'Barbie 2' stalls as salary dispute delays Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling's return

Barbie 2 has hit a major roadblock, with negotiations between Warner Bros. and the film's key creative team reportedly stalling over salary demands for stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

According to Variety, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is refusing to approve the larger pay packages being sought for Robbie, Gosling and filmmaker Greta Gerwig, despite the original Barbie becoming the highest-grossing film in the studio's history with more than $1.4 billion at the worldwide box office.

Gerwig and co-writer Noah Baumbach reportedly already have an idea for the sequel but are unwilling to begin writing the screenplay until new deals are finalised. Warner Bros. has until December 2026 to secure agreements with the creative team before the sequel rights revert to Mattel. If that deadline passes, the studio would lose the opportunity to continue the franchise with the same cast and creative vision.

The report adds that Gosling is seeking a salary of around $20 million, while negotiations have also centred on profit participation for the film's biggest stars. Although Warner Bros. has made offers, the studio and talent representatives remain far apart on financial terms.

Released in 2023, Barbie became a global cultural phenomenon, earning more than $1.4 billion worldwide and receiving multiple Academy Award nominations. The film, directed by Gerwig and co-written with Baumbach, starred Robbie as Barbie and Gosling as Ken, with both performances earning widespread acclaim.

While all parties are reportedly interested in making a sequel, Barbie 2 remains in limbo until contractual issues are resolved, leaving fans waiting to see whether Barbie and Ken will return to the big screen.