Production on a planned Barbie sequel starring Margot Robbie has reportedly stalled amid a pay dispute with Warner Bros, according to the New York Times. Robbie was expected to reprise her lead role, with Ryan Gosling returning alongside her, but negotiations have broken down, leaving the follow-up's future uncertain and highlighting tensions between the studio and its biggest stars over how to split the rewards of a franchise built on the original film's blockbuster success.

The New York Times reported that Warner Bros chief David Zaslav considered the studio's proposed deal for the two leads "too generous", though Warner Bros disputed this account, saying the actors were offered terms in May and have not yet responded with a counteroffer. Gosling is said to be seeking around $20 million to return, while Robbie, 36, and Gosling, 45, remain attached to the project in principle, with no resolution yet reached.