This year, “Gladiator II” and the first part of “Wicked” will share a release date, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster showdown days before Thanksgiving. Movie theaters are gearing up for what could be another “Barbenheimer,” a viral phenomenon that captivated audiences and dominated the box office in 2023.
But what will this clash of big-budget films be called? Actor Paul Mescal, starring in “Gladiator II,” suggested the portmanteau “Glicked” for the anticipated double feature. Mescal expressed optimism about audiences coming out to see both films on opening weekend, despite their polar opposite genres.
However, industry expert Tom Nunan isn’t entirely convinced that we’ll see a repeat of the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon. While simultaneous releases of major titles can generate excitement and buzz, replicating the lightning in a bottle success of “Barbenheimer” may be a tall order.
To reach the heights of “Barbenheimer” success, “Gladiator II” and “Wicked” need to establish a fun and catchy portmanteau that captures the imagination of moviegoers. The magic of “Barbenheimer” was partly due to the mystery and intrigue surrounding the films before their release, creating a sense of anticipation that drew audiences in.
Unlike “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” which had been shrouded in secrecy and marketed strategically to build excitement, “Gladiator II” and “Wicked” face the challenge of living up to their legacy franchises and appealing to a wide audience base.
The success of “Barbenheimer” was also attributed to the pairing of renowned directors with compelling subject matter, a formula that resonated with viewers. Whether “Gladiator II” and “Wicked” can replicate this winning formula remains to be seen, given the track record of their respective directors.
As the countdown to the release date of “Gladiator II” and “Wicked” begins, moviegoers will be watching closely to see if these two disparate films can capture the same cultural zeitgeist that made “Barbenheimer” a phenomenon. Only time will tell if the clash of these cinematic titans will result in another box office sensation.
