Barbie's Streaming Date Gives Us A Hint About Oppenheimer's

The report by Variety says that Christopher Nolan, who jumped ship from Warner Bros. Pictures to Universal Pictures after the release of 2020's "Tenet," negotiated a 90 to 120 day theatrical window for "Oppenheimer. It's unclear if the British auteur actually received it. Considering the fact that "Oppenheimer" has grossed over $700 million worldwide and has consistent, steady legs, it's possible that Universal Pictures will give Nolan the window that he wanted. So far, the film has been out in cinemas for just over a month and is barely showing signs of withering.

As it stands, "Oppenheimer" is set to dominate in most IMAX cinemas until the release of Denzel Washington's "The Equalizer 3," which debuts on September 1. The World War II flick has already given a number of its prestigious IMAX screens over to Warner Bros.' "Blue Beetle." Of course, "Oppenheimer" can take over in other PLF (Premium Large Format) screens if there's space.

Should Nolan get his extended theatrical window, it's all but possible that "Oppenheimer" won't hit PVOD until mid-October. Perhaps Universal Pictures will even save the film until November, coinciding with the Thanksgiving holidays. While a digital release strategy hasn't been confirmed, it's likely that the film will be available on PVOD for a few weeks, or even months, before it hits Peacock. Those hoping to do a "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" double feature at home will likely have to wait until mid-October or early November to replicate the iconic phenomenon at home. It certainly would have been hilarious (and genius) to have both films grace streaming on the same day but, alas, life isn't perfect. Seeing as there's still a considerable time until then, audiences should make it a point to revisit both films in cinemas while they can.