Greta Gerwig reportedly set to write Barbie sequel as Warner Bros. grapples with pay dispute
Is Barbie 2 actually happening — as negotiations with the original creative team continue?
None of the key players behind the 2023 smash hit signed on for a follow-up in advance, and that’s a big part of why talks have dragged. According to The New York Times, Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, and Ryan Gosling have been in negotiations with Warner Bros. for months without sequel clauses to fall back on, as the studio tries to nail down raises plus a back-end tied to box office milestones. Gosling’s reported ask is around $20 million.
The Times also reports that Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav balked at proposed terms viewed as too rich. A studio spokesperson disputed that characterization to the Times, saying talent reps rejected a May offer and haven’t submitted a counter. Studio co-chairs Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca have told the paper they’ve put forward a series of significant offers but haven’t reached a deal.
Where everyone stands
- Greta Gerwig — She and her writing partner, Noah Baumbach, already have a story idea and are reportedly ready to start writing, but are holding it back until contracts are signed.
- Margot Robbie — In talks with the studio; no pre-signed sequel clause. The studio’s proposal includes a raise and profit participation once certain box office thresholds are hit, per the Times.
- Ryan Gosling — Also in talks; his asking price is said to be about $20 million.
- Warner Bros. — Says substantial offers went out in May; contends the talent side hasn’t countered, per the Times.
The clock matters. If Warner Bros. can’t close deals by December, the film rights reportedly revert fully to Mattel. Per the Times, that would cost Warner Bros. access to story elements and even the ability to build on the first movie with its original talent, opening the door for Mattel to take Barbie elsewhere with a new cast and creative team.
If Warner Bros. misses the December cutoff, the Barbie rights revert to Mattel.
Even if the stalemate breaks, don’t expect a fast turnaround. With no script on paper yet, a sequel is still early days; reports suggest a theatrical release could be years out, potentially in 2029 or 2030.