Summary: The idea of counter-programming the simultaneous global release of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” over the same summer weekend always seemed like a gamble. But somehow Greta Gerwig’s comedy about a popular toy doll and a Christopher Nolan’s biopic of the renowned nuclear physicist wound up becoming a worldwide phenomenon breaking all sorts of box office records over its first two weeks. Now, instead of capitalizing on this success, Hollywood studios are determined to drag out a dual strike with writers and actors which shows no sign of ending anytime soon.<br> Having joined the Writers Guild of America on the picket lines, SAG-AFTRA continues to make its case in the court of public opinion. Unfortunately, producers (meaning studios, streamers and networks) aren’t ready to start negotiating a compromise.<br> Of course we also cover the week’s top entertainment headlines including country music’s big moment, why Disney CEO Bob Iger called in some former senior executives to consult with the company and how video streaming is hitting new heights.<br> <br> <br> ‘Barbie’ Pirouettes To Powerhouse $781M Global, ‘Oppenheimer’ A Phenom At $406M WW Through Sunday<br> <a href="https://deadline.com/2023/07/barbie-oppenheimer-barbenheimer-second-weekend-global-international-box-office-1235450844/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://deadline.com/2023/07/barbie-oppenheimer-barbenheimer-second-weekend-global-international-box-office-1235450844/</a><br> ‘Haunted Mansion’ Spooked, ‘Barbie’ Scores Record $93M Second Weekend in U.S.<br> <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/haunted-mansion-box-office-opening-barbie-oppenheimer-1235547428/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/haunted-mansion-box-office-opening-barbie-oppenheimer-1235547428/</a><br> Warner Bros. Apologizes After ‘Barbenheimer’ Posts Spark Criticism From Studio’s Japan Unit<br> <a href="https://variety.com/2023/film/news/warner-bros-japan-criticizes-barbie-twitter-barbenheimer-posts-1235683885/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://variety.com/2023/film/news/warner-bros-japan-criticizes-barbie-twitter-barbenheimer-posts-1235683885/</a><br> China Box Office: ‘Barbie’ Gains Foothold, Crosses $25M<br> <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/china-box-office-barbie-1235547738/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/china-box-office-barbie-1235547738/</a><br> AMC Theatres to Pivot Away From Sightline at AMC Following the Completion of the Pilot Test of the Program<br> <a href="https://celluloidjunkie.com/wire/amc-theatres-to-pivot-away-from-sightline-at-amc-following-the-completion-of-the-pilot-test-of-the-program-new-type-of-front-row-seating-will-be-tested-instead/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://celluloidjunkie.com/wire/amc-theatres-to-pivot-away-from-sightline-at-amc-following-the-completion-of-the-pilot-test-of-the-program-new-type-of-front-row-seating-will-be-tested-instead/</a><br> Bethenny Frankel Calls for Reality Stars Union: ‘Networks and Streamers Have Been Exploiting People for Too Long’<br> <a href="https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/bethenny-frankel-reality-union-strike-1235674531/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/bethenny-frankel-reality-union-strike-1235674531/</a><br> Documentary Workers Union Ratifies Groundbreaking Contract With International Documentary Association<br> <a href="https://deadline.com/2023/07/documentary-workers-united-ratifies-groundbreaking-contract-with-international-documentary-association-1235445737/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://deadline.com/2023/07/documentary-workers-united-ratifies-groundbreaking-contract-with-international-documentary-association-1235445737/</a><br> SAG-AFTRA Strike: AI Fears Mount for Background Actors<br>
