Two mega blockbusters collided at the box office this weekend, sparking a revival of the viral Barbieheimer sensation.
Millions around the world flocked to theatres across the world to see two radically different movies: Universal’s Wicked, a musical fantasy adaptation of the beloved Broadway show based on the Wizard of Oz; and Paramount’s Gladiator II, an epic and gritty historical action film that is a sequel to the iconic 2000’s Gladiator.
The New Barbieheimer
While both films were big studio releases with established fanbases, they feature entirely contrasting tones and aesthetics, a striking parallel to Barbie and Oppenheimer at the time of their release last year last year.
Both Barbie and Wicked are musically inclined with a colourful and dazzling scale of production, while Oppenheimer and Gladiator II are rooted in history and explore the darker and more chaotic aspects of society.
As they say, opposites attract. It didn’t take long for the audience to catch up.
What’s with the Name?
However, Barbieheimer 2.0 had one small problem – nobody was sure what to call it. Suggestions included Glicked, Widiator, Gladicked, Wickiator, Wickedator and many more, but fans found it difficult to choose between these equally eyebrow-raising names. Ultimately, most have ended up rotating between them.
Okay I’m throwing out names:
-Wickiator
-Gladicked
-Widiator
-Glicked#Wicked #Gladiator2 pic.twitter.com/QGMP8U6LPc— Kyle Arking 🟧(he/him) (@ArkingKyle) July 1, 2024
Take a look at some “Wickedator” Memes:
Inevitably, the new trend has sparked a flood of memes that have taken over the internet, from vibrant fanart to hilarious reactions.
goodbye barbenheimer, it’s time for glicked#Wicked #Gladiator pic.twitter.com/cMDaO1hfG2
— Eqarti (@Eqarti) November 13, 2024
WICKEDIATOR https://t.co/jVC0HxcUWQ pic.twitter.com/Rv6UvFaykx
— Tom Zohar (@TomZohar) July 1, 2024
me showing up to the theatre on November 22 for a Wicked Gladiator double header#PumpRules #VanderpumpRules pic.twitter.com/SWKqSAr5w1
— T (@teewatterss) July 1, 2024
Me on November 22 when I double feature Wicked & Gladiator 2: pic.twitter.com/jJ3cG0h7Me
— Jillian🫧 (@JillianChili) July 1, 2024
“This Thanksgiving, prepare to get GLADICKED down” https://t.co/6EoTW8Gbwb
— Will Mavity (@mavericksmovies) July 1, 2024
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However, some have had more mixed feelings about the new viral phenomenon, expressing skepticism if it could ever live up to the hype of the original.
people still trying to make glicked happen pic.twitter.com/PE53rwZjHL
— doctor idk (@bigmonkeong) November 23, 2024
Both movies have had strong box office openings. Wicked took the lead with an estimated $114 million from more than 3,800 locations, while Gladiator II pulled in an estimated $55.5 million from more than 3,500 locations. However, both fell short of the original Barbie and Oppenheimer releases.
What do you think? Can Wicked x Gladiator II live up to Barbieheimer? Which set of movies did prefer?
