Barbie 2 has reportedly hit a major roadblock at Warner Bros., and the chances of the sequel moving forward may be slim. The first film, released in 2023, was a massive hit, but it was never developed to support sequels. According to a new report, fans may miss out on seeing Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling return as the titular doll and her boyfriend.
According to Variety, the film has been stuck in limbo because of several complicated reasons, including deals regarding salaries and distribution rights. The first film grossed over $1.4 billion after being released alongside Oppenheimer. Since its release, director Greta Gerwig has not confirmed plans to direct a sequel.
Warner Bros. has made multiple offers to the Barbie creative team
WB has reportedly made “more than six offers” to Gerwig and co-screenwriter Noah Baumbach. However, the creative duo rejected the offers. The latest offer, according to a source close to WB, was the highest the studio ever offered to a filmmaking team and a cast. A different source told the outlet that while the deal would be “historic”, the individual compensation to its stars would not.
If Gosling returns for the sequel, it would mark the actor’s first return to a feature-film franchise in which he originated a major role. The original Barbie received eight nominations at the 96th Academy Awards, winning Best Original Song for What Was I Made For?. A separate Barbie movie entered development last year, with Mattel teaming up with Illumination for an animated adaptation of the classic toy line.
Gerwig is currently busy finishing directorial duties on Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, which is scheduled to release on Netflix next year. It will be one of the few films from the streamer to get a theatrical release.
Originally reported by Rahul Majumdar on ComingSoon.net.
