Just two weeks into its run, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Barbie” movie crossed the $900 million mark on Thursday and looks set to pass the $1 billion dollar mark this weekend.
There’s no question the movie is a pop culture phenomenon, scoring both critical acclaim and colossal box-office and drawing massive audiences from across the demographics.
Today, THR reports that that “Barbie” is in an unusual place in that with success of this size, by now the film’s studio would be touting that a sequel is in development.
That’s not the case here, and not just because the strike puts a stop to any chance of negotiations for returning cast or crew.
The trade says none of the talent involved, including Margot Robbie, the sequel-averse Ryan Gosling, and filmmaker Greta Gerwig, have deals in place for a follow-up.
The studio reportedly made overtures regarding a sequel to Gerwig, but those overtures were rebuffed and wouldn’t be discussed until after the first film came out.
That move is being seen as a very smart one as Robbie, Gosling, and Gerwig will now be able to make new deals for any sequel and all will be able to score huge payouts for any follow-up.
Meanwhile the film is seeing repeat viewings and even early awards talk. The “Barbie” phenomenon will linger for some time and today came the news that the film’s soundtrack is going vinyl whilst Kate McKinnon’s Weird Barbie character is getting her own official Barbie doll from Mattel.
