Entertainment
Famous Korean drama dubbed in Bengali to run on RTV
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Bangladesh, the Korean Embassy has collaborated with RTV, one of the major broadcasting systems in Bangladesh.
"My Sassy Girl", a famous Korean drama, which was aired on Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), one of the major entertainment broadcasting systems in Korea, will be broadcast on RTV from September 4 at 8:00 pm.
Read: Upcoming Netflix Originals in September 2023
The Bengali dubbed Korean drama ("My Sassy Girl") will be broadcast every Monday and Tuesday at 8:00 pm from September 4 through November this year.
The streaming of K-drama on a Bangladeshi channel is possible thanks to the support of KOREA COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY (KCA) and SBS to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Korea.
Read: 10 Netflix English Originals releasing in August 2023
The Embassy believes that this K-drama will resonate with Bangladeshi audiences and introduce them to the unique storytelling and vibrant characters of Korean content.
Which important ‘Friends’ character was almost recast?
The director of the globally popular sitcom 'Friends', James Burrows, claims that producers nearly recast a key character.In his new biography, "Directed By James Burrows," he says that actress Helen Baxendale, who played Ross’ wife Emily, was almost replaced.
Also read: 7 Things That Happened On the ‘Friends Reunion’
Baxendale's chemistry with Schwimmer wasn't always hilarious, he wrote, according to a CNN report.
“Schwimmer had no one to bounce off,” he wrote. “It was like clapping with one hand.”“In sitcoms and any type of romantic comedy, the funny is just as important as the chemistry. We discovered that any new girlfriend for Ross needed to be as funny as Rachel,” he said.Jennifer Aniston portrayed Rachel.
Also read: 10 Netflix English Originals releasing in August 2023Because of the show's tight schedules, recasting Emily proved tough, it said.“Often, you can’t recast, because of tight shooting deadlines or other logistical considerations,” Burrows wrote. “You need someone who gets laughs. Sometimes you start an arc and it ain’t working out, so you have to get rid of that person. If it’s a day player, it’s a quick goodbye.”Baxendale had a fairly long run on the show. Her character Emily was introduced in Season 4 and appeared in 14 episodes in all. Emily and Ross married in Season 5, but Ross said Rachel’s name during the vows by accident, as all fans worldwide remember.
Also read: 10 Most Anticipated Bangla Natoks to be Aired during Eid-ul-Azha 2023When Emily and Ross split up, Baxendale was dropped from the sitcom, the CNN report added.
'Margaritaville' singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, dies at age 76
Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who popularized beach bum soft rock with the escapist Caribbean-flavored song “Margaritaville” and turned that celebration of loafing into an empire of restaurants, resorts and frozen concoctions, has died. He was 76.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” a statement posted to Buffett’s official website and social media pages said late Friday. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
The statement did not say where Buffett died or give a cause of death. Illness had forced him to reschedule concerts in May and Buffett acknowledged in social media posts that he had been hospitalized, but provided no specifics.
Read: Why are fans throwing objects at favourite musicians on stage? Adele speaks out
“Margaritaville,” released on Feb. 14, 1977, quickly took on a life of its own, becoming a state of mind for those ”wastin’ away,” an excuse for a life of low-key fun and escapism for those “growing older, but not up.”
The song is the unhurried portrait of a loafer on his front porch, watching tourists sunbathe while a pot of shrimp is beginning to boil. The signer has a new tattoo, a likely hangover and regrets over a lost love. Somewhere there is a misplaced salt shaker.
“What seems like a simple ditty about getting blotto and mending a broken heart turns out to be a profound meditation on the often painful inertia of beach dwelling,” Spin magazine wrote in 2021. “The tourists come and go, one group indistinguishable from the other. Waves crest and break whether somebody is there to witness it or not. Everything that means anything has already happened and you’re not even sure when.”
The song — from the album “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” — spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at No. 8. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016 for its cultural and historic significance, became a karaoke standard and helped brand Key West, Florida, as a distinct sound of music and a destination known the world over.
“There was no such place as Margaritaville,” Buffett told the Arizona Republic in 2021. “It was a made-up place in my mind, basically made up about my experiences in Key West and having to leave Key West and go on the road to work and then come back and spend time by the beach.”
The song soon inspired restaurants and resorts, turning Buffett’s alleged desire for the simplicity of island life into a multimillion brand. He landed at No. 13 in Forbes’ America’s Richest Celebrities in 2016 with a net worth of $550 million.
Music critics were never very kind to Buffett or his catalogue, including the sandy beach-side snack bar songs like “Fins,” “Come Monday” and “Cheeseburgers in Paradise.” But his legions of fans, called “Parrotheads,” regularly turned up for his concerts wearing toy parrots, cheeseburgers, sharks and flamingos on their heads, leis around their necks and loud Hawaiian shirts.
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“It’s pure escapism is all it is,” he told the Republic. “I’m not the first one to do it, nor shall I probably be the last. But I think it’s really a part of the human condition that you’ve got to have some fun. You’ve got to get away from whatever you do to make a living or other parts of life that stress you out. I try to make it at least 50/50 fun to work and so far it’s worked out.”
His special Gulf Coast mix of country, pop, folk and rock added instruments and tonalities more commonly found in the Caribbean, like steel drums. It was a stew of steelpans, trombones and pedal steel guitar. Buffett’s incredible ear for hooks and light grooves were often overshadowed by his lyrics about fish tacos and sunsets.
Rolling Stone, in a review of Buffett’s 2020 album “Life on the Flip Side,” gave grudging props. “He continues mapping out his surfy, sandy corner of pop music utopia with the chill, friendly warmth of a multi-millionaire you wouldn’t mind sharing a tropically-themed 3 p.m. IPA with, especially if his gold card was on the bar when the last round came.”
Buffett’s evolving brand began in 1985 with the opening of a string of Margaritaville-themed stores and restaurants in Key West, followed in 1987 with the first Margaritaville Café nearby. Over the course of the next two decades, several more of each opened throughout Florida, New Orleans and California.
Read: Musicians Hall of Fame to honor group with New Jersey roots
The brand has since expanded to dozens of categories, including resorts, apparel and footwear for men and women, a radio station, a beer brand, ice tea, tequila and rum, home décor, food items like salad dressing, Margaritaville Crunchy Pimento Cheese & Shrimp Bites and Margaritaville Cantina Style Medium Chunky Salsa, the Margaritaville at Sea cruise line and restaurants, including Margaritaville Restaurant, JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill and LandShark Bar & Grill.
There also was a Broadway-bound jukebox musical, “Escape to Margaritaville,” a romantic comedy in which a singer-bartender called Sully falls for the far more career-minded Rachel, who is vacationing with friends and hanging out at Margaritaville, the hotel bar where Sully works.
James William Buffett was born on Christmas day 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and raised in the port town of Mobile, Alabama. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and went from busking the streets of New Orleans to playing six nights a week at Bourbon Street clubs.
He released his first record, “Down To Earth,” in 1970 and issued seven more on a regular yearly clip, with his 1974 song “Come Monday” from his fourth studio album “Living and Dying in ¾ Time,” peaking at No. 30. Then came “Margaritaville.”
He performed on more than 50 studio and live albums, often accompanied by his Coral Reefer Band, and was constantly on tour. He earned two Grammy Award nominations, two Academy of Country Music Awards and a Country Music Association Award.
Buffett was actually in Austin, Texas, when the inspiration struck for “Margaritaville.” He and a friend had stopped for lunch at a Mexican restaurant before she dropped him at the airport for a flight home to Key West, so they got to drinking margaritas.
“And I kind of came up with that idea of this is just like Margarita-ville,” Buffett told the Republic. “She kind of laughed at that and put me on the plane. And I started working on it.”
He wrote some on the plane and finished it while driving down the Keys. “There was a wreck on the bridge,” he said. “And we got stopped for about an hour so I finished the song on the Seven Mile Bridge, which I thought was apropos.”
Read: Irish music legend Sinéad O’Connor of 'Nothing Compares 2 U' fame dead at 56
Buffett also was the author of numerous books including “Where Is Joe Merchant?” and “A Pirate Looks at Fifty” and added movies to his resume as co-producer and co-star of an adaptation of Carl Hiaasen’s novel “Hoot.”
Buffett is survived by his wife, Jane; daughters, Savannah and Sarah; and son, Cameron.
First-ever Bangla-dubbed Thai movie ‘Bad Genius’ to be released on Bongo tomorrow
Bongo, Bangladesh's first OTT platform, is going to release Bangla-dubbed version of Thai heist thriller movie ‘Bad Genius’ for the first time in the country tomorrow (Friday).
The internationally acclaimed Thai movie co-written and directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya is coming to the Bongo app on September 1.
In the lead character of the movie, Lynn is a brilliant student from a lower-middle-class family and her dad is the only person in her family.
Read: Startup Bangladesh invests Tk 5cr in Bongo
Due to her talent, she obtained a scholarship to a prestigious school where students are mostly rich kids.
Lynn befriends a rich student named Grace on her first day at school. Grace asks Lynn to let her copy her answer sheet for the sake of friendship.
Initially, Lynn is against it but later she agrees. Subsequently Grace's boyfriend Pat offers money to Lynn to cheat on the exam.
Read: 'Ei Mon Tomake Dilam': Award-winning Chinese drama dubbed in Bangla on Bongo BD
However, there's a catch! It's not just Pat, his other rich friends want Lynn's help too. In return, Lynn's gonna make a fortune!
After witnessing her poor father's lifelong struggle and economic inequality in the society, she decides to commit the misdemeanors.
Having aced local exams, Lynn challenged herself to cheat in international exams! Will Lynn be able to cheat on the international exam? Is it that simple?
To know the answers, you have to see "Bad Genius" on the Bongo app with Bengali dubbing.
Read more: Symon-Mahi's LIVE movie is coming to Bongo!
Mostofa Sarwar Farooki makes acting debut in Chorki's 'Something Like an Autobiography'
Acclaimed filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki is making his acting debut with his web film "Something Like an Autobiography" as part of Chorki’s "Ministry of Love" anthology film series.
Farooki, along with his wife, actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha, will be coming together on screen for the film as their first-ever acting project, for which they have also co-written the screenplay.
Also read: No filmmaker should experience what I did: Farooki
Chorki revealed the first look of this film on its social media handles on Wednesday afternoon.
"For almost the last 25 years, I have been trying to tell different stories. Those stories have impacted our audiences more or less, and my experiments regarding acting and storytelling always continued for those stories, but the one thing I always kept myself distant from was acting."
"When I was writing this film with Tisha, we realised that we both had to act in this film. I was initially hesitant about it, but Rony (Chorki CEO) and Tisha insisted. Tisha motivated me by saying that this story could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, so I moved forward," Farooki posted on Facebook regarding his acting debut on Wednesday.
Also read: Farooki’s "No Land’s Man" wins Prix du Public award in France
Farooki also revealed that the film has been selected to compete at the 28th Busan International Film Festival’s main competition section in October, along with having its world premiere at the festival.
According to Chorki, "Something Like an Autobiography" will be competing with some of Asia's most prominent filmmakers this year, including Filipino master filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, Sri Lankan powerhouse Prasanna Vithanaga, and Indonesia's Yosep Anggi Noen, among others, in the ‘Kim Jiseok competition category’ for established filmmakers from Asia.
Tisha is returning to work after motherhood with this film. "I had no idea I would be able to start working so soon," she added. "Farooki has given me the confidence to get back into shape and work, and I thank the Almighty for allowing me to work on such an emotional story, especially after the birth of our daughter Ilham," the actress remarked.
Also read: Chorki to bring ‘Shurongo’ with extended Director’s Cut version
Like every other artist, I also hold expectations regarding my works, but I have great expectations regarding this particular film, as this is our special story. This film is like our second child. Farooki is a brilliant filmmaker, and with 'Something Like an Autobiography', the audiences will get to see how good of an actor he is," Tisha said.
Chorki CEO Redoan Rony said, "This film is very special from other films, as Farooki Bhai acted for the first time in this movie. We are all looking forward to seeing him on screen. Also, this is the first Chorki Original film to go to the Busan Film Festival, which is a great matter of pride for us."
Farooki has directed two web films for Chokri’s "Ministry of Love" anthology series while overseeing the project, which is set to bring 12 new web films with 12 acclaimed filmmakers. His other film, "Last Defenders of Monogamy," stars Chanchal Chowdhury and singer Xefer in the lead roles.
Top 12 South Indian Films Being Released in September 2023
In the swiftly evolving landscape of pan-Indian cinema, a carnival of splendid narratives is set to grace screens this September. The allure of the Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Tamil film industries remains. These industries offer a diverse cinematic experience, from heartwarming tales to high-octane action. Captivating visuals are a natural feature of these films. Their popularity inevitably extends beyond regional boundaries. Let's get into the top 12 South Indian films set to release in September 2023.
12 Most Anticipated South Indian Movies for September 2023
Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side A / Kannada / 1 September 2023
Directed by Hemanth M Rao, this is a romantic drama starring Rakshit Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth. Charan Raj's music complements the tale of Priya and Manu, whose passionate relationship faces a hurdle when Manu is imprisoned.
Set before the pandemic, the film explores love's endurance. Penned by Gundu Shetty and Hemanth, the story unfolds in two interconnected parts. "Side A", weaves a tale of their journey, while "Side B" advances a decade later.
The movie promises an emotional and resonant narrative, highlighted by the director's dual-part vision and compelling performances.
Read more: Chorki to bring ‘Shurongo’ with extended Director’s Cut version
Kaddha Chitra / Kannada / 8 September 2023
This is a highly anticipated film starring Vijay Raghavendra, known for his intense roles. Directed by Suhas Krishna, the film delves into the shadowy world of gangsters and their nefarious activities.
Joining Raghavendra are Raghu Shivamogga and Namrata Surendranath, adding their own layer of complexity to the tale. With power-packed performances and high-octane drama, it promises to leave an indelible mark on the audience.
Produced by Sandeep H.K. and Suhas D., the movie brings together a talented team that promises a visually stunning and emotionally charged cinematic experience.
Read more: Don 3: Bollywood’s New Don Ranveer Singh Replaces Shah Rukh Khan
Tatsama Tadbhava / Kannada / 15 September 2023
It marks a significant moment in actor Meghana Raj's career, making her comeback to the silver screen. Directed by Vishal Atreya, the movie pairs Meghana with Prajwal Devraj, promising emotionally charged performances.
A seasoned police inspector embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind a mysterious missing person case. Eventually, audiences can expect a roller-coaster of emotions and intrigue.
The film's trailer, released earlier, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the suspense and tension that await. "Tatsama Tadbhava" is set to captivate audiences with its spellbinding storytelling and powerful performances.
Read more: Upcoming Netflix Originals in September 2023
Kushi / Telugu / 1 September 2023
This upcoming romantic comedy promises a delightfully filmy approach to audiences. Directed and written by Shiva Nirvana, the film pairs Vijay Deverakonda with Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
Set against the realm of state-run telecom and corporate professionalism, the narrative explores the blossoming romance between Viplav and Aradhya. With its heartwarming story and relatable characters, "Kushi" is expected to strike a chord with viewers of all ages.
Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the movie's release has generated anticipation for eye-soothing entertainment.
Read more: ‘Hero or villain?’ Shah Rukh Khan teases with new ‘Jawan’ poster
Skanda / Telugu / 15 September 2023
This film, directed by Boyapati Srinu, takes audiences on a thrilling ride into a world of valor and justice. With Ram Pothineni and Sree Leela in the lead roles, the movie promises performances that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Set against the backdrop of a fictional kingdom, the narrative centers around Skanda, a fearless warrior who champions the cause of the oppressed. The film is written by M. Rathnam and Boyapati, known for their ability to create engaging stories.
S.S. Thaman's musical compositions add to the experience, and Santosh Detake's cinematography captures the action and emotion. All of these leave Skanda geared up to be a blockbuster.
Produced by Srinivasaa Silver Screen and Zee Studios, the film's release has fans excited for an epic cinematic journey.
Read more: 'Ei Mon Tomake Dilam': Award-winning Chinese drama dubbed in Bangla on Bongo BD
Salaar Part 1 – Ceasefire / Telugu / 28 September 2023
Helmed by Prashanth Neel, the film holds the promise of being an adrenaline-pumping action thriller. With Prabhas in the lead role as the titular character, supported by a stellar ensemble cast, expectations are high.
The trailer has already set the stage for heart-pounding confrontations and intense drama. This inception part of Salaar is produced by Hombale Films, a name synonymous with quality and grandeur. Bhuvan Gowda's cinematography and Ravi Basrur's music are expected to enhance the storytelling.
The movie's release is eagerly awaited by fans of gripping narratives and spectacular action sequences.
Read more: Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt makes her Hollywood debut in Netflix's 'Heart of Stone'
'Call of Duty: Brigadier General Jamil' documentary screened at BSA
Showcasing the patriotic, sacrificial story of Shaheed Brigadier General Jamil Uddin Ahmad, ‘Bir Uttam’, a special documentary film titled ‘Call of Duty Brigadier General Jamil’ was screened on Saturday at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capital.
The documentary film, directed by Sentu Roy, demonstrated how the valiant soldier, the then-Director General of DGFI and former Military Secretary of the then-President of independent Bangladesh, the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, went on to embrace martyrdom on the horrific night of August 15, 1975, with a quest to save Bangabandhu and his family.
At the National Art Gallery auditorium full of enthusiastic audiences, the documentary screening was joined by Awami League lawmaker from the Gazipur-4 constituency and member of the AL praesidium Simeen Hussain Rimi as the chief guest.
She was also joined by eminent artist Afrozaa Jamil (Konka) and Karishma Jamil, daughters of Brigadier General Jamil Uddin Ahmad, among other esteemed guests, including author Nazneen Haque Mimi, the niece of Shaheed Sergeant Zohorul Haque who along with some other accused in the historic Agartala case, ultimately sacrificing his life in 1969.
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After the opening remarks, the one-hour documentary film was screened to the audience, narrating with a visual demonstration of that particular timeline when the nation lost its most iconic family along with the lone warrior, the valiant patriot and a lifelong companion of the Father of the Nation.
Brigadier General Jamil Uddin Ahmad was married to Anjuman Ara Jamil, who later became a Member of Parliament for Kushtia, Meherpur and Chuadanga. The couple had three daughters: Tehmina Enayet (Tonu), Afrozaa Jamil (Konka), and Sam Jamil (Shweta) and were expecting a fourth child (Karishma) in 1975 when Jamil sacrificed his life to save Bangabandhu and embraced martyrdom.
In the hour-long documentary film, they all reminisced about the beautiful memories of their father and also demonstrated how the family dealt with their tragic loss during that horrific period.
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“In the year 1966, our father Brigadier General Jamil Uddin Ahmad was in the ISI office at Minto Road in Dhaka where he was the Second-in-Command. During that time, Bangabandhu was convicted in the Agartala Conspiracy Case. To save the great leader from that case, our father burnt and buried all the files and evidence against Bangabandhu at Ramna Park. As a result, Bangabandhu could not be charged in that case. He was called and questioned by the ISI chief and was even scheduled to face a ‘Court Martial’, however, that did not happen but this is just one of the many examples of his intelligence and bravery,” Afrozaa Jamil reminisced in the documentary.
Jamil’s elder daughter Tehmina Enayet recalled the earlier days of Jamil’s excellence as an Army officer, stating, “During the 1971 Liberation War, we were confined as hostages in Pakistan with other Bengali military families. When the war was over and we were about to be repatriated, the Pakistan Army offered my father with higher rank and additional facilities as he was a senior officer of the Inter-service Intelligence, but he refused, saying, 'I want to go back to my country and serve'. Upon our arrival in Bangladesh, he was invited by Bangabandhu to join as the Military Secretary to the President in 1973.”
Sharing their fond memories, Sam Jamil stated - “I used to sneak in to Ganabhaban during the afternoon meetings of Bangabandhu. One day my father noticed and told my mother, and I told him that I would not repeat that if I could see Bangabandhu for once, to which he agreed. As promised he took me in front of the door of Bangabandhu’s office, however, Bangabandhu noticed me and talked to me, then called my father who after a while informed me that Bangabandhu permitted me to visit him every day.”
Reminiscing the last moments with their father, the daughters of Shaheed Colonel Jamil shared what exactly happened on the day of August 15, 1975. “In the dawn of that day, Bangabandhu called our father and informed him that he and his family members had been attacked. Our father responded quickly and rang senior officers, including Chief of Army Staff General Shafiullah, and told them to send in the troops. He also rang the Rakkhi Bahini, Presidential Guard Regiment (PGR) head towards Road 32 immediately.
Dameer & Fuad Present Sanjoy: A Celebration of Bangladeshi Music’s Global Impact
Dameer & Fuad, two of Bangladesh’s most popular and acclaimed musicians, will join forces on August 31st for a special show at Dhaka’s Aloki.
Music director Fuad Almuqtadir is returning after a long time to the stage with two young artists - Sanjay and Dameer.
Fuad is a pioneer of the contemporary Bengali sound.
Read: ‘Blue Beetle’ unseats ‘Barbie’ atop box office, ending four-week reign
He has been praised for his innovative production techniques and his ability to blend traditional Bengali music with electronic influences. Dameer is a rising star in the Bangladeshi music scene.
His hit songs “Amar Jaan” and “Bashbo Bhalo” have been featured on radio stations around the world. Sylhet-born Sanjoy is a DJ and producer who has worked with some of the biggest names in music. His hit songs “Shangri-La,” “OBVI,” and “One in a Million” have been streamed millions of times.
The concert is at the Aloki Convention Center in Tejgaon in Dhaka, is a celebration of the global reach of Bangladeshi music. The three artists have all achieved success outside of Bangladesh, and they are an inspiration to young musicians around the world.
Read: Chorki to bring ‘Shurongo’ with extended Director’s Cut version
Tickets available online: https://partyinvite.club/e/Dameer---Fuad-present-SANJOY-64df9339a0af6f4590deb83e
World Wrestling Entertainment star Bray Wyatt dies at 36
World Wrestling Entertainment star Bray Wyatt died Thursday, WWE announced. He was 36.
Wyatt, whose real name was Windham Rotunda, died “unexpectedly,” according to an article on the WWE website that did not mention a cause of death.
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“WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36,” WWE said. “WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans.”
Wyatt, the 2017 WWE champion, was also known as “The Fiend.” His last televised performance came at the 2023 Royal Rumble.
“Known for his captivating performances and incredible in-ring presence, Wyatt was a defining superstar of his generation,” WWE said.
Read: WWE’s McMahon says he is retiring amid misconduct probe
Wyatt was the son of Mike and Stephanie Rotunda.
Wyatt’s grandfather Robert Deroy Windham (Blackjack Mulligan), father, and two of his uncles (Barry and Kendall Windham) all wrestled in WWE. His grandfather also played college football at UTEP and saw preseason action for the New York Jets.
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Wyatt redshirted on the Troy football team in 2007.
‘Blue Beetle’ unseats ‘Barbie’ atop box office, ending four-week reign
The DC superhero film “Blue Beetle” led weekend ticket sales with a modest $25.4 million opening, according to studio estimates Sunday, dethroning “Barbie” from the top spot after a record-setting run that left movie theaters colored pink for a month.
The “Barbie” phenomenon is far from over. Greta Gerwig’s film, which earlier this week became the highest grossing Warner Bros. release ever domestically, nearly managed to stay No. 1 again with $21.5 million in its fifth weekend. It’s up to $567.3 million in North America and an eye-popping $1.28 billion globally.
The other half of “Barbenheimer” also continues to perform remarkably well for a movie so far into its run.
Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” took in $10.6 million in its fifth week. With a $285.2 million domestic total, “Oppenheimer” now owns the distinction of being the biggest box-office hit never to land No. 1 at the weekend box office. The previous record-holder for that unlikely stat is 2016’s “Sing,” which grossed $270.3 million in the shadow of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Hidden Figures.”
Read: Barbie: Interesting Facts to Know Before Watching the Movie
Universal Pictures’ “Oppenheimer” has done even better overseas. Its global gross stands at an estimated $717.8 million through Sunday.
“Blue Beetle,” starring Xolo Maridueña, came in on the lower side of expectations and notched one of the lower debuts for a DC Comics movie. Though earlier planned as a streaming-only release, Warner Bros. elected to put “Blue Beetle,” the first DC movie to star a Latino superhero, into theaters in the late summer, a typically quiet period at the box office.
The production price tag of about $105 million was lower for “Blue Beetle” than the average superhero film. It’s one of the last releases produced under an earlier regime at DC Studios, which James Gunn and Peter Safran took the reins of last year.
The film, directed by Ángel Manuel Soto and written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, drew solid reviews – certainly better than the three previous DC releases this year (“The Flash,” “Black Adam” and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods”). “Blue Beetle” (76% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) is the rare comic-book film to put a Hispanic cast front and center.
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But it also faced some tough luck, and not just in the unexpected staying power of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” Southern California was bracing Sunday for Hurricane Hilary — potentially dampening ticket sales in the region. (Los Angeles was still its top market.) And like recent releases, “Blue Beetle,” which added $18 million internationally, didn’t have its cast available to promote the movie due to the ongoing actors strike.
Universal’s raunchy R-rated canine comedy “Strays” showed even less bite. The film, with a voice cast including Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx, landed in fifth place with $8.4 million. Comedies have generally struggled in theaters in recent years, but “Strays” had it particularly rough given that its starry cast was unavailable.
“Strays” was very narrowly bested by “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.” The Paramount Pictures animated release earned $8.4 million in its third weekend, bringing its domestic total to $88.1 million.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.
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1. “Blue Beetle,” $25.4 million.
2. “Barbie,” $21.5 million.
3. “Oppenheimer,” $10.6 million.
4. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” $8.4 million.
5. “Strays,” $8.3 million.
6. “Meg 2: The Trench,” $6.7 million.
7. “Talk to Me,” $3.2 million.
8. “Haunted Mansion,” $3 million.
9. “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One,” $2.7 million.
10. “The Last Voyage of the Demeter,” $2.5 million.