"Barbie" sequel stalls as Warner Bros and stars fail to reach deal

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"Barbie" sequel stalls as Warner Bros and stars fail to reach deal

Writer: Heidi Hsia

Waiting for a sweet deal to celebrate

3 Aug - The road to a "Barbie" sequel has now stalled amid the breakdown of communication between Warner Bros. and its three main players: director Greta Gerwig, and actors Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

It was reported that the studio has been negotiating with the three individuals for months, but has yet to reach an agreement. It was alleged that CEO David Zaslav has declined to approve a proposed deal, by which the actors and director would receive a share of the profits if the film reaches a certain box office milestone.

Zaslav reportedly refused to sign off on the deal because he believed it was 'too generous.'

Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie with director Greta Gerwig

However, Warner Bros. has denied the rumour, saying that the talents' camps have declined an offer made in May, and have yet to submit a counteroffer.

"We have a rights deal with Mattel in place and have made a series of big offers to try and finalise deals to make the next Barbie film," studio co-chairs Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca said in a statement. "Unfortunately, we have been unable to reach an agreement thus far."

Back in 2024, it was reported that Gerwig and her co-writer Noah Baumbach were in early stages of developing a story for the sequel.

The movie grossed USD 1.5 billion when it was released back in 2023, earning eight Oscar nominations and winning Best Original Song for Billie Eilish's 'What Was I Made For?"

It is noted that Warner Bros. has until December to reach a deal with the stars before the rights revert to Mattel.