Are “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” 2024’s Barbenheimer?

History is repeating itself and we can’t wait for the memes 🍿

Last year we had ‘Barbieheimer’, which created a box office phenomenon.

But this year we have ‘Glicked’…or ‘Wickediator’ we’re not sure which one yet.

‘Barbenheimer’ saw Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer both released on the same day, 21 July 2023. As a result, Barbie and Oppenheimer made more than $240 million combined domestically on their opening weekend.

This year, we might see the same thing play out.

Wicked and Gladiator II, two  films completely opposite of one another (just like Barbie and Oppenheimer), are both being released on 22 November 2024.

These two films are highly anticipated with Broadway fans excited to see their fave musical adapted into a movie, as well as Gladiator (and Paul Mescal) fans who have been waiting for the sequel.

Is this going to be Barbenheimer part 2? Let’s unpack.

What is Wicked about?

Ariana Grande is back in the TV and film world with her role as Glinda, and Elphaba is played by Tony Award-winning performer Cynthia Erviro.

We also get to see features from Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey, Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as well as Jeff Goldblum.

And the best part? We won’t be getting just one movie, we are getting two.

The Saga has two parts, with part two scheduled to hit theatres on November 26, 2025.

What is Gladiator II about?

Gladiator II is the long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. Which means your dad probs can’t wait to see this movie.

The film is set many years after the original with new stars including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington.

The film follows the journey of Lucius, (played by Paul Mescal), the former heir to the Roman Empire, who becomes a gladiator after his home is taken by the Roman army. Lucius battles in the Colosseum to return the glory of Rome to its people.

Will #Glicked/#Wickediator be as successful?

We are already seeing memes and posts being made about this year’s new ‘Barbenheimer’, with some film lovers excited to see this play out again, and some fans who aren’t so impressed.

Paul Mescal, said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight “It would be amazing cause I think the films couldn’t be more polar opposites and it worked in that context previously. So fingers crossed people come out and see both films on opening weekend.”

Seated for gladiator and wicked https://t.co/De2g6226QL pic.twitter.com/2C77VzRo9Z

— 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒐 🌪️ (@justcaritoo) August 6, 2024

their impact… I fear it can never be replicated https://t.co/w8vhOkU6GY pic.twitter.com/Qt4TSCw0tU

— Barbenheimer Summer (Part II) 🩷🖤✨ (@thederpyhipster) July 1, 2024

Will you be watching Wicked and Gladiator II?🙌🏻