Can ‘Glicked’ Reignite the Box Office Magic of ‘Barbenheimer’?

The summer of 2023 became synonymous with the phenomenon of “Barbenheimer,” a cultural event that saw both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” released on the same day, captivating audiences and reviving interest in movie theaters that had been struggling since the pandemic’s onset.

This fall, cinema enthusiasts are eager to recreate that magic with another intriguing double feature: “Glicked.” (Apologies to “Wickiator.”)

“Wicked,” the much-anticipated first part of the adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, will hit theaters alongside “Gladiator II,” a grand epic directed by Ridley Scott, which continues the saga more than twenty years after the original film. In light of this unique pairing, some corners of the internet have dubbed the release day “Glicked Day” (pronounced glick-id).

Can “Glicked” generate the same excitement? Will the emerald allure of Elphaba overshadow the vibrant pink of Barbie? To help you get ready, here are four key questions.

Are the stars of ‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator II’ supporting ‘Glicked’?

Indeed, they are. While films released on the same day are often seen as rivals, there’s hope that this unlikely duo will not only attract viewers but drive both films to box office success, much like “Barbenheimer.”

Paul Mescal, who plays Lucius in “Gladiator II,” remarked, “If this pairing evokes a similar response as ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer,’ it will be extraordinary.” He emphasized the stark contrast between the two films and expressed optimistic hopes for their joint success.