Warner Bros.’ efforts to make a “Barbie” sequel have hit a roadblock as chief executive David Zaslav reportedly refuses to approve bigger pay packages for key cast and creative talent.

The dispute comes despite the huge success of the first film. Released in 2023, “Barbie” earned more than $1.4 billion at the global box office and received eight Academy Award nominations.

Warner Bros. Pushes for New Deals

The New York Times reported that Warner Bros. is negotiating with filmmaker Greta Gerwig, producer-star Margot Robbie and actor Ryan Gosling to develop a sequel.

The studio wants to complete the agreements before its rights deal with Mattel expires in December. If that deadline passes without a deal, Mattel could redevelop the franchise with a new cast, filmmaker and concept.

Gerwig and her writing partner, Noah Baumbach, reportedly have an idea for the sequel. However, they will not share it with the studio until both sides finalise new agreements.

Salary Talks Create Sticking Point

Gosling, who earned an Oscar nomination for playing Ken, is reportedly seeking a pay raise. His asking price stands at $20 million.

The parties have also discussed giving top talent a share of box office revenue if the sequel reaches certain targets. However, Zaslav reportedly does not support such terms.

Warner Bros. co-chairs Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca confirmed that negotiations remain unresolved.

“We have a rights deal with Mattel in place and have made a series of big offers to try and finalise deals to make the next ‘Barbie’ film. Unfortunately, we have been unable to reach an agreement thus far.”

According to the report, Warner Bros. has made several offers over the past three years. The latest proposal ranks among the biggest in the studio’s history. Talent representatives rejected the offer, and they have not submitted a counterproposal.

Robbie Previously Downplayed Sequel Plans

Robbie previously suggested that the original movie was never built around a franchise strategy.

“It’s funny, that knee-jerk reaction in this day and age for everyone to immediately ask about a sequel,” Robbie told Variety in 2024. “I don’t think it was like that 20 years ago. This wasn’t designed to be a trilogy.”

She also highlighted the creative effort behind the film.

“Everything went into ‘Barbie’, and that’s how Greta works,” Robbie said. “She finishes every movie empty, feeling like she could never make another movie because she put everything she had into that one