The Barbenheimer Effect: A Look At The US Box Office

Barbie and Oppenheimer hit North American movie theaters on Friday, in what is expected to be among Hollywood's biggest weekends of the year

Dolls in neon pink dreamhouses, scientists at Los Alamos, or both? Barbie and Oppenheimer hit North American movie theaters on Friday, in what is expected to be among Hollywood's biggest weekends of the year - inspiring a frenzy for the diametrically opposed films. But as fans of the iconic toy and history buffs interested in the father of the atomic bomb flocked to cinemas, actors and writers remained on strike, casting a pall over the outlook for the film industry.

For now, both movies are off to strong starts with the cotton candy-hued Barbie bringing in $22.3 million from previews and Oppenheimer $10.5 million, said Daniel Loria, editorial director at Boxoffice Pro.

For the weekend, Barbie could take in $150 million, according to estimates, exceeding December's opening of Avatar: The Way of Water.