Variety reports that Christopher Nolan negotiated for a 90-120 day window of theatrical release on “Oppenheimer” after he jumped from Warner Bros. Pictures over to Universal Pictures following the 2020 release “Tenet”. Uncertain if Nolan actually got it. Universal Pictures could give Nolan a window to work on his film, considering that the movie “Oppenheimer”, has earned over $700 million in worldwide sales and is gaining traction. It’s been just over one month since the movie was released in theatres, and it shows no signs of dwindling.
As it stands, “Oppenheimer” is set to dominate in most IMAX cinemas until the release of Denzel Washington’s “The Equalizer 3,” which debuts on September 1. Warner Bros.’s “Blue Beetle,” a World War II movie, has already taken over a large number of IMAX screens. The “Oppenheimer,” if space is available, can be shown on the other screens of PLF.
Should Nolan get his extended theatrical window, it’s all but possible that “Oppenheimer” won’t hit PVOD until mid-October. Perhaps Universal Pictures will even save the film until November, coinciding with the Thanksgiving holidays. While a digital release strategy hasn’t been confirmed, it’s likely that the film will be available on PVOD for a few weeks, or even months, before it hits Peacock. Those hoping to do a “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” double feature at home will likely have to wait until mid-October or early November to replicate the iconic phenomenon at home. It certainly would have been hilarious (and genius) to have both films grace streaming on the same day but, alas, life isn’t perfect. Since there is still plenty of time before then, it’s important that audiences revisit the films as soon as they can.