With key talent deals still unresolved, the next chapter of the blockbuster ‘Barbie’ franchise remains on hold.Image credit (Instagram)​
The highly anticipated sequel to 2023’s blockbuster ‘Barbie’ has stalled in development at the studio, with negotiations over talent contracts and creative control creating delays that could jeopardize the project’s timeline. The studio has until December to finalize deals with “Barbie” stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, along with filmmaker Greta Gerwig, before the rights revert to Mattel.
Ryan Gosling is reportedly seeking a new deal for the sequel as negotiations continue over the future of the franchise.Image credit (Instagram)​
According to the New York Times, Gosling’s asking price for the sequel stands at $20 million. The delay comes as Gosling has recently committed to his first superhero film, ‘Ghost Rider’, which was announced at Comic-Con last week.
‘Barbie’ sequel faces delay as talent negotiations continue
The studio co-chairs Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca stated: “We have a rights deal with Mattel in place and have made a series of big offers to try and finalize deals to make the next ‘Barbie’ film. Unfortunately, we have been unable to reach an agreement thus far.”
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling have not officially finalized agreements to return for the next ‘Barbie’ film.Image credit (Instagram)​
The publication reported conflicting accounts regarding the negotiations. While the studio’s leadership claims they have extended generous offers to talent, the outlet noted that CEO David Zaslav had rejected the studio’s latest proposals as too generous. However, a studio spokeswoman disputed this characterization, stating that talent representatives have not countered since declining an offer made in May.
Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach hold back ‘Barbie’ sequel story
Gerwig and her husband and writing partner Noah Baumbach already have developed a story for the sequel but are deliberately withholding it, refusing to commence writing until a deal closes. This strategic move provides the filmmaking team additional leverage in their negotiations with the studio.Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz has previously expressed concerns about project delays. “We expect projects to move and be in active development,” Kreiz said. “We don’t want to sit on the back burner.”‘Masters of the Universe’ underperformed at the box office despite streaming successMattel’s recent film adaptation ‘Masters of the Universe’ grossed $113.5 million globally and has recently premiered on a streaming platform where it currently ranks as the number one title, highlighting the company’s mixed track record with cinematic adaptations of its properties.
