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USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Charles Curtis

Barbenheimer, explained: Why Barbie and Oppenheimer have been combined for 1 wild crossover

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?

Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures

Sure is. There are endless memes:

There are fake trailers:

There’s even this amazing poster for the combo:

Let me guess: There are t-shirts too?

Screenshot: Barbie trailer

HOW DID YOU KNOW?

People are really into this. Are they really going to see both on the same day?

(Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images)

Oh, believe me, they are:

 

From AV Club:

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?

Screenshot: Barbie trailer

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?

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