CTtheatersto host special events for 'Barbie,' 'Oppenheimer'

Jul. 14—"That more than 20,000 moviegoers have already made plans and purchased tickets to see Barbie and Oppenheimer on the same day is a great sign that the growing online conversation around seeing both of these incredible films is turning into ticket sales," Elizabeth Frank, executive VP of worldwide programming and chief content officer at AMC Theatres told Variety this week.

Though, according to Variety, how the number compares to average purchase rates is unclear.

Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" — starring Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon and Emily Blunt — is a three-hour epic thriller about the American physicist and his role in developing the atomic bomb during World War II. "Barbie," directed by Greta Gerwig, is a comedy about the life of Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) in Barbie Land and their journey to the real world.

The double feature of the contrasting blockbusters has become an internet phenomenon known as, "Barbieheimer," with fans creating their own black-and-pink memes, apparel and movie posters of the two films.

The Avon Theatre Film Center in Stamford is screening the two films starting on July 20 and pre-sale tickets are selling faster than normal, Louisa Greene, director of marketing and development for the theater, said.

"There's a lot of buzz [and] a lot of excitement from Avon patrons about both films," she said.

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The Avon is hosting its own Barbie and Ken costume contest for theatergoers at its 5:20 and 7:45 p.m. "Barbie" screenings on July 20, during which attendees will enter on a mini-red carpet and present their costumes the judges. The winners from each screening will win the theater's bronze membership package: free movies for a year for two people. The theater will also have a 3 p.m. screening that day.

The venue is also partnering with the Greenwich International Film Festival for a screening of "Oppenheimer" at 7 p.m. that evening, she said.

Greene believes the two divergently different films share qualities that appeal a wide range of movie fans. Both have big-name directors and casts, she said. "Oppenheimer" is a historical drama about events that are still relevant today, while "Barbie" is a comedy that could spark nostalgia among viewers, she said.

Warner Brothers predicts that "Barbie" will see a $70 to $80 million opening at the box office, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Universal Studios is tracking around $40 million for the "Oppenheimer" debut.

Prospector Theater in Ridgefield is also hosting screenings of the two films on July 20 and it has sold most of the tickets for both events, Ren Burkardt, the theater manager, said.

"The weekend is already looking like it's picking up as well. People are very excited," she said.

The theater employees plan to decorate the lobby pink that weekend and dress up in Barbie-themed outfits, Burkardt said. KC 101 radio station will also stop by from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday to give away items, she said.

In partnership with The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, the theater will host a live virtual conversation right before the "Oppenheimer" screening with artist and director Bryan McGovern Wilson and artist and curator Richard Klein. The two will discuss Wilson's "Oppenheimer Ghost" exhibit, a replica of Oppenheimer's hat that is positioned in uranium glass, the event description says. The exhibit will be on display in the museum until Aug. 27, according to the museum.

"I just want to encourage everyone to come to the movies. The experience is completely different in person with friends and family and all the excitement of a busy lobby than anything else," Burkardt said.

National movie theater chains with venues in Connecticut also have special deals for the two movies. AMC Theatres is offering Stubs members the chance to win a Barbie-themed vacation and bonus points for those going to see "Oppenheimer." AMC has locations in Norwalk, Stamford, Trumbull, Danbury, Plainville, Southington and Lisbon, according to its website.

Cinemark is currently selling "Barbie" movie merchandise in theaters. These items can include beach ball cups, a popcorn tin and blanket, according to the theater chain's Instagram. Cinemark theaters are located in Enfield, Manchester, Milford and North Haven.