The Barbenheimer Effect: Why the Wicked, Gladiator II Box Office Pairing Just Works
ComicBook.comStory by Matthew Murphy
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Hollywood blockbusters collide as the 'Glicked' effect mirrors the cultural phenomenon of 'Barbenheimer', showing how contrasting films can captivate audiences.
beat sheet
- The pairing of the fantastical musical 'Wicked' and the historical action sequel 'Gladiator II' is sparking the same social media buzz as last year's 'Barbenheimer' craze, with theaters offering double features to satisfy diverse moviegoers.
- Just as 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' offered starkly different tones but both earned critical acclaim and box office success, the 'Glicked' duo of 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' are banking on their recognizability and marketing savvy to capture the public's imagination.
call sheet
Cyntia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Warner Bros. Pictures, Universal Pictures, Barbie, Oppenheimer, Wicked, Gladiator II, The Wizard of Oz, Gladiator