Daniel Richtman is reporting the obvious. Warner Bros wants to make a “Barbie” sequel, even if it means Greta Gerwig not returning to direct it. I could have said that.
Gerwig has stated that she isn’t sure if she would want to return for a sequel, but why would that stop Warners from pursuing it, regardless of her participation? “Barbie” racked up $1.4 billion worldwide, when’s the last time Hollywood let such a hot property go without a sequel?
Gerwig is currently deep in pre-production mode on ‘Narnia’ for Netflix, which is set to shoot in late 2024. She has a two-film deal with Netflix on ‘Narnia,’ so they might be shooting these films back-to-back, although that has yet to be confirmed.
Gerwig, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling did not have deals in their original contracts to return for a “Barbie” sequel. This was unusual given that most big franchises would snap up their talent in options before the movie gets released. So, given that there are currently no options or deals in place for the main “Barbie” trio, this means that that would most likely be offered an exorbitant amount of money to come back.
Mattel has already expressed a desire to make a sequel, and, although Gerwig has confessed that she doesn’t really have any ideas for the second instalment, that still doesn’t mean that she needs to be involved in the creative process. They can easily find another filmmaker.
Last July, Barbie’s success immediately led Mattel to greenlighting 14 various movie projects based on their brand of toys and games, all now in various stages of development. Here’s the full list:
• UNO • Barney • Wishbone • Matchbox • Hot Wheels • Magic 8 Ball • Polly Pocket • View Master • American Girl • Major Matt Mason • Masters of the Universe • Thomas the Tank Engine • Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots