Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling painted the box office pink with the release of their film ‘Barbie’ in 2023. After its billion-dollar box office success, reports now claim that the much-talked-about sequel may be in jeopardy.Three years after the film became a global phenomenon, talks surrounding a follow-up have reportedly stalled as negotiations between Warner Bros. and the creative team behind the 2023 blockbuster have reportedly come to a halt. According to Variety, Warner Bros. has made more than six offers to the creative team over the past three years, with each reportedly rejected.The original ‘Barbie’, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Robbie and Gosling, became the highest-grossing film in Warner Bros. history, earning more than USD 1.4 billion worldwide.
‘Barbie 2 ’ pay negotiations unresolved
The team involved in the ongoing discussions includes Gerwig, Baumbach, Robbie and Gosling. Their representatives are seeking a fee hike and upfront compensation. Leading man, Ryan Gosling is reportedly seeking USD 20 million to reprise his Oscar-nominated role as Ken. Robbie, on the other hand, was previously projected to earn around USD 50 million in salary and backend compensation from the first film, although a source cited that her final compensation would be “well ahead” of that figure.Gerwig also reportedly earned tens of millions of dollars from the original film. The financial demands for the sequel would therefore be a significant increase. However, one point of the negotiations has reportedly been clarified: the creative team is not seeking to receive a share of box-office revenue before the studio recoups its production costs.A source familiar with the negotiations told Variety that each individual member of the creative team is seeking unprecedented compensation.
Creative team’s demands yet to be met
According to the report, CAA, which represents Gerwig, Baumbach, Robbie and Gosling, has not yet submitted a counteroffer to Warner Bros.’ latest proposal.While the financial demands have become a significant obstacle, there is reportedly broad recognition within Hollywood that the original creative team holds considerable value following the unprecedented success of the first film. Speaking to the portal, a source stated that a sequel will not proceed unless Warner Bros. agrees to the team’s terms.The original ‘Barbie’ was released in July 2023 and starred Robbie as Barbie and Gosling as Ken, alongside America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae and Will Ferrell.
