'Barbie': Time is running out for a sequel, apparently over money

Time is running out for Warner Bros. to secure the rights for a "Barbie" sequel, with a critical deadline looming in December. According to reports from The New York Times, if the studio fails to reach an agreement with its lead stars, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, for a follow-up film, the "Barbie" movie rights will revert to the toy manufacturer Mattel.

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So time is running out. Should Warner Bros. fail to reach an agreement for a sequel with the lead actors Margot Robbie (Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (Ken) by December, the 'Barbie' film rights will revert to the toy manufacturer Mattel, according to the report.

The contract between Warner Bros. and Mattel stipulates that the toy company is entitled to a share of the profits from any second film. However, the studio must still finalize terms with the creative team, including director Greta Gerwig, and the lead actors. A significant point of contention in the ongoing negotiations appears to be profit participation for the main stars, should the film achieve a certain level of box office success.

These discussions have been underway for months. The New York Times further reports that these negotiations are necessary because Gerwig and the film's stars deliberately opted out of including sequel clauses in their contracts for the first "Barbie" movie, a common practice studios often insist upon. This omission has created the current complex situation requiring extensive negotiation.

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The contract between the studio and Mattel stipulates that the toy manufacturer will also share in the profits of a second part. However, Warner Bros. still needs to reach an agreement with the creatives around Gerwig, Robbie, and Gosling.

The timing of these talks is particularly sensitive. Warner Bros. is potentially facing a takeover by competitor Paramount, although this move has been temporarily put on hold. The "Barbie" universe represents a valuable component of the studio's franchise strategy, making the resolution of these rights negotiations crucial for its future plans.

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The talks are necessary because Gerwig and her film stars did not want a clause for a continuation in the contracts for the first film.