Will there be a Barbie 2? Everything we know

Will there be a Barbie 2? Here’s everything we know about a possible sequel to the biggest movie of 2023.

Barbie exceeded everyone’s expectations. The hit movie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, followed the titular real-life toy as she ventured into the real world, exploring the Mattel company and the concept of girlhood along the way. And Ken is also there.

But while this summer blockbuster may seem like a one-and-done film, anything is possible in Hollywood. So is there going to be a Barbie sequel? Here’s what we know.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Is Barbie returning the big screen anytime soon?

Will there be a Barbie 2? Margot Robbie on sequel plans

In an interview with Time magazine, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz is bullish about the future of the potential franchise, enthusing to the magazine about the possibility of “more Barbie movies.”

But Margot Robbie – who both produces and stars in the movie – is hesitant to commit at this stage, saying she’s had conversations about that potential, but nothing more.

“It could go a million different directions from this point,” Robbie tells Time. “But I think you fall into a bit of a trap if you try and set up a first movie whilst also planning for sequels.”

Director Greta Gerwig has no plans for a sequel

While Margot Robbie may have been Barbie’s face, director Greta Gerwig brought the character to life behind the scenes, and her directorial efforts were praised by many.

In an interview with Movieweb, Gerwig shut down the idea that she is eager to return for a Barbie sequel and instead would like to see another director step into the shoes.

“Why can’t it be another big, original, bold idea where we get an amazing filmmaker, a big budget to play with, and the trust of a huge conglomerate behind them to go and really play? I want to do that”.

Gerwig is currently busy working on the Narnia reboot, meaning even if she was to return for a Barbie sequel, fans would have to wait a few years.

Could Barbie be part of a Mattel Shared Universe?

Ynon Kreiz certainly has big plans for his products. The CEO set up Mattel Films within the company to craft movies based on a variety of toys.

So there’s a Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em movie in development with Vin Diesel. JJ Abrams is producing a Hot Wheels feature. And Daniel Kaluuya is working on a Barney film. Any of which could crossover with Barbie should a shared universe take flight.

“We’re looking to create movies that become cultural events,” Kreiz tells Time. “If you can excite filmmakers like [writer-director] Greta [Gerwig] and [writer] Noah [Baumbach] to embrace the opportunity and have creative freedom, you can have a real impact.”