Margot Robbie believes a Barbie sequel is unnecessary, stating, "We invested our all in this one

The lead actor in "Barbie" is not prepared to contemplate transforming the movie into a franchise.

By M Muzamil Shami

Margot Robbie starring in the film 'Barbie'. Image: JAAP BUITENDIJK/WARNER BROS

In determining the fate of a potential sequel to the hit film "Barbie," Margot Robbie, although lacking control over railways and commerce, holds influence. Speaking to the Associated Press, Robbie conveyed the exhaustive effort invested in the current installment, emphasizing that it wasn't conceived as a trilogy. Director Greta Gerwig's commitment to the project further fuels uncertainty about what comes next.

The success of "Barbie," raking in over $1.4 billion globally and emerging as a cultural phenomenon post-July release, has heightened interest among viewers for a return to Barbie Land. The film, alongside the Barbieheimer phenomenon, underscored a significant appetite for original storytelling, leaving fans eager for news about a potential sequel. However, as of now, no commitment has been made by anyone on Team Barbie regarding the possibility of a follow-up.

In June, Robbie shared with Time that while a sequel to the film was a possibility with numerous potential directions, the primary focus remained on the initial installment. She emphasized the complexity of envisioning a sequel while crafting the foundation for the first movie, cautioning against falling into the trap of overly planning for future installments.

Gerwig, the co-writer and director of Barbie, has faced inquiries about the prospect of a sequel but has maintained a reserved stance on the matter. Initially expressing a lack of concrete plans for a sequel, Gerwig conveyed to the New York Times shortly after the film's debut that, at that moment, the existing work represented her entire creative landscape. Despite acknowledging the uncertainty that often follows the completion of a project, she remained uncertain about future ideas.

However, in a later interview with People, Gerwig hinted at openness to a sequel, particularly one delving into the broader Barbie universe rather than exclusively focusing on previously introduced characters. She expressed a desire to revisit the enchanting world of Barbie and explore its various facets.

The narrative of Barbie revolves around Robbie's Stereotypical Barbie, who ventures into the real world and confronts the pervasive influence of the patriarchy on human society. As Ken, portrayed by Ryan Gosling, rallies fellow dolls to seize control of Barbie Land, the characters must devise a plan to restore it to its former feminist utopia. The film concludes decisively with Robbie's Barbie opting to return to the real world and embrace life as a human.