Warner Bros.’ plans for a “Barbie” sequel have reportedly stalled because it has not yet reached agreement with Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling before its rights deal with Mattel expires in December. The impasse matters because the original film was a major commercial and awards success, and failure to secure a new deal could force Mattel to develop any future film with a different creative team and cast.

The 2023 film earned more than $1.4 billion worldwide and received eight Academy Award nominations. Gosling is reportedly seeking $20 million, while discussions have also included potential box-office participation for key talent; Warner Bros. chief David Zaslav is said to regard those terms as too generous. Gerwig and Noah Baumbach reportedly have an idea for a follow-up but will not share it until deals are completed, and Robbie has previously stressed that the first film was not intended as a trilogy.