Summary
Mattel CEO, Ynon Kreiz, offers a promising update on a potential Barbie 2 and expanding the franchise in other directions.
Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig's potential return for a sequel remains uncertain, but fans remain hopeful for their collaboration in the event that Barbie 2 receives approval.
While the conclusion of Barbie doesn't leave much space for a conventional sequel, the narrative could potentially explore other characters or delve into Ken's journey in the real world.
Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz provided an update on the potential sequel to Barbie, following the success of the first movie. Speaking during a company earnings call, Kreiz expressed his excitement for the film's performance and hinted at future expansions of the franchise.
Why Barbie 2 Is Even Riskier Than The First Movie
Expectations for Future Growth and OpportunitiesWhile no official announcements have been made, it's perhaps premature to discuss potential sequels at this stage. Nevertheless, given the film's success, it naturally opens up the possibility for further opportunities. Within our industry, there is a constant pursuit of these significant moments, iconic brands, and cultural phenomena. Although they are rare occurrences, we anticipate continuous growth for the brand and an array of opportunities not only in film but also in television and other realms of content.
Late in June, rumors began circulating about the potential for a Barbie 2 movie. Reports confirmed that Robbie, who also produced the first film, was in talks with Mattel about the possibility of a sequel. However, these reports suggested that Robbie was unsure about moving forward with a follow-up and wanted to focus on the success of the first movie for now. Just a week after the release of the film, Gerwig expressed similar uncertainty about returning for another installment. She felt that she had given her all to the hit movie and admitted that, like her other projects, she doubted she would ever have another idea.
The movie's critical and commercial success is similar to that of The Lego Movie, another meta-driven project by Warner Bros. However, the ending of Barbie doesn't leave much room for a potential sequel. In this movie, Robbie's Barbie embraces her humanity and creates a life for herself in the real world. It's possible that the story could shift to focus on other Barbies introduced in the movie. Alternatively, it could explore Ken's journey as he finds his purpose and reunites with Barbie in the real world without an unhealthy attachment to her. However, it would be difficult to sell a movie without Robbie. Despite this, fans of the movie have hope for a continuation of Robbie and Gerwig's collaboration if a sequel is greenlit. Gerwig added depth to the script, exploring the highs and lows of Barbie's legacy. With Robbie's busy schedule, it may take some time for them to develop a concept, but it could lead to a sequel that is just as exciting and successful as the first Barbie movie, unlike The Lego Movie 2 which failed to live up to its predecessor.
Source: Deadline