Since its debut, Christopher Nolan’s R-rated atomic bomb-related Oppenheimer was trailing behind Barbie. The pastel pink picture has gone on to become a billion-dollar baby, solidifying Mattel’s future in the film industry with over a dozen films in the works.
As reported by Collider, the three-hour film managed to best Barbie in a single weekend. This increase was despite a 23% decrease in earnings in North America, but those sales were still boosted thanks to many theaters offering $4 tickets to celebrate National Cinema Day, which fell on a Sunday. It also managed to earn $30.7 million in international markets.
Nolan’s biopic drama also got a boost internationally thanks to its delayed release in Italy. There, it grossed $9.7 million, meanwhile, in another region where it was delayed — Greece — opening to a so-so $877,164. Italy’s release, in particular, is notable as it’s secured a record there — the highest-ever opening weekend in the territory for IMAX screenings.
Oppenheimer is Nolan’s highest-grossing film, surpassing even The Dark Knight Rises. Currently, it’s poised to cross $800 million as it’s opened in China this week. If all goes as expected, the film will become the second highest-grossing R-rated film of all-time, second only to Todd Phillips’ Joker.
Gabriel enjoys all things entertainment from writing about video games as the Managing Editor for PSX Extreme to covering the latest film and TV news for his own publication — Early Reel. Follow him on X.