“Barbenheimer” was a phenomenon impossible to manufacture. But, more than a year later, that hasn’t stopped people from trying to make “Glicked” — or even “Babyratu” — happen. The counterprogramming of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” in July 2023 hit a nerve culturally and had the receipts to back it up. Unlike so many things that begin as memes, it transcended its online beginnings. Instead of an either-or, the two movies ultimately complemented and boosted one another at the box office. This combination of images shows promotional art for "Gladiator II," left, and "Wicked." And ever since, moviegoers, marketers and meme makers have been trying to recreate that moment, searching the movie release schedule for odd mashups and sending candidates off into the social media void. Most attempts have fizzled (sorry, “Saw Patrol” ). This weekend is perhaps the closest approximation yet as the Broadway musical adaptation “Wicked” opens Friday against the chest-thumping sword-and-sandals epic “Gladiator II.” Two big studio releases (Universal and Paramount), with one-name titles, opposite tones and aesthetics and big blockbuster energy — it was already halfway there before the name game began: “Wickiator,” “Wadiator,” “Gladwick” and even the eyebrow raising “Gladicked” have all been suggested. “'Glicked' rolls off the tongue a little bit more,” actor Fred Hechinger said at the New York screening of “Gladiator II” this week. “I think we should all band around ‘Glicked.’ It gets too confusing if you have four or five different names for it.” As with “Barbenheimer," as reductive as it might seem, “Glicked” also has the male/female divide that make the fan art extra silly. One is pink and bright and awash in sparkles, tulle, Broadway bangers and brand tie-ins; The other is all sweat and sand, blood and bulging muscles. Both films topped Fandango’s most anticipated holiday movie survey, where 65% of respondents said that they were interested in the “Glicked” double feature. Theaters big and small are also pulling out the stops with movie-themed tie-ins. B&B Theaters will have Roman guards tearing tickets at some locations and Maximus popcorn tubs. Marcus Theaters is doing Oz photo ops and friendship bracelet-making. Alamo Drafthouse is leaning into the singalong aspect (beware, though, not all theaters are embracing this) and the punny drinks like “Defying Gravi-Tea.” This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cynthia Erivo, left, and Ariana Grande in a scene from the film "Wicked." “Rather than it being in competition, I think they’re in conversation,” “Gladiator II” star Paul Mescal said. “This industry needs a shot in the arm. Those films gave it last year. We hope to do it this year.” And the hope is that audiences will flock to theaters to be part of this moment as well. It's a sorely needed influx of could-be blockbusters into a marketplace that's still at an 11% deficit from last year and down 27.2% from 2019, according to data from Comscore. “Competition is good for the marketplace. It’s good for consumers,” said Michael O'Leary, the president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners. “Having two great movies coming out at the same time is simply a multiplier effect.” “Glicked” is currently tracking for a combined North American debut in the $165 million range, with “Wicked” forecast to earn around $100 million (up from the $80 million estimates a few weeks ago) and “Gladiator II” pegged for the $65 million range. “Barbenheimer” shattered its projections last July. Going into that weekend, “Barbie” had been pegged for $90 million and “Oppenheimer” around $40 million. Ultimately, they brought in a combined $244 million in that first outing, and nearly $2.4 billion by the end of their runs. It’s possible “Glicked” will exceed expectations, too. And it has the advantage of another behemoth coming close behind: “Moana 2,” which opens just five days later on the Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday. “Glickedana” triple feature anyone? This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Pedro Pascal, left, and Paul Mescal in a scene from "Gladiator II." “These are 10 important days,” O'Leary said. “It’s going to show the moviegoing audience that there’s a lot of compelling stuff out there for them to see.” There are infinite caveats to the imperfect comparison to “Barbenheimer,” as well. “Wicked” is a “Part One.” Musicals carry their own baggage with moviegoers, even those based on wildly successful productions (ahem, “Cats”). “Gladiator II” got a head start and opened internationally last weekend. In fact, in the U.K. it played alongside “Paddington in Peru,” where that double was pegged “Gladdington.” “Gladiator” reviews, while positive, are a little more divided than the others. And neither directors Ridley Scott nor Jon M. Chu has the built-in box office cache that Christopher Nolan’s name alone carries at the moment. The new films also cost more than “Barbie” ($145 million) and “Oppenheimer” ($100 million). According to reports, “Gladiator II” had a $250 million price tag; “Wicked” reportedly cost $150 million to produce (and that does not include the cost of the second film, due next year). The narrative, though, has shifted away from “who will win the weekend.” Earlier this year, Chu told The Associated Press that he loves that this is a moment where “we can root for all movies all the time.” Close behind are a bevy of Christmas releases with double feature potential, but those feel a little more niche. There’s the remake of “Nosferatu,” the Nicole Kidman kink pic “Babygirl” and the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown.” The internet can’t even seem to decide on its angle for that batch of contenders, and none exactly screams blockbuster. Sometimes the joy is just in the game, however. Some are sticking with the one-name mashup (“Babyratu”); others are suggesting that the fact that two of the movies feature real-life exes (Timothée Chalamet and Lily-Rose Depp) is enough reason for a double feature. And getting people talking is half the battle. When in doubt, or lacking a catchy name, there’s always the default: “This is my Barbenheimer.” Associated Press journalist John Carucci and Film Writer Jake Coyle contributed reporting. Last summer, Malibu's iconic blonde faced off against Cillian Murphy and the hydrogen bomb in the unforgettable "Barbenheimer" double feature. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. 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Some quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”Two women who allegedly defrauded 80 people of R1.9m for a promised trip to Thailand that never happened were arrested in the Western Cape on Friday. The women, aged 53 and 59, will appear in the Strand magistrate’s court on Monday to face charges of fraud, theft and money laundering. “Investigation reveals that between June 2022 and July 2024, a total number of 80 victims saw an advertisement on social media platforms about a trip to Thailand,” police spokesperson Lt-Col Malcolm Pojie said. In the advertisement, it was stated each person should pay R26,000, which would include travelling as well as accommodation costs. Almost all the victims paid the required amount as per agreement into the bank accounts of the suspects. “When the victims realised that the trip is not going to materialise, they reported it to different police stations across the country as far as Gauteng, the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Western Cape.” The cases were centralised in the Western Cape and on completion, the suspects were interviewed and unable to provide a satisfactory explanation of what had happened to the money. TimesLIVE
Olivia Miles notched a triple-double (11 points, 10 rebounds, 14 assists) and Sonia Citron added 25 points and 11 rebounds as No. 3 Notre Dame dominated Virginia 95-54 in an Athletic Coast Conference matchup Sunday in South Bend, Ind. Hannah Hidalgo scored 28 points and Liatu King chipped in eight points and 12 rebounds as the Fighting Irish (11-2, 2-0) jumped out to a 37-9 lead behind a 28-0 run, easily winning the battle of the boards (54-31), points in the paint (44-26) and fastbreak points (39-10). Winning its sixth straight game, Notre Dame shot 51.4 percent from the floor and 38.5 from 3-point range while dishing out 32 assists on 38 made baskets. For the Cavaliers (8-6, 0-2), Kymora Johnson led the way with 12 points on a day the visitors shot just 29.7 percent from the floor, including 23.8 percent on 3-point attempts. No. 2 South Carolina 93, Wofford 47 Joyce Edwards scored 16 points off the bench to lead five players in double figures as the Gamecocks trounced the Terriers in Columbia, S.C. Tessa Johnson added 14 points, Raven Johnson had 13, Te-Hina Paopao tallied 12 and MiLaysia Fulwiley netted 11 for South Carolina (12-1), which rattled off 17 straight points in the second quarter to open up a 36-14 lead. The Gamecocks never trailed and scored the game's final 22 points to win their seventh straight. Wofford (6-5) got 20 points from Rachael Rose but shot just 21.1 percent as a team and suffered its third straight loss. Evangelia Paulk managed five points on 1-of-18 shooting, though she did grab a game-high 11 rebounds. No. 6 LSU 83, Albany 61 Aneesah Morrow tallied 10 points during the Tigers' game-ending 25-2 run that helped them pull away from the pesky Great Danes in Baton Rouge, La. LSU trailed 59-58 before Morrow's three-point play with 7:41 left sparked the decisive surge. She finished with 20 points and 18 rebounds, including 10 of each in the fourth quarter alone. Mikaylah Williams scored 18 points, while Flau'Jae Johnson bundled 15 points with nine rebounds as the Tigers (15-0) wrapped up an unbeaten nonconference slate. Kaci Donovan notched 17 points to lead Albany's upset bid before fouling out with 4:15 left in the game. Kayla Cooper and Lilly Phillips each had 14 points for the Great Danes (10-3), who led by as many as 12 in the second quarter but missed their final 11 shots in the fourth. No. 7 UConn 67, Providence 41 Paige Bueckers scored 14 of her game-high 23 points during a dominant first quarter that propelled the Huskies to a blowout win over the visiting Friars in Hartford, Conn. Bueckers shot 5-of-5 from the floor in the first period and contributed eight points to a 15-0 run that helped UConn build a 28-6 lead after one. The All-American finished 8-of-12 overall, while Sarah Strong chipped in 14 points as the Huskies (11-2, 2-0 Big East) rebounded from a two-point home loss to then-No. 7 Southern California on Dec. 21. Grace Efosa had 11 points and seven rebounds and Olivia Olsen paired eight points with 11 boards for Providence (7-8, 0-2), which surrendered 40 points off 31 turnovers. No. 8 Maryland 72, No. 19 Michigan State 66 The Terrapins narrowly avoided their first loss of the season, thanks in part to Kaylene Smikle's team-high 19 points in a hard-fought Big Ten Conference victory over the Spartans in College Park, Md. Maryland (12-0, 2-0 Big Ten) led by nine entering the fourth period, but Michigan State (11-2, 1-1) staged a 9-0 run to tie the game at 57. Saylor Poffenbarger (14 points, 10 rebounds) halted the run with a 3-pointer as the Terrapins -- who shot 42.9 percent from the field -- took the lead for good with 5:06 left. Theryn Hallock (20 points) and Julia Ayrault (17 points, 12 rebounds) kept the Spartans in it, but the visitors shot just 32.4 percent from the field, including 25 percent from 3-point range. No. 10 Ohio State 77, Rutgers 63 Cotie McMahon and Ajae Petty each posted a double-double to help the Buckeyes earn a conference road win over the Scarlet Knights in Piscataway, N.J. McMahon recorded 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Petty added 16 points with 10 boards before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Chance Gray chipped in 15 points for Ohio State (13-0, 2-0 Big Ten), which racked up 22 takeaways and held a 29-7 advantage in points off turnovers. Rutgers (8-5, 0-2) fell despite getting 31 points and 17 rebounds from Destiny Adams, who also had five steals and two blocks. The Scarlet Knights trailed 46-25 at halftime and never got closer than nine the rest of the way. Rutgers visits No. 8 Maryland next before hosting No. 4 USC. No. 13 Georgia Tech 100, Pitt 61 Freshman Dani Carnegie poured in a season-high 24 points to help the Yellow Jackets pummel the Panthers in Atlanta. Kara Dunn racked up 28 points for Georgia Tech (14-0, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), which shot 50.7 percent and hit triple digits for the first time this season. Chazadi Wright had 16 points and Tonie Morgan contributed 15 with eight assists. Khadija Faye led Pitt (8-7, 0-2) with 22 points, while Brooklynn Miles scored 11 and Aislin Malcolm chipped in 10 off the bench. The Panthers finished 39.3 percent from the floor and committed 21 turnovers. No. 20 Alabama 93, Jacksonville 46 Aaliyah Nye poured in 30 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the floor, including a scorching 8-for-10 from 3-point range, as the Crimson Tide throttled the Dolphins in Tuscaloosa, Ala. In its final tune-up before opening Southeastern Conference play on Thursday against visiting Florida, Alabama (13-1) only led by two after the first quarter but outscored Jacksonville 32-11 in the second quarter. Three other Crismon Tide players -- Eris Lester (14 points, eight rebounds), Zaay Green (13 points) and Sarah Ashlee Barker (12 points) -- scored in double figures as the team shot 54.2 percent from the field and a red-hot 53.8 percent from beyond the arc. For the Jaguars (6-6), Saniyah Craig scored a team-high 11 points as the visitors struggled from the field, shooting just 29.5 percent. --Field Level MediaI'm A Celebrity star's baby son sends fans wild as he's seen dancing on set in Australia
XRAY Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Dentsply Sirona Inc. Securities Fraud LawsuitNo. 1 South Carolina women stunned by fifth-ranked UCLA 77-62, ending Gamecocks' 43-game win streak
Clara Strack and Georgia Amoore each scored 21 points on Saturday to help No. 16 Kentucky beat visiting Western Kentucky 88-70 in Lexington. Teonni Key netted 15 points, Amelia Hassett paired nine points with 12 rebounds and Saniah Tyler scored 11 off the bench for the Wildcats (11-1), who won their fourth straight game. The Lady Toppers (9-3) got 18 points from Alexis Mead, 14 from Acacia Hayes, 11 from Destiny Salary and 10 from Josie Gilvin. Western Kentucky has lost three of five following a 7-0 start. Kentucky used a 9-0 run in the second quarter to take a double-digit lead that it held for the rest of the game. Strack bookended the surge with a layup and a 3-pointer that pushed the hosts ahead 36-22 with 1:01 remaining in the first half. The Wildcats' lead peaked at 23 points after Amoore scored five straight late in the fourth quarter to make it 88-65. Saturday marked the final nonconference game for both teams this season. Kentucky hosts Mississippi State to begin Southeastern Conference play on Thursday, while Western Kentucky starts its Conference USA slate by hosting Liberty the same night. --Field Level MediaAP Business SummaryBrief at 2:22 p.m. ESTEknath Shinde was on Sunday elected as Shiv Sena leader in Maharashtra Assembly a day after Mahayuti's massive win in the state. Mumbai: The Shiv Sena on Sunday elected Eknath Shinde as the leader of the party in state assembly, a day after Mahayuti’s historic return to power in Mahrashtra. The proposal to elect him as the leader was proposed by Uday Samant. The Mayayuti won a massive number 230 seats in the 288 member-Assembly, handing over a heavy defeat to the MVA, which got just 46 seats. During the meeting, the party also expressed its gratitude to the people of Maharashtra forthe thumping win and also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the big win in the state. All resolutions were passed unanimously by the 57 MLA designates Shiv Sena at a suburban hotel . NCP elects Ajit Pawar as leader in Maharashtra Assembly Earlier in the its Mahayuti partner NCP too elected Ajit Pawar as its Legislative assembly Importantly, it is howevr still not clear when the next government will formed in the state. Shinde, pawar and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis are expected to reach Delhi tomorrow and discuss government formation with senior BJP leaders. As per sources, the alliance may form the government by November 30. ‘Eknath Shinde should be made CM again’ Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarka felt that Shinde should continue the chief minister of Maharashtra. “Shiv Sena MLAs feel Shinde should continue in the post because under his leadership the Mahayuti worked very well and performed spectacularly in polls,” he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. However, he added that top leaders of the alliance will decide on the matter. Fadnavis on Saturday had denied any dispute within Mahayuti over thed CM’s post and added that the discussions on the issue will held among the alliance partners. Click for more latest India news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Subhajit Sankar Dasgupta has nearly 18 years of experience. Currently, he is serving as Associate Editor with news9live.com, a part of Associated Broadcasting Company Pvt Ltd. He started his career with The Pioneer and went on to work in a number of media organisations, including IANS, Financial Express Online, The Political and Business Daily, among others. Apart from online media, he has also worked in print media. Among the beats he covers include politics, sports and infrastructure. He has a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambeshwar University. During his free time, he likes to read books and play table tennis.