The film industry is abuzz with news that Warner Bros. is keen to develop a sequel to the blockbuster hit “Barbie,” even if it means proceeding without the acclaimed director Greta Gerwig. This revelation comes as no surprise given the film's remarkable success, raking in a staggering $1.4 billion worldwide. It's a no-brainer that Warner Bros. would want to continue capitalizing on such a lucrative property.
Gerwig, who is currently immersed in pre-production for the Netflix adaptation of “The Chronicles of Narnia,” has expressed uncertainty about returning to direct a “Barbie” sequel. She has a two-film deal with Netflix, potentially involving back-to-back shoots, making her availability for another “Barbie” film questionable. However, this hasn't deterred Warner Bros. from pursuing the project. Historically, Hollywood seldom lets a high-grossing franchise slip through its fingers.
Interestingly, neither Gerwig, Margot Robbie (who played Barbie), nor Ryan Gosling (who portrayed Ken) had sequel clauses in their original contracts. This is a rare occurrence for major franchises, which typically secure their talent with options for future films before the first is even released. Consequently, if Warner Bros. is to bring back the beloved trio, it will likely involve substantial financial negotiations.
While Gerwig has admitted she doesn't currently have any ideas for a sequel, this doesn't rule out the possibility of a follow-up film. Warner Bros. could easily tap another filmmaker to take the reins. Mattel, the company behind Barbie, has already shown a keen interest in continuing the story, further fueled by the brand's revitalization through cinema.
The success of “Barbie” has had a ripple effect, prompting Mattel to greenlight 14 additional movie projects based on their diverse lineup of toys and games. These include beloved classics such as “UNO,” “Barney,” “Wishbone,” “Hot Wheels,” and “Polly Pocket,” among others, all in various stages of development.
In essence, the potential “Barbie” sequel represents just one piece of a larger cinematic puzzle for Mattel and Warner Bros. As fans eagerly await more adventures from the iconic doll, the industry watches closely to see if Gerwig will return or if a new creative force will shape Barbie's next chapter.
The film's unprecedented success not only revitalized the Barbie brand but also set a new benchmark for toy-based films, ensuring that Barbie's story is far from over on the silver screen.
