Plans for a sequel to 2023’s “Barbie” have reportedly stalled because Warner Bros. Discovery has not reached new agreements with director and co-writer Greta Gerwig, co-writer Noah Baumbach, star-producer Margot Robbie and actor Ryan Gosling. The impasse matters because the original film earned more than $1.4 billion worldwide and became Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing release, while a failure to secure the team could force a complete reboot rather than a continuation of Gerwig’s version.

Warner Bros. has reportedly made more than six offers over three years, with its latest proposal described by one studio source as its biggest ever for a filmmaking team and stars, though another source disputed that characterisation. CAA, representing the four creatives, has not countered the latest offer, and Gerwig’s lawyer is involved in negotiations. Warner Bros. reportedly has about four months to move another film into active development before rights revert to Mattel; Gerwig and Baumbach are said to have a sequel idea but will not present it before contracts are signed.