In the unpredictable world of Hollywood, few things spark as much excitement and confusion as the release of bizarrely timed movie sequels and genre mashups. If you thought the Summer of 2023’s release of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer”, affectionately dubbed “Barbenheimer,” was wild, buckle up for 2024’s new wave of movie madness.

Enter the latest contender in the cinematic circus: “Gladiator II” (yup, they’re coming out with a sequel to a movie where both of the stars of the original film died in the final scene), and the latest reimagining of The Wizard of Oz franchise named “Wicked”.

First off, who knew we needed a sequel to “Gladiator”? Apparently, Hollywood did! Russell Crowe’s toga has barely collected dust, and we’re already diving back into the blood-soaked sands of the Colosseum. While the original had us on the edge of our seats with thrilling fights and intense drama, “Gladiator II” promises to take things up a notch—because nothing says “summer blockbuster” like historical inaccuracies and gratuitous slow-motion battle scenes!

“Gladiator 2”, which I think should be renamed “Gladiator II: When in Rome…Again?”, is a sequel to the 2000 film “Gladiator,” which follows the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius played by Russel Crowe. The sequel continues the epic saga, focusing on Lucius, the son of Lucilla and the nephew of the now-deceased Commodus. “Gladiator 2” explores Lucius’s journey as he navigates the treacherous politics of ancient Rome, his quest for power, and his struggle to honor Maximus’s legacy. The narrative promises to be filled with political intrigue, intense battles, and the search for justice within the brutal world of the Roman Empire.

But here’s the kicker: in a strange twist of fate “Gladiator II” is not alone on Hollywood’s release schedule. It’s cosmically, or comically, been paired up with “Wicked,” the beloved musical about the witches from The Wizard of Oz.

The film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical :”Wicked”, which itself is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel which reimagines L. Frank Baum’s original “The Wizard of Oz” film. The movie explores the untold story of the witches of Oz, focusing on the complex relationship between Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. The narrative delves into themes of friendship, identity, and the nature of good and evil, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic characters and events in the land of Oz.

Now, what could these two films possibly have in common? Well, besides a penchant for dramatic costumes and grandiose storytelling, not much. But that’s never stopped Hollywood before!

To truly appreciate the insanity of “GladiWicked”, or ‘Wickiator”, or whatever name they come up with for this made for Hollywood mashup, one must recall the phenomenon that was “Barbenheimer” in the Summer of 2023.

Who could forget the pink-clad, plastic-fantastic world of “Barbie” sharing a release date with the dark, introspective “Oppenheimer”? It was a cinematic paradox, like seeing cotton candy next to a nuclear reactor. Yet, somehow, it worked. The internet exploded with memes, double-feature plans, and a tidal wave of fan art that painted Ken as a misunderstood physicist.

In case you’ve been living inside your own plastic utopia, “Barbie” was a live-action adaptation of the iconic Barbie doll produced by Mattel. The film, starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling and Ken, is set in the vibrant and whimsical world of Barbieland, where everything is perfect and Barbie is living her best life. However, Barbie starts to feel that she doesn’t quite fit in and decides to venture into the real world to find her true purpose. Along the way, she experiences various adventures, learns about herself, and discovers that being different is something to be celebrated.

“Barbie” also starred Will Ferrell as the CEO of Mattel, who adds his comedic flair to the mix, playing the somewhat bumbling and clueless CEO of the toy company, and America Ferrera who’s character helps Barbie navigate the complexities of the real world, offering wisdom and friendship.

If you’re not up on your 1940’s nuclear physics history lessons, “Oppenheimer” was a biographical drama centered on J. Robert Oppenheimer, played by Cillian Murphy, who was a brilliant physicist that played a crucial role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. The film delves into Oppenheimer’s life, exploring his contributions to the Manhattan Project, his ethical dilemmas, and the immense pressures he faced. It highlights the tension between scientific discovery and moral responsibility, capturing the profound impact of Oppenheimer’s work on the course of history and his personal struggles with the consequences of his actions.

“Oppenheimer’s” ensemble cast also included Emily Blunt who played Katherine Oppenheimer and provided a supportive yet challenging presence in his life, Matt Damon who played General Leslie Groves who was the military leader in charge of the Manhattan Project, Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss who was an influential and often controversial figure in Oppenheimer’s career, and Florence Pugh who played Jean Tatlock who was one of Oppenheimer’s romantic interest and who’s relationship with him adds another layer to his already complicated life.

“Barbenheimer” was a cultural moment, a reminder that movies can be anything—from light-hearted escapes to deep dives into the human condition. And if it taught us anything, it’s that audiences are more than willing to embrace the absurd.

So, what can we expect from the joint releases of “Wicked” and “Gladiator 2”, or “GladiWicked” which seems to be catching on? Will audiences flock to see a fierce Roman warrior team up with a misunderstood witch? Will there be spontaneous musical numbers amidst brutal gladiatorial combat?

Perhaps this is just the beginning of Summer tentpole movie mashups. Maybe next summer we’ll get “Jurassic Pitch Perfect” or “Fast & Furious Monopoly.” The sky’s the limit, and with the success of “Barbenheimer,” studios are likely to continue these bold, if baffling, Summer mashups.

Between ‘Gladiator II’ and ‘Wicked,’ is the new ‘Barbenheimer’ upon us?