Part 6/7:
The Outcome and Industry Implications
Despite the controversy, the success of Barbie and Oppenheimer continues unabated. Barbie remains a box office juggernaut, with worldwide earnings surpassing $800 million and projections to hit over a billion dollars. Oppenheimer also remains influential, though its release has been more limited internationally.
In Japan, the release of Barbie remains uncertain amid the backlash, with Warner Brothers Japan demanding accountability and distancing themselves from the earlier social media misstep. The controversy underscores how global releases must navigate complex cultural sensitivities, especially when dealing with historical tragedies or national wounds.