< Back to all clusters
[BUSINESS] · United States · 18 sources

started · updated

Warner Bros. races to secure Barbie sequel before December deadline

Warner Bros. Discovery is negotiating new contracts with Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and director Greta Gerwig for a sequel to the 2023 blockbuster "Barbie." The studio has until December 2024 to reach agreements, or the film rights will revert to toy maker Mattel. Reports say Gosling is seeking a $20 million payment and a share of box‑office profits, offers that CEO David Zaslav has deemed "too generous." Talent representatives declined the studio’s May offer and have not submitted a counter‑proposal. Co‑chairs Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca said the studio has a rights deal with Mattel and has made multiple large offers, but no deal has been finalized. The sequel’s creative team, Greta Gerwig and her writing partner Noah Baumbach, have a story outline ready but will not begin writing until contracts are settled. The stalled negotiations come as Warner Bros.’ planned merger with Paramount has been suspended, adding pressure on the studio to retain its most lucrative franchise. The original "Barbie" earned roughly $1.4‑$1.5 billion worldwide, making it Warner Bros.’ highest‑grossing film and a major cultural event.

Entities

Barbie · Disney · Greta Gerwig · Margot Robbie · Mattel · Ryan Gosling · Warner Bros. Discovery

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Sources

about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago