Warner Bros. is reportedly in a race against time to develop a sequel to the blockbuster film Barbie, but significant financial disagreements with the key creative team could derail the project entirely. According to a report from Variety, the studio has until the end of the year to secure signed contracts for the film's principal talent and creative leads. If these agreements are not reached, the rights to a Barbie film will revert back to owner Mattel, effectively ending Warner Bros.'s opportunity to produce a follow-up.
The studio did not option for a sequel during the initial development of Barbie, a decision influenced by the film's unexpected massive success, grossing nearly $1.5 billion globally and earning multiple Oscar nominations. This oversight has now placed Warner Bros. in a weaker negotiating position. Director Greta Gerwig, her writing partner Noah Baumbach, and lead actors Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are understood to have considerable leverage in the current discussions.
Sources indicate that Warner Bros. has extended six offers for a sequel over the past three years, with the most recent reportedly representing the highest financial commitment the studio has ever made for a follow-up project. However, the creative team is reportedly holding firm and seeking even greater compensation. Specifically, Ryan Gosling is said to be asking for $20 million upfront for his return as Ken, and the team is also pursuing substantial backend deals, anticipating another significant box office performance from which they can profit.
The report suggests that while executives at Warner Bros. value the talent involved, some internal criticism is directed at CEO David Zaslav regarding the ongoing holdup. Should Zaslav remain unwilling to meet the escalating demands, the prospect of Barbie 2 may be abandoned.
Gerwig has previously expressed that she was not initially keen on a Barbie sequel, though she has since reportedly developed an idea for a potential follow-up. She has not disclosed any details about this concept, seemingly awaiting contract finalization. Gerwig is currently set to direct an adaptation of C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, slated for release early next year.