In the vast expanse of the internet, discussions can emerge from the most unexpected sources, sparking debates that ripple through the virtual realm. Recently, the online world found itself embroiled in a heated discourse over the perceived beauty of Australian actress and Academy Award nominee Margot Robbie.
The center of this whirlwind? A seemingly innocuous term that, when examined, carries significant weight.
The 'Mid' Aesthetic
The storm began brewing on Twitter when users delved into the question of Margot Robbie's attractiveness. At the heart of the debate was the colloquial term "mid," often used to denote something or someone as average or even below par. Twitter user @NicholasVerola's tweet showcasing an allegedly makeup-free picture of Robbie ignited the controversy: "This is [Margot Robbie] without makeup. Mid."
The tweet garnered a staggering 53 million views, prompting an outpouring of reactions from netizens. This bold assertion swiftly garnered attention, prompting thousands of users to comment and reshare the post. Amidst the ensuing interactions, @NicholasVerola steadfastly defended his perspective while dissenting voices arose in fervent opposition, some even resorting to vehement attacks.
The Roasting Commences
In seconds, @NicholasVerola had unwittingly set the stage for a barrage of witty and fiery retorts from his Twitter peers. One user quipped, "If she is mid, then you're a 1," while another playfully remarked, "You calling her mid is ironic in so many ways." The back-and-forth banter extended, with the user adopting a mischievous tone, indicating that the intention might have been to provoke reactions.
With each passing moment, the tweet continued its ascent in traction and engagement. However, in the grand scheme of Margot Robbie's life and career, the online clamor might remain a fleeting anecdote, considering her impending blockbuster release is mere days away.
Barbie: The Cinematic Experience
In a captivating storyline, Robbie's Barbie embarks on a fantastical journey into the real world alongside the iconic Ken, portrayed by Ryan Gosling.
The cinematic endeavor boasts the creative prowess of Oscar-nominated director and writer Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote the script with the accomplished Noah Baumbach. As the days counted down to the film's premiere, it was evident that "Barbie" would be one of the year's cinematic highlights.
The cast lineup reads like a constellation of stars, featuring not only Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling but also a constellation of other luminaries. Names like America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell are woven into the tapestry of this exciting narrative.
The constellation continues to expand, with esteemed figures like Hari Nef, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Mackey, Sharon Rooney, Dua Lipa, Nicole Coughlan, and Ana Cruz Kayne adding their brilliance to the ensemble. Moreover, Ritu Arya, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, Scott Evans, Ncuti Gatwa, John Cena, Helen Mirren, Emerald Fennell, Michael Cera, and Ariana Greenblatt also contribute their talents, shaping a captivating cinematic mosaic.
Box Office Projections
Industry experts foresaw "Barbie" shattering box office records as the anticipation mounted. Opening weekend predictions surged to unprecedented heights, with initial projections soaring as high as $93 million.
This staggering estimate positioned "Barbie" as an unstoppable force, eclipsing the projections for fellow July 21 release "Oppenheimer," which was expected to debut with $40 to $50 million in ticket sales. Ultimately, the Barbie mania that ensued meant that "Babie" became one of only a handful of movies that crossed the $1 billion mark in terms of gross revenue.
Interestingly, the coexistence of these two high-profile releases led to the concept of a "Barbieheimer" double feature, where moviegoers enthusiastically planned to immerse themselves in both cinematic journeys. Even "Oppenheimer" star Cillian Murphy intended to partake in this unique moviegoing experience, underscoring the remarkable buzz surrounding both films.