‘Barbie 2’ Is in “Early Stages” of Development with Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach Returning to Write

Oscar-nominated writers Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach reportedly have a concept for a sequel to Barbie, the $1.4 billion box office hit. However, representatives for Warner Bros. and the filmmakers have dismissed these claims, insisting there’s no sequel in development.

The massive success of Barbie made the idea of a sequel almost unavoidable. As the film painted theaters pink and raked in over a billion dollars globally, questions about a seuqel became inevitable.

Warner Bros. and Mattel expressed enthusiasm quickly, but the decision ultimately rested on Gerwig and Baumbach, the creative duo behind the first film. They made it clear they wouldn’t move forward without a compelling story to tell.

Gerwig, who directed Barbie, emphasized the importance of finding the right story. In March 2024, while accepting a Women of the Year honor from Time, she explained, “‘”My guiding principle is: What do I deeply love? If I can find the heart of the story, then it makes sense to continue. If not, there’s no point.”’”

According to a source, Gerwig and Baumbach have indeed found that spark and pitched an early idea to Warner Bros. Though still in the preliminary stages, the story’s potential has reportedly initiated talks about making it a reality.

Another insider corroborated this, describing the project as being in its infancy. However, both Warner Bros. and the filmmakers’ representatives deny these reports, labeling them inaccurate.

If a deal were to happen, the next steps would involve writing the script and aligning schedules. Baumbach is currently finishing post-production on an untitled Netflix film featuring an all-star cast, including George Clooney and Adam Sandler, while Gerwig is gearing up for her adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix.

Baumbach would likely kick off the writing process for the Barbie sequel, as the duo typically writes separately before sharing drafts, a method they discussed during a Q&A last year.

Details about the sequel’s plot remain tightly under wraps. Gerwig has previously shared her reluctance to reveal ideas too early, explaining, “‘”Whenever I share things prematurely, they lose their magic.”

Margot Robbie, who starred as Barbie and produced the film through her LuckyChap banner, has been vocal about her admiration for Gerwig’s vision.” ‘”She cracked the code for this film,’ Robbie said earlier this year, describing Gerwig’s approach as magical and deeply creative.

The first Barbie film, featuring a star-studded cast including Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, and Kate McKinnon, became a global hit, earning eight Oscar nominations and winning for Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s original song, ‘What Was I Made For.’

The film follows Barbie as her perfect life in Barbieland is disrupted by existential questions, leading her to the real world on an unforgettable journey. Critics praised the movie’s clever take on Barbie, lauding Gerwig’s ability to turn a corporate project into a sharp and engaging narrative.

Given Gerwig and Baumbach’s history of acclaimed collaborations, from Frances Ha to Mistress America, their potential return to Barbie feels like more of a ‘when’ than an ‘if.’ As Gerwig hinted before the first movie’s release, “There’s so much joy in this world. I’d love to go back to Barbie Land.” Whether that journey is already underway remains to be seen.

What do you say? Are you up for the sequel?

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