It looks like Barbie 2 could be on the horizon, which means it’s time to get ready for even more pink!
The last time Barbie graced the big screen, it caused a worldwide pink paint shortage due to the overwhelming use of the color. But the film, directed by Greta Gerwig, was an undeniable success. Released in July 2023, the movie, starring Margot Robbie, became an international sensation.
It was released on the same date as Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, sparking the cultural phenomenon now known as ‘Barbenheimer,’ where moviegoers attended both films in a single outing. While both movies performed well, Barbie ultimately raked in the most box office revenue.
As of now, Barbie has earned over a billion dollars globally, making any discussions of a sequel almost inevitable. So, what’s the latest on Barbie 2? Is it really happening, and if so, what will it be about? Here’s everything we know so far about a potential sequel.
Is Barbie 2 Coming?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Barbie 2 is currently in the early stages of development. The article mentions that Gerwig and her partner, Noah Baumbach, have developed a potential sequel concept, which they pitched to Warner Bros.
However, it’s important to note that Warner Bros. quickly responded to these claims, dismissing them as inaccurate. A studio representative stated, “THR’s reporting is not true,” and a spokesperson for Gerwig and Baumbach added, “There is no validity to this report.”
Gerwig and Baumbach co-wrote the original Barbie film, which followed Barbie’s journey to the real world after she loses her spark in the perfect, plastic universe. Despite the exciting prospect of a sequel, the project remains unconfirmed.
Will Greta Gerwig Return for Barbie 2?
Gerwig has been somewhat elusive when it comes to discussing a potential return for another Barbie film. Speaking at Time’s Women of the Year awards in early 2024, she explained that her creative decisions depend on the story she feels passionate about:
“My guiding principle is to ask, ‘What do I truly care about?’ If the story calls to me, we’ll make it. If not, there’s no point,” said Gerwig.
Margot Robbie has also been hesitant about diving into a sequel. When asked about returning for Barbie 2, she remarked, “We put everything into this movie. We didn’t create it with the intention of making a trilogy. Greta poured her heart into this film, so it’s hard to imagine what would come next.”
At the moment, Gerwig’s next major project is an adaptation of two tales from The Chronicles of Narnia, set to be produced for Netflix.
Who Could Return for Barbie 2?
Since Barbie 2 hasn’t been officially greenlit, it’s uncertain who will be part of the sequel. While it’s hard to imagine a Barbie movie without Margot Robbie’s iconic portrayal of the lead character, Gerwig’s original movie featured a variety of different Barbies and Kens, which leaves the door open for numerous possibilities.
Ryan Gosling, who played Robbie’s Ken, may also not be guaranteed to return. Considering how the first film showcased multiple iterations of both Barbies and Kens, it’s entirely possible that the sequel could explore new characters, or even focus on a different Barbie or Ken.
Given the massive success of the first film, it’s highly likely that fans would want to see Robbie and Gosling reprise their roles, but nothing is confirmed yet.
The first movie boasted a star-studded cast, including Michael Cera, Kate McKinnon, Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, and Simi Liu, along with cameos from celebrities like Dua Lipa, Helen Mirren, and John Cena. While it’s unclear who will return, the film’s whimsical world allows for endless possibilities.
Final Thoughts on Barbie 2
At this stage, Barbie 2 remains a mystery, with much of the speculation centered around whether Gerwig and her team will return to direct and what direction the sequel could take. Given the immense success of the first film and the buzz surrounding its potential follow-up, fans can only hope that a sequel is in the cards. Until then, we’ll just have to wait and see.
