‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator 2’ Are Dubbed 2024’s Version of Barbenheimer Due to New Release Dates

It’s time to meet the Wizard and get set for battle. That’s right, you’ll need magic wands and shields at the ready for the dual release of Wicked and Gladiator II as the Broadway musical’s film adaptation got moved up to November 22. The double feature is said to be 2024’s version of Barbenheimer and fans are preparing for a back-to-back cinematic experience. Keep reading to learn more about each movie and how these blockbusters affect the box office.

‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator 2’  will be released on November 22

Wicked and Gladiator II will share the screen on November 22. The films are quite different not only in plot but also in the overall aesthetics and genres.

The witches of Oz are front and center in the film adaptation (directed by Jon M. Chu) of the hit Broadway musical Wicked . Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman who gets judged and mistreated for her unusual green skin, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, an effervescent and privileged student, the movie is expected to be a hit.

Other cast members include Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero with appearances from Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode and Jeff Goldblum. This adaptation is also expected to have four new original songs that weren’t in the original show.

Related: The ‘Wicked’ Movie Is Coming Soon! Everything You Need to Know About the Cast and Plot

On the other hand, Gladiator II, the long-awaited sequel from director Ridley Scott follows a now adult Lucius (Paul Mescal) as he prepares to fight Roman general Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal). The film takes place several decades later than the original, but fans are in for a treat as  Connie Nielsen will be reprising her role as Lucilla, Lucius’ mother.

‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator 2’ could be the next Barbenheimer

Releasing both films on November 22 could be great for the box office and fans are delighted to have another version of Barbenheimer this year.

In July 2023, moviegoers were treated to the same-day release of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer . Leading up to the release, the internet was full of memes, commentary and thoughts on the pop culture phenomenon.

The films made over $240 million at the box office during their opening weekend, making it the fourth biggest box-office weekend ever. People showed up to movie theaters in their best pink garb or suits and styles from the 1940s.

Now, people are gearing up with new memes, funny monikers and plans to see both movies in theaters come November.

Fans are coming up with ‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator 2’ memes

Movie lovers can’t stop talking about this new double feature on social media. Users on X (formerly Twitter) are coming up with memes, movie title combinations and more to celebrate the announcement of the new combined release date.

One user wrote, “Okay I’m throwing out names: Wickiator, Gladicked Widiator, Glicked.” He also included a side-by-side image of Mescal and Erivo in their respective roles.

Another user even called back to Oppenheimer with a still from the movie and “Wicked & Gladiator 2 coming out on the same day:” as the caption.

Someone else wrote, “Barbenheimer walked so Wickiator could run” and reposted a tweet sharing an announcement of the double release.

While some are super excited about Wicked and Gladiator II on the same day, other people on the internet don’t believe that these two films will reach the same caliber as Barbenheimer.

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