The sequel to the Barbie film, which seemed almost inevitable after the success of the first part, is in jeopardy. Warner Bros. has still not reached an agreement on new contracts with Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and director Greta Gerwig.
According to The New York Times, work on the project has stalled due to negotiations over fees. In particular, Gosling allegedly wants to receive $ 20 million for returning to the role of Ken.
The studio must conclude agreements with all three by December. Otherwise, the rights to create a new Barbie film may return to Mattel, the company that produces the famous doll.
If the rights return to Mattel and the company turns to another studio, the new film adaptation will not be able to use the plot elements of the first part. Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and Greta Gerwig will also not be able to join such a project.
Barbie was not originally planned as the beginning of a film series. Warner Bros. signed Gerwig to a one-film contract, and the actors were not committed to a sequel.
Now Gerwig and her husband and co-writer, Noah Baumbach, have a plan for a sequel. They are ready to start working on the script as soon as the parties agree on financial terms.
As a reminder, Barbie became the highest-grossing film of 2023, grossing an estimated $1.5 billion. The film received eight Oscar nominations, became the most successful live-action comedy in history, and set a box office record for Warner Bros. films.