When Oppenheimer Producer Urged Margot Robbie To Shift Barbie Date

During a recent candid conversation between Hollywood stars Margot Robbie and Cillian Murphy, the actress and producer of the film Barbie revealed a behind-the-scenes insight into the clash of release dates between her movie and Murphy's Oppenheimer. The discussion, featured on Variety’s Actors on Actors, delved into the intricacies of Hollywood scheduling and the interesting dynamics that unfold when two major releases coincide at the box office.

This clash, now etched in cinematic history as the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon, unfolded with an intensity and unpredictability that left audiences and industry insiders alike in awe.

The Clash at the Box Office

Both Barbie and Oppenheimer emerged as two of the most anticipated releases of 2023. The clash, which occurred on July 21, prompted discussions between key stakeholders, including Chuck Roven, a producer associated with both projects. Roven, who had collaborated with Robbie on previous projects, approached her with a suggestion to alter the release date of "Barbie."

Robbie recounted the exchange, stating, “One of your producers, Chuck Roven, called me. And he was like, ‘I think you guys should move your date.’" This initiated a dialogue where Robbie stood firm on retaining the scheduled release date, expressing her belief in the potency of the pairing of Oppenheimer and Barbie as a double billing.

Standing Firm in the Face of Scheduling Conflict

During the conversation, Robbie shared her resolute response to Roven's suggestion, stating, “If you’re scared to be up against us, then you move your date.’ And he’s like, ‘We’re not moving our date. I just think it’d be better for you to move.’ And I was like, ‘We’re not moving!’”

Cillian Murphy praised Robbie's stance, acknowledging it as a "good instinct." This exchange sheds light on the competitive nature of Hollywood scheduling and the strategic decisions made by filmmakers and producers to optimize their films' success.

Robbie defended her decision, emphasising, “We’re not moving! I think this is a really great pairing, actually. It’s a perfect double billing, Oppenheimer and Barbie.” Despite the clash, she expressed a belief in the complementary nature of the two films, deeming it a unique cinematic experience for the audience.

The subsequent success of both films validated her intuition, leading to the emergence of the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon that captivated audiences worldwide.

Unforeseen Success: A Cinematic Marvel

As the films opened on the same date, the unexpected occurred. Barbie shattered records, becoming Warner Bros' highest-grossing release in history, accumulating a staggering $1.4 billion worldwide. Simultaneously, Oppenheimer etched its place in cinematic history as the highest-grossing biopic of all time, amassing $950 million worldwide.

Robbie and Cillian Murphy engaged in a candid exchange during "Actors on Actors," reflecting on the audience's response. Murphy asserted, "I think it happened because both movies were good." The serendipitous alignment of two cinematic giants in one summer created an unforeseen diversity of cinematic experiences that resonated with audiences globally.

Is a Barbie Sequel in the Works?

As the conversation unfolded, Murphy probed Robbie about the possibility of a sequel to Barbie. Robbie's response provided insight into the dedication invested in the original film. She expressed pride in the movie's originality, stating, “We put everything into that movie, and it's so good that I'm like, ‘Oh no. I'm also so proud of the fact that it was an original and not a sequel or prequel, which is getting rarer these days."

Robbie expressed pride in creating an original film in an era dominated by sequels and prequels. Yet the possibility of a sequel left her contemplative.

“I would do anything to be back on that set. Playing Barbie is the best. It's so joyful. So, it's not a no, but it would take a lot to live up to,” Robbie admitted.

Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, and Oppenheimer, helmed by Christopher Nolan, stand as examples of Hollywood's commitment to original storytelling in an era dominated by sequels and prequels. The clash at the box office not only showcased the confidence of the filmmakers in their respective projects but also highlighted the rarity of theatrical opportunities for original ideas in the current cinematic landscape.