Key facts
- Warner Bros. is reportedly in early-stage discussions for a 'Barbie' sequel.
- The rights for a 'Barbie' sequel will revert to Mattel in December.
- Directors Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach have reportedly conceived an idea for a follow-up film.
- Gerwig and Baumbach have presented their sequel concept to Warner Bros.
- Representatives for Gerwig, Baumbach, and Warner Bros. have denied the accuracy of reports about sequel talks.
Warner Bros. is reportedly in early discussions to develop a sequel to the blockbuster film 'Barbie,' with a critical deadline approaching in December when the rights for a follow-up would revert to Mattel. The studio is aiming to finalize a deal before this date.
Sources suggest that directors Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, who co-wrote and directed the original film, have conceived an idea for a sequel and have presented it to Warner Bros. While the project is described as being in its initial stages, these discussions have reportedly opened the door for deal-making.
However, representatives for Gerwig and Baumbach have denied the legitimacy of these reports, stating, "There is no legitimacy to this reporting." A Warner Bros. representative also commented, "THR's reporting is inaccurate."
Gerwig has previously expressed that she would only pursue a sequel if she found a compelling story, stating in March 2024 that her "North Star is, what do I deeply love? What do I really care about? What’s the story underneath this story?" She indicated that if she didn't find an "undertow," there would be no more.
Baumbach is currently working on postproduction for his next film, an untitled project for Netflix, while Gerwig is in preproduction for a Netflix adaptation of 'The Chronicles of Narnia.' The two typically collaborate on writing by working separately and sharing drafts.
Margot Robbie, who starred as Barbie and produced the film through her LuckyChap banner, was instrumental in bringing the original movie to fruition. The film achieved significant critical and commercial success, grossing $1.4 billion globally and earning eight Oscar nominations. Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz has also voiced enthusiasm for expanding the 'Barbie' cinematic universe, stating the company is looking to create more movies that become cultural events.