Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie alongside Ryan Gosling, Barbie has become the biggest movie of the year, making over $1.4 billion at the box office. The film has received positive reviews, and the movie’s huge success has fans discussing the return of the Mattel doll on the screen. However, neither the studio nor the filmmaker has confirmed anything regarding a sequel so far.
But new reports are claiming that the star of the movie, Robbie, doesn’t have plans to return to the screen and wants her on-screen partner, Ken, to take the stage in the potential sequel.
Margot Robbie Reportedly Not Planning to Return in a Barbie Sequel
A sequel to the box office hit 2023 film has been in talks since it crossed the $1 billion mark at the box office. The cast of the film, along with the filmmaker, have talked about a potential sequel, but no official statements have been released regarding the same.
It seems that the studio and Mattel are considering pursuing a sequel and even a franchise for a movie that grossed over $1.4 billion at the box office. Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz has also said during an interview with Variety, “Our ambition is to create film franchises.”
Margot Robbie, who has earlier stated that she is open to the idea of a sequel, is reportedly backing away from the franchise Mattel and the studio are potentially planning. According to RadarOnline, sources have claimed that Robbie is not planning on returning for a sequel at any cost. She also served as a co-producer of the movie along with her husband, Tom Ackerley.
“For Margot, it’s all about the story. The Barbie movie ended with Margot’s Barbie becoming a real woman,” sources told RadarOnline. They also claimed that the Bombshell actress believes that a follow-up journey to the Mattel doll’s story is not needed and that the next film should focus on Ryan Gosling’s Ken instead.
Ryan Gosling to Take the Spotlight in the Barbie Sequel
After Margot Robbie took the lead in the 2023 blockbuster, the studio is reportedly planning a sequel while keeping Ryan Gosling’s Ken at the center of the story. Reports have claimed that there are constant discussions about a sequel, however, “the idea of building another movie around Margot [Robbie] as Barbie is pretty much off the table.”
According to RadarOnline, sources also claimed, “Everybody at the studio is talking about making a Ken movie.” It is believed that there is plenty of room for the potential franchisee to grow following Gosling’s Ken in the lead role. After co-producing the 2023 film, Robbie would reportedly be involved with the sequel behind the scenes.
While it is believed that a sequel to the 2023 comedy film is unnecessary, the parameters to consider a sequel must be different for the studio. A Ken-based sequel, however, is also believed to go against the purpose and message of the movie, which focused on the Mattel doll’s journey to self-discovery and female empowerment.
Barbie is available to rent or buy at Prime Video.
Source: RadarOnline
