‘Barbie 2’ Buzz: Sequel Speculation Stirs Up Hollywood

The glittery world of Barbie may be preparing for an encore. According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter (THR), a sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Barbie is in the “early stages” of development. Filmmaking duo Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, who co-wrote and directed the original, are said to have “hatched an idea” for a follow-up and are allegedly in discussions with Warner Bros.

But wait—don’t grab your pink heels just yet. Representatives for Warner Bros., as well as Gerwig and Baumbach, have poured cold water on the rumor mill, firmly stating, “There is no legitimacy to this reporting.” Warner Bros. echoed this, dismissing THR’s claims as “inaccurate.”

If the stars do align, the sequel would reportedly move forward after Gerwig and Baumbach wrap up their individual projects. Baumbach is directing Jay Kelly for Netflix, where Gerwig stars alongside a star-studded cast. Meanwhile, Gerwig is diving into her adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia for the streaming giant.

The original Barbie was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. With Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the film earned over $1.4 billion globally, making it 2023’s highest-grossing film and landing it in the all-time top 15. The movie’s whimsical yet poignant storyline captured hearts as Barbie embarked on a journey of self-discovery, leaving a trail of pink in both Barbieland and the real world.

Critics and audiences alike adored the film, which garnered eight Academy Award nominations and took home the prize for Best Original Song for Billie Eilish’s What Was I Made For?

For now, Barbie fans will have to wait and see if the dreamhouse doors reopen for another adventure—or if this buzz is just a mirage in Barbie land.