Following the massive success of the 2023 Barbie film, new reports suggest that a Barbie sequel is in the works.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. is interested in pursuing Barbie 2 with the film’s original screenwriters, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach.
The report further claims that the duo has already pitched an idea for a follow-up, and sources say the project is now in the “early stages” of development.
However, things aren’t as clear as they seem. Warner Bros., along with representatives for Gerwig and Baumbach, have denied the claims.
In response to the THR report, a Warner Bros. spokesperson stated, “THR’s reporting is inaccurate,” while Gerwig and Baumbach’s representatives also told Screen Rant that there was no legitimacy to the news.
Despite this, THR is standing by its reporting, citing a “well-placed source” and another insider with “direct knowledge” of the situation.
If the reports are true, it would make sense for Warner Bros. to pursue a Barbie sequel. The first film, starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, was a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $1.4 billion at the global box office.
It became one of the highest-grossing films of 2023 and a pop culture event, thanks in part to its connection to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, with the two films being released on the same day as part of the viral “Barbenheimer” craze.
While Barbie didn’t end with an obvious path to a sequel, box office numbers like these are hard to ignore.
Industry insiders have noted that Warner Bros. is eager to capitalize on the film’s success.
Warner Bros. executive Pam Abdy has also previously expressed interest in exploring more stories in the Barbie universe, saying the studio would “love” to make another instalment.
Mattel, the toy company behind Barbie, also seems open to more movie adaptations. The company has been on a mission to turn its toy brands into cinematic universes, with plans for over 45 live-action films in the works.
Some of these include adaptations of Hot Wheels, Polly Pocket, and Barney, with A-list stars and creators already attached to certain projects.
For now, fans will have to wait for an official announcement. It remains to be seen whether or not Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach are directly involved in the sequel.
Discussion