Can ‘Glicked’ Replicate the Success of ‘Barbenheimer’? Wicked and Gladiator II Aim for a Collaborative Movie Moment

Glicked: The Next ‘Barbenheimer’ Moment?

As the holiday movie season heats up, theaters are hoping for another cultural and box office phenomenon like last summer’s Barbenheimer—and this time, it’s all about Wicked and Gladiator II. This weekend, two major films, set to appeal to vastly different audiences, will share the same theater screens: the Broadway musical adaptation Wicked, bursting with glitter and spectacle, and the action-packed, gritty Gladiator II, full of blood and battle cries.

Can these two blockbusters, with their contrasting tones and aesthetics, combine in a way that mirrors the magic of Barbenheimer? Fans are hopeful, and some are already calling it Glicked, a name that just rolls off the tongue. But will it work?

The Rise of ‘Barbenheimer’ and the Pressure to Repeat It

The Barbenheimer phenomenon took everyone by surprise last July when Barbie and Oppenheimer were released on the same weekend. Rather than competing, the two films, both cultural powerhouses in their own right, complemented each other, and the meme-worthy phenomenon took off across social media. The unlikely pairing skyrocketed at the box office, ultimately earning nearly $2.4 billion worldwide.

Since then, moviegoers and marketers have been on the lookout for the next great “mashup” moment. While some attempts, like the Saw Patrol combination, fell flat, the pairing of Wicked and Gladiator II might be the most promising yet. After all, these films are already getting attention for their shared release date and strong fan bases.

What Is ‘Glicked’ Exactly?

Actor Fred Hechinger, who stars in Gladiator II, was quick to jump on the term, suggesting “Glicked” as the go-to name for the phenomenon. “Glicked rolls off the tongue a little more,” Hechinger remarked at a New York screening of the film. While Glicked may be the front-runner, a variety of other names, including Wickiator and Gladwick, have also been tossed around.

The contrast between the two films is stark: Wicked dazzles with bright colors, sparkling costumes, Broadway bangers, and whimsical themes, while Gladiator II brings brutal battle sequences, intense action, and the epic gladiatorial saga. And yet, this male/female divide gives rise to endless fan art and meme potential, much like Barbenheimer did before.

The Battle for Box Office Domination

With both films topping Fandango’s most anticipated holiday movie survey, movie fans are ready for what could be one of the most lucrative weekends at the box office in a while. Wicked is forecasted to earn around $100 million in its opening, while Gladiator II is tracking for approximately $65 million. Combined, they could bring in an impressive $165 million across North America.

Despite being released on the same weekend, the films are not seen as direct competitors. Instead, their complementary nature is hoped to provide a “multiplier effect,” as National Association of Theatre Owners President Michael O’Leary puts it. This strategy could give the movie industry a much-needed boost as it continues to recover from years of fluctuating box office numbers.

The Box Office Formula: Will Glicked Succeed?

Much like Barbenheimer, the success of Glicked will hinge on several factors. Both Wicked and Gladiator II come with big budgets—Gladiator II reportedly cost $250 million, while Wicked had a $150 million price tag (not counting its sequel). The films are also vying for attention with upcoming blockbusters like Moana 2, which hits theaters just a few days later, setting the stage for a possible “Glickedana” triple feature.

However, there are some notable challenges. Musicals like Wicked have a reputation for polarizing audiences, and the film is a Part One, which means it could lack the full satisfaction that moviegoers expect from a complete narrative. Meanwhile, Gladiator II has already had an international release, and while reviews have generally been positive, they are a little more divided than those of its predecessor, Barbie.

Still, as Ridley Scott, director of Gladiator II, noted, the film industry is in need of a “shot in the arm,” and Wicked and Gladiator II might just be the films to provide it.

Looking Ahead: More Movie Mashups?

If Glicked succeeds, it might spark a trend of double-feature releases and unexpected crossovers in the future. There are already whispers of a few more potential Barbenheimer-like moments on the horizon. Films like Nosferatu, Babygirl, and A Complete Unknown could be contenders for the next round of double features, though these pairings are unlikely to generate the same cultural firestorm as Barbenheimer.

For now, movie lovers are eagerly awaiting this weekend’s release of Wicked and Gladiator II and hoping that Glicked will capture the collective imagination, just as Barbenheimer did last summer.