'Barbie' sequel is reportedly in the works
A sequel to the global hit 2023 film Barbie is reportedly in the early stages of development.
According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, citing a “well-placed source,” the film’s writers Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach have formulated a story idea for the sequel and have already mentioned it to the entertainment studio Warner Bros.
However, a rep for the studio and a rep for the filmmakers have denied the report.
Gerwig had previously expressed her willingness for the film’s sequel, saying she hopes that the Barbie film "is the launch of a world and a bunch of different Barbie movies."
"There’s a tone and a humor and a joy, and obviously the world is so beautiful," the director and co-writer told People magazine in July 2023. "I want to go back to Barbie Land."
She also noted that it is vital to her to find that “undertow” when making films.
“My North Star is ‘What do I deeply love? What do I really care about? Like, ‘What’s the story underneath this story?'” she said, as she accepted Time’s “Woman of the Year” recognition last March.
“If I find the undertow, then we get it. If I don’t find an undertow, there’s no more,” she added, talking about the film’s sequel.
Barbie became the highest-grossing film of 2023, amassing a staggering $1.4 billion (P77 billion) in global box office revenue. It spawned multiple offerings of merchandise, vacation rentals, and food, among other iconic collaborations.
It earned nods and recognition from the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice Awards.
It is also the first-ever fictional character to be selected as one of Forbes' most powerful women in the world in 2023.
