Behold the Mighty Popcorn Bucket: Savior of Movie Theater Promos

Just when we thought streaming services would end movie theater culture as we know it, one thing has brought us back to the silver screen. And no, it wasn't reclining chairs or the Nicole Kidman commercials, though those did help.

It was the popcorn. There's just nothing like getting an offensively large bucket of popcorn and watching Batman knock some bad guys into last week.

The way that movie franchises have used the mighty popcorn bucket as a promotional tool to encourage movie theater ticket sales has been impressive. We reported before on how franchises like 'Scream VI' and 'Thor' created popcorn holders so popular that people were selling them online.

Now, the "Barbie" movie is one of the biggest franchises in recent history, against all odds in this Marvel-heavy world. Tickets are sold out far in advance in some theaters, and I can't remember the last time that happened. So, of course, AMC has a special popcorn bucket worthy of the flick's main character. The base version is only $35, but there's a special edition that comes with a doll, too.

AMC Theatres is selling #Barbie corvette as a popcorn bucket with doll included — priced at $64.99. pic.twitter.com/XCTPUJqsgj

— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 20, 2023

It's a pink Corvette just like the one she drives in the movie. It's 16" long, holds 85 oz. Of popcorn, and comes in a branded box that looks like what you'd see in a toy store — very fitting for the subject matter. On the AMC website, it's among other Barbie-themed products like a roller skate cross body bag (sold out), a "B" logo-shaped cup, a blanket in a bag, and other apparel.

But it's really the popcorn bucket that stands out, because now other franchises in theaters are getting the popcorn bucket treatment.

A quick jaunt over to the "Transformers" page of the AMC store shows an Optimus Prime popcorn and drink combo holder shaped like his truck form. The "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" store has containers shaped like Miles Morales and Spider Gwen's heads, the "Fast X" has a container shaped like Dom's Dodge Charger (would buy), "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" has a boxy popcorn container featuring Rocket Raccoon and a sandwich container, and the list goes on.

Yes, these can be enjoyed at home if you want to stream the movies from the couch. But as people return to theaters after a long period at home, possibly remembering the magic of being in a theater full of people, the popcorn bucket is a promotional item that bridges the gap between the theater culture of the past and the streaming culture of the present. It appeals to people who want to do both.

And, it presents opportunities to really get creative with designs and functions, and can go inside of a kit that features other items like apparel.

Don't get your hopes up to see an "Oppenheimer" popcorn bucket, though.