Warner Bros. confirms there are no plans for Barbie 2

In 2023, the box office phenomenon dubbed 'Barbenheimer' dominated Hollywood, with both 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' performing exceptionally well. Greta Gerwig's adaptation of the classic doll character became a massive hit, fueling speculation about a sequel. Despite the excitement and anticipation surrounding the film, Gerwig had previously expressed a lack of interest in pursuing a follow-up immediately after the film's success. As rumors began to circulate, the Hollywood Reporter indicated that Gerwig and co-writer Noah Baumbach had potentially suggested a sequel idea to Warner Bros., hinting at some early discussions around a follow-up project. However, representatives for both Gerwig and Baumbach quickly shot down the speculations, asserting that the reporting lacked credibility and that they were not actively working on any sequel. Additionally, a spokesperson for Warner Bros. clarified the situation, stating that the reporting by the Hollywood Reporter was inaccurate. This chain of events reflects the industry's ongoing challenges in managing expectations and hype, especially considering the immense financial success of the original film, which grossed over one billion dollars globally. The future of a potential ‘Barbie 2’ remains uncertain as the film's creative team navigates through the early discussions surrounding its story, which had been previously hinted at with the possibility of a Ken spin-off based on material generated during the original film's scriptwriting process. Ultimately, while interest in a sequel persists, both Gerwig and Warner Bros. caution against getting overly excited, as no formal plans or commitments have yet been established, leaving fans in a state of speculation.