Gerwig embraces Barbie 2 as Mattel weighs sequel prospects; Robbie and Gerwig express doubts.
Key Takeaways:
- Gerwig now keen on Barbie 2 after initial hesitation.
- Mattel evaluates sequel prospects; Robbie and Gerwig expressed doubts.
- Barbie‘s rich world suggests sequel potential despite uncertainties.
In a delightful twist, writer-director Greta Gerwig has made a complete turnaround regarding the possibility of a sequel to Barbie 2. Initially hesitant, she now enthusiastically declares, “I want to do it!”
During an exclusive interview at Vanity Fair’s Oscars after-party, Gerwig confirmed that there is “no resistance” from her side regarding the potential sequel. This shift in perspective is significant, given that just last July, Gerwig had firmly stated that the chances of her helming a Barbie sequel were “totally at zero”.
While Gerwig and the film’s lead actress, Margot Robbie (who portrays Barbie), had cast doubts on the sequel, Mattel, the company behind the iconic doll, remains cautiously optimistic. CEO Ynon Kreiz expressed hope during a July 2023 earnings call, emphasizing the need to evaluate the success of the first installment before committing to a follow-up.
However, Gerwig herself has seemed hesitant about directing Barbie 2 before. She commented,
“I feel like that at the end of every movie, like I’ll never have another idea and everything I’ve ever wanted to do, I did. I wouldn’t want to squash anybody else’s dream, but for me, at this moment, I’m at totally zero.”
Margot Robbie, the actor who brilliantly anchored the first film as the iconic toy, has concurred when discussing the potential for Barbie 2. She stated,
“I think we put everything into this one… It was like Greta put everything into this movie, so I can’t imagine what would be next.”
While this doesn’t entirely eliminate the chance for a sequel, it certainly doesn’t bode well for those eagerly awaiting more Barbie adventures.
Despite Robbie’s comments, the idea of Barbie 2 remains very much alive. Movies like Barbie are practically engineered for sequels, with rich world-building and countless unexplored ideas waiting to be developed. Consider the various versions of Barbie in the film—each with their own unique stories—that only received brief screen time.
If given the opportunity, director Greta Gerwig could expand this project into a series or even a franchise. The possibilities for captivating stories are limitless, especially considering the wealth of source material from the Barbie TV shows.
