenheimer itinerary:
10 am: brunch
12 pm: meditation
2 pm: Oppenheimer
5 pm: costume change
5:30 pm: nuclear disarmament
6 pm: Barbie
8 pm: karaoke
2 am: bed pic.twitter.com/rGUEXeNFD5— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) July 10, 2023
There are fake trailers:
Why did I make this? I don't know. #Barbenheimer #BarbieandtheBomb pic.twitter.com/PUfW8Rod84
— Kyle Dodson 🐀 (@KyleDodsonFunny) July 3, 2023
There’s even this amazing poster for the combo:
Barbenheimer poster art by @ThatTallGinger pic.twitter.com/tXUAdxm6qb
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 7, 2023
Let me guess: There are t-shirts too?
HOW DID YOU KNOW?
BARBENHEIMER SHIRT SWEEEP SHIRT OF THE YEAR 💯‼️🦅 pic.twitter.com/n0AUwp04Pn
— rory !! (@louvreeed) July 6, 2023
The Barbenheimer shirt is now available on TeePublic 🔥https://t.co/Nx6rv1wSC9#Barbie #Oppenheimer pic.twitter.com/Td8e5n69H2
— JustRalphy (@JustRalphyyy) July 5, 2023
Today is probably the last day to order a Barbenheimer shirt if you want to guarantee it shows up before release date of the movie!
RUN!!! NOW! @reeltokpodcast https://t.co/TNTYCwgWpc pic.twitter.com/DxqFZxrOP0
— Tyler Whitmore (@TylerCWhitmore) July 3, 2023
People are really into this. Are they really going to see both on the same day?
Oh, believe me, they are:
I finally got my Barbenheimer double feature tickets. This must be how the swifties felt getting through the Eras queue. pic.twitter.com/tCBivA5Gxe
— becky (@beckywtheokhair) July 11, 2023
secured my barbenheimer tickets 🙈 pic.twitter.com/mgAqzajfpN
— 🧜🏼 (@princekirionas) July 4, 2023
Per The Hollywood Reporter, AMC says that tens of thousands of moviegoers have already secured tickets for the unofficial double feature. “That more than 20,000 moviegoers have already made plans and purchased tickets to see Barbie and Oppenheimer on the same day is a great sign that the growing online conversation around seeing both of these incredible films is turning into ticket sales,” Elizabeth Frank, executive vp worldwide programming & chief content officer of AMC Theatres, said in a statement.
Why are people going to see those two movies back-to-back?
The theory: You’ve got two movies that are WILDLY different styles and subjects.
You could revel in the fun, joy and wackiness of Barbie first before getting serious — and, probably, distraught — and watching Oppenheimer. Or, you could start with Nolan’s movie, cry about the fallout from that real-life story, then cleanse your palate with some escapism into the world of Barbie.
Who knew that the combo would kind of be the perfect thing?
