Margot Robbie’s $50 Million ‘Barbie’ Payday Revealed as Sequel Talks Hit Trouble

A planned sequel to the hit film “Barbie” is reportedly in crisis over pay negotiations between Warner Bros. and the movie’s main creative team.

According to Variety, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has rejected salary demands from Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, director Greta Gerwig and writer Noah Baumbach. The studio has reportedly made more than six offers over the past three years, with the latest described by one source as the company’s highest-ever offer.

Robbie reportedly earned about $50 million for starring in and producing the 2023 film. Gosling is said to be seeking $20 million to return as Ken, while Gerwig reportedly made tens of millions from the original movie.

The team is seeking higher upfront fees and larger shares of the film’s profits, while Baumbach is reportedly asking only for a higher writing fee.

Gerwig and Baumbach have an idea for a sequel but reportedly will not develop the script until their contracts are settled. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the film rights could return to Mattel, which could then license the property to another studio.

“Barbie” became a global blockbuster, earning about $1.4 billion worldwide. Gerwig has said she would be excited to work with the cast and crew again if she finds a story worth telling. Robbie, however, previously said she could not imagine making a sequel because the original film was designed as a standalone project.