Barbie 2 Sequel: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling & Greta Gerwig’s Involvement Uncertain

With the resounding success of “Barbie” at the global box office, fans have been eagerly anticipating news about a potential sequel, “Barbie 2.” However, recent reports from THR have revealed that the key talents involved in the first installment, including Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and Greta Gerwig, currently do not have deals in place for a follow-up.

This situation is relatively uncommon for a major intellectual property (IP) like Barbie, where franchises such as Star Wars or Marvel typically have their talent sign multi-picture deals, regardless of whether their characters are ultimately utilized in sequels. In the case of “Barbie,” Margot Robbie not only starred in the film but also served as a producer through her LuckyChap Entertainment banner. While she may return to produce “Barbie 2,” she is not contractually obligated to reprise her role as the lead. Similarly, Ryan Gosling, who is known for avoiding sequels in his career, also lacks a deal for the potential follow-up.

Director Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote “Barbie” alongside Noah Baumbach, is also not currently bound by a contract for the sequel. According to THR, Warner Bros. did attempt to initiate talks with Gerwig several months ago, but her representatives decided to postpone negotiations until after the film’s release. As “Barbie” approaches the remarkable milestone of grossing $1 billion, this decision may prove to be a shrewd move. However, with the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike, any official discussions regarding a sequel must be delayed until the labor issues are resolved.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding talent deals, Margot Robbie’s initial pitch for “Barbie” showcased her confidence in the project’s potential success. Robbie emphasized that when studios pair a visionary director with a bold concept, it often leads to prosperous outcomes, citing examples such as Spielberg’s “Dinosaurs” and other successful ventures. She confidently asserted that “Barbie” helmed by Greta Gerwig would be a billion-dollar hit, even acknowledging that she might have been overzealous in her projection. Nevertheless, Robbie’s enthusiasm and commitment to bringing the beloved doll to life on the big screen played a crucial role in securing the film’s green light.

As “Barbie” continues to captivate audiences in theaters worldwide, the anticipation for “Barbie 2” grows, fueled by the immense box office success and the dynamic storytelling of the first installment. While the absence of talent deals for Robbie, Gosling, and Gerwig introduces a degree of uncertainty, it also places them in an enviable position for future negotiations. As fans eagerly await further updates, the studio’s pursuit of securing these exceptional talents will undoubtedly be a high priority for “Barbie 2.”

In conclusion, “Barbie” has proven to be a remarkable triumph, exceeding expectations and leaving a lasting impression on audiences. As the industry navigates ongoing labor disputes, it remains a matter of time before official discussions for the sequel can commence. Until then, fans can relish in the magic of “Barbie” and eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this enchanting cinematic journey.