Sources say Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, the Oscar-nominated duo behind Barbie, have started brainstorming a sequel to the $1.4 billion box office hit. However, representatives for Warner Bros. and the filmmakers deny that any official plans are in motion.
The massive success of Barbie sparked immediate questions about a follow-up. Warner Bros. and Mattel, buoyed by the film’s cultural impact in 2023, seemed ready to greenlight a sequel. Yet, Gerwig and Baumbach, who co-wrote the original film, have emphasized that any continuation would depend on finding a meaningful story.
In March 2024, while accepting Time’s Women of the Year honors, Gerwig explained her approach: “My guiding principle is to ask, ‘What do I deeply love? What’s the story beneath the story?’ If I can find that foundation, then it’s worth pursuing. If not, there’s no sequel.”
Now, a well-placed source has revealed that the pair has found that foundation. They’ve reportedly pitched an idea to Warner Bros., although everything remains in early stages. Another source with direct knowledge confirmed that story development has opened the door to preliminary deal discussions.
Representatives for Gerwig, Baumbach, and Warner Bros. pushed back on these reports. “There is no truth to this,” said the filmmakers’ rep, while Warner Bros. called the information “inaccurate.”
What’s Next for the Filmmakers
If the project moves forward, the next step would involve writing a script and aligning schedules. Baumbach is currently in post-production on an untitled Netflix coming-of-age film featuring an all-star cast, including George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, and Riley Keough. Gerwig is in pre-production for her Chronicles of Narnia adaptation for Netflix, which producer Amy Pascal recently described as “very rock and roll.”
According to one insider, Baumbach would start writing the sequel’s script, with the pair collaborating in their usual fashion—writing separately, exchanging drafts, and refining ideas together. During a 2023 Writers Guild Q&A, Gerwig described their process: “We write alone, share drafts, and see if the other person laughs.”
Details about the sequel’s story remain under wraps. Gerwig has been cautious about revealing ideas too soon. “If I share an idea early, it often loses its magic. That can hurt the movie,” she explained at the same Q&A.
Reflecting on Barbie’s Impact
Barbie, produced by Margot Robbie through her LuckyChap banner, received critical acclaim and earned eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Robbie, who also starred as the titular Barbie, praised Gerwig’s vision. “Greta cracked the code for this film,” Robbie said in February. “Her creativity, humanity, and joy brought Barbie to life.”
The film won one Academy Award for Best Original Song, thanks to Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s “What Was I Made For?” It became a cultural touchstone, blending sharp storytelling with the legacy of an iconic toy.
Critics highlighted Gerwig and Baumbach’s script for its wit and insight. Writing for The Hollywood Reporter, Lovia Gyarkye called the screenplay “clever” and praised its exploration of Barbie’s complicated legacy.
The first film followed Barbie’s journey from the picture-perfect world of Barbieland to the real world, where she grappled with deeper questions about life and identity. The story struck a chord with audiences, setting a high bar for any sequel.
A Proven Creative Team
Gerwig and Baumbach’s past collaborations include Frances Ha and Mistress America. Gerwig also directed Lady Bird and Little Women, both of which earned Oscar nominations for their scripts. Baumbach’s extensive filmography includes Marriage Story and The Squid and the Whale, which brought him two Academy Award nods.
Given the success of Barbie, a sequel seems less like a question of “if” and more about “when.” As Gerwig noted before the first film’s release, “There’s a tone, a humor, and a joy to this world. I’d love to go back to Barbieland.”
