“Oppenheimer” vs. “Barbie”: Which Movie Was More Expensive? The answer may surprise you

Both have a huge star cast and offer a real show from big names. But other than that, “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” couldn’t be more different.

Christopher Nolan tells the story of the invention of the atomic bomb in “Oppenheimer” in three hours – with the gigantic explosion of a bomb as the climax. Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” is hot pink and runs just under two hours, celebrating a pop and feminism.

Unlike initial fakes, “Oppenheimer” is cheaper

Which movie costs more? Of course, even if “Barbie” has the much greater potential at the box office, one could lean towards “Oppenheimer”. Nothing against the great sets of “Barbie”, but detail freak Christopher Nolan had an entire city rebuilt for his film, has the more complex special effects and then brings out even more and especially more expensive stars than colleague Greta Gerwig. Plus, as I said, “Oppenheimer” is an hour longer. And was Nolan even allowed to spend $200 million on “Tenet”?

When the false report, based on a misunderstanding, circulated that “Oppenheimer” would have cost $180 million, the amount seemed absurd, but was not really questioned.

In reality, Christopher Nolan was able to make “Oppenheimer” for just $100 million, while “Barbie” cost a whopping $145 million. “Oppenheimer” could have been more expensive than the puppet movie.

That’s why “Oppenheimer” is cheaper than “Barbie”

But when Nolan calls the stars give up money. In a separate article, we already told you that Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon and Emily Blunt took on their roles for “only” four million dollars each. If only these three stars had each asked for their usual salary, “Oppenheimer” would have cost 30 to 40 million dollars more (and therefore almost as much as “Barbie”) – but a three-hour drama about the inventor of the atomic bomb would probably never have been realized for that amount. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling each received $12.5 million for Barbie.

Plus, Christopher Nolan probably has “Oppenheimer”. spun at an insane speed. Lead actor Cillian Murphy revealed that filming took only 57 days. It felt like an independent movie – especially since Nolan also did it without a lot of technical (and expensive) tools on set.

Our prediction: In the end, both expenses will be worth it

In the end, of course, it is not surprising that “Barbie” costs more than “Oppenheimer”. It’s a movie about a big brand – it pays higher salaries, among other things. And it’s a movie with a lot more box office potential. Ultimately, both titles must also prove to be a successful profit for the financiers behind them.

Because even though we don’t want to anticipate the cinema figures for the weekend at the moment, already shows that both titles are well received by the public. Of course, “Barbie” is clearly ahead of the pack, as a film that is more suitable for the masses, will ultimately yield much more. We recommend either way: it’s best to check out both titles.