In a groundbreaking achievement, “Oppenheimer” has become the highest-grossing film based on a real-life person to ever hit the big screen. What’s more, the second-place film in this category shares a common thread with the new record-breaker – Rami Malek.
Malek, known for his exceptional performances, stars in both Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the biopic about Freddie Mercury. Until recently, “Bohemian Rhapsody” held the top spot for films about historical figures.
However, “Oppenheimer” has now surpassed its predecessor, crossing a significant threshold at the worldwide box office. The film has raked in a staggering $912 million during its theatrical run, narrowly edging out “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which peaked at $910 million.
Following these two remarkable achievements, there is a considerable drop-off in box office earnings. Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper” takes third place with over $540 million. Other notable films in this category include “The Greatest Showman” and “The King’s Speech.”
The common denominator in these two record-breaking biopics is Rami Malek. In “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Malek portrayed Freddie Mercury, earning him an Oscar for Best Actor. In “Oppenheimer,” he plays a crucial role, outshining RDJ as the main antagonist towards the film’s end.
With the expectation that “Oppenheimer” will continue to garner accolades next year, Malek may soon boast of being part of two Academy Award-winning films. Despite being selective with his acting roles, Malek has proven his ability to choose exceptional movies. Hollywood should take note and hitch their wagon to Malek’s star, as his films consistently succeed at the box office.