ENTERTAINMENT'Barbie 2' May Be Scrapped Due to Salary Negotiations as Margot Robbie Reportedly Eyes Over $50 Million to Reprise Role
A sequel to 'Barbie' is still up in the air.
Aug. 13 2026, Published 3:57 p.m. ET
Barbie 2 is reportedly struggling to get off the ground.
Though the hit 2023 film was given the green light for a sequel, reports revealed things have hit a standstill over salary negotiations involving the A-list cast, which is led by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
Inside the Dilemma
Reports claimed Warner Bros. Discovery exec David Zaslav has declined every offer that's come up over the past three years.
The New York Times claimed Warner Bros. Discovery exec David Zaslav is refusing to approve proposed budgets for the sequel. The report claimed the studio made at least six offers over the past three years, but all of them have been shot down.
The latest proposed deal included the highest payday Warner Bros. has allegedly ever offered a film team, with one source telling the newspaper it was "life-changing money." However, another industry insider countered that while the "package" in total may have set a new record, individual compensation would not.
'Barbie' Broke Box Office Records
'Barbie' earned over $1 billion at the box office.
While the price may be steep, it's not undeserved, as Barbie earned over $1 billion at the box office, and at the time of its release, was the 14th highest-grossing movie of all time. It also earned a slew of awards and nominations, including eight Oscar noms.
The first film was directed by Greta Gerwig, who would return for the second. The sequel is also slated to bring back her husband and writing partner, Noah Baumbach, as well as Robbie and Gosling.
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What Are the Salary Requests?
Reports said Margot Robbie will want more than the $50 million she reportedly earned from the first flick.
It's been alleged that Gosling is requesting $20 million for the role.
Meanwhile, Robbie was estimated to have earned a whopping $50 million in salary and back end from the first flick, with reports stating she will want a hefty increase for the sequel.
No deals were made for a second movie when they signed on for the first since no one expected the film to become as viral and successful as it did.
Negotiation Time Is Running Out
One report said Ryan Gosling is asking for $20 million to reprise his fan-favorite character.
The report noted that there are only about four months left for contracts to be finalized, as after that, Mattel — the brand behind the Barbie doll toy — will regain the rights to the character, meaning a sequel with Gerwig, Robbie and Gosling would be scrapped.
There have been no details so far as to what the second installment would be about, as the New York Times said Warner Bros. would not disclose any information until contracts are finalized.
