Greta Gerwig dismisses talk of a Barbie sequel, saying she is starting from scratch.
Greta Gerwig dismisses talk of a Barbie sequel, saying she is starting from scratch.
Greta Gerwig Not Interested in Directing Barbie Franchise, But Mattel Paves the Way for More Movies
In a recent interview with The New York Times, visionary director Greta Gerwig downplayed the idea of continuing the Barbie franchise, despite its astounding success. She expressed that she is currently lacking inspiration, feeling as though she has exhausted her creative ideas. “At this moment, it’s all I’ve got,” she confessed. However, Mattel, the toy company behind Barbie, seems determined to forge ahead with the franchise, implying that there are numerous stories left to tell.
Gerwig’s groundbreaking Barbie film shattered box office records, raking in a staggering $155 million. The movie’s opening weekend exceeded the earnings of other female-directed films, including Captain Marvel and Wonder Woman. This accomplishment solidified Gerwig’s position as a formidable force in the film industry.
Mattel’s CEO, Ynon Kreiz, emphasized the vast potential of the Barbie brand in an interview with Variety. He acknowledged that Barbie has a wide range of product lines, including not only the iconic doll but also her family members and expansive universe. Kreiz stated, “It’s a very rich universe…It’s a very broad and very elastic brand, in terms of opportunities.” While the company is currently focused on ensuring the success of the first Barbie movie, they are open to exploring further possibilities once it establishes itself as a franchise on the big screen.
Moreover, Mattel has an ambitious plan to bring more of its beloved toy lines to life. With 14 toy-based films in various stages of development, including “Barney,” “Polly Pocket,” “Thomas and Friends,” and “American Girl,” it seems that Mattel is determined to create a cinematic universe composed of its iconic toys. This approach mirrors the successful methodology behind other blockbuster franchises, such as Marvel and DC Comics.
As Mattel forges ahead with its plans, it remains to be seen if Greta Gerwig or another director will take up the reins of the Barbie franchise. Gerwig’s unique vision undoubtedly contributed to the success of the first film, but there are numerous possibilities for future iterations and new storylines within Barbie’s expansive universe. Whatever lies ahead for Mattel and Barbie, audiences can expect more exciting adventures in the world of these iconic toys.
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