Summary
Director Shawn Levy reveals that the success of Barbie has made him hesitant about moving forward with Free Guy 2.
Levy and Reynolds aim to distinguish a potential sequel from the original and other movies, steering clear of rehashing familiar territory.
Though Barbie's influence on the prospects of Free Guy 2 cannot be ignored, Levy and Reynolds have other ventures in progress, such as Deadpool 3.
Director Shawn Levy has expressed uncertainty about the future of Free Guy 2, citing Barbie as the reason. The 2021 comedy, starring Ryan Reynolds as a video game character who gains self-awareness, explored the truth behind his existence and his collaboration with a software developer (Jodie Comer) to uncover a hidden secret. Meanwhile, Greta Gerwig's Barbie followed the journey of Margot Robbie's iconic doll as she ventured into the real world to discover her purpose. Though the script for Free Guy 2 was almost finished in 2022, Levy and Reynolds are now hesitant about moving forward due to Barbie's success in addressing similar themes of self-awareness. They want any potential sequel to stand out from the original and other projects. You can read Levy's full explanation below.
Barbie's Effect On Free Guy 2's Chances Could Be A Good Thing For The Original Film
The certainty of this outcome is far from assured. Our affection for Free Guy has reverberated, generating an enduring resonance over the past few years. This has thrilled both Ryan Reynolds and me. While we are in the process of developing a sequel, the reality is that Barbie has also made a significant impact with her portrayal of a character who achieves self-awareness within a fictional realm. Therefore, we will only proceed with Free Guy 2 if it diverges from the original film and stands out from other movies.
The impact of Barbie's success in the film industry extends beyond its influence on the development of Free Guy 2. Studios are actively seeking ways to replicate its triumph, with potential coinciding release dates being considered as the next Barbenheimer (the viral trend inspired by Barbie and Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer releasing on the same day). Additionally, Mattel is eager to adapt other properties into movies, making Barbie a possible blueprint for future studio ventures. However, critics argue that these outcomes represent a misinterpretation of the box office hit, a sentiment echoed by WandaVision actor Randall Park.
While some studio executives may be drawing the wrong conclusions from Barbie's success, Levy and Reynolds are approaching things differently. Despite the original film's critical and financial success, Free Guy's ending provided closure for Guy and his allies as they found fulfillment in both the virtual and real worlds. Recognizing the importance of not simply cashing in on the first film's achievements, the star and director are determined to preserve the integrity of the original story.
Although Barbie may have temporarily put Free Guy 2 on hold, both Levy and Reynolds have plenty of other projects in the works. Despite the SAGAFTRA strikes interrupting progress on Levy's Deadpool 3, the director is also involved in developing an undisclosed Star Wars project and overseeing the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. While the chances of a Free Guy 2 may have diminished, Levy remains open to the possibility of revisiting the world if a compelling idea presents itself, offering a glimmer of hope.
Source: Collider
