Over three years since Greta Gerwig’s Barbie came out and became a global phenomenon (and half of one), a follow up could be feasible. Maybe.
Per the New York Times, Warner Bros. has spent months in negotiations with Gerwig, along with top-billed stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, to do another movie. The apparent aim is to get the film into production “as soon as possible,” but there’s one issue: it’s got until December to lock deals down before rights revert back to Mattel. As is, WB head David Zaslav isn’t willing to sign off on the offers made to talent. Currently, Gerwig and the actors would get a cut of the profit if the film hits certain benchmarks, and some upfront raises. (For example, the NYT reveals Gosling would get upfront pay of $20 million.)
Zaslav has reportedly deemed these offers “too generous,” with a WB rep telling the outlet the three turned down the most recent offer in May. For what it’s worth, the Barbie movie made $1.448 billion and became the studio’s highest-grossing film and of 2023. (To say nothing of its various Oscar nominations and two Golden Globes wins.) But 2023 is not 2026: not only is Paramount trying to acquire the studio, it’s two 2026 tentpoles, The Bride! and Supergirl, fizzled at the box office.
If a deal is locked down, it’ll still be a while for Barbie 2 to happen. Gerwig’s currently finishing her Narnia movie for Netflix, and Ryan Gosling’s to headline Marvel’s Ghost Rider movie in 2028. She and co-writer/husband Noah Baumbach reportedly have a story they’re ready to write, but they’re keeping that close to the chest. And if things fall apart come December, Mattel will be free to make a movie with another studio, though they can’t bring over story elements or actors.
We’ll have more on the Barbie situation as it develops.
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