The combined release of “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” dubbed “Barbenheimer,” has become a pop culture sensation – and one that might revive a struggling movie industry. Barbenheimer was the fourth highest-grossing industry weekend of all time in North America, totaling $302 million Sunday. Analysts believe it will grow even more when final numbers are reported Monday. Coming in behind “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer” opened at $80.
“Barbie” was distributed by Warner Bros., owned by CNN’s parent company Warner Bros. Discovery. Preview showings of “Barbie” brought in $22.3 million, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The Mattel doll film beat “Oppenheimer,” which earned $33 million on Friday – also an impressive feat.