The development of a sequel to the critically and commercially successful film "Barbie" has reportedly stalled due to disagreements over salary demands from its lead actors. Margot Robbie, who starred as the titular doll, and Ryan Gosling, who played Ken, have reportedly been in unsuccessful negotiations with Warner Bros., leaving the project in limbo.

According to The New York Times, David Zaslav, head of Warner Bros.' parent company, found the studio's proposed deals to the stars to be "too generous." However, Warner Bros. has refuted this, stating that offers were made in May, but the actors have yet to submit a counteroffer. The outlet also reported that Gosling is seeking approximately $20 million to reprise his role as Ken.

Warner Bros. co-chairs Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca confirmed the stalled negotiations in a statement to The New York Times. "We have a rights deal with Mattel in place and have made a series of big offers to try and finalize deals to make the next film," they said. "Unfortunately, we have been unable to reach an agreement thus far."

The rights to "Barbie" will revert to Mattel if Warner Bros. does not finalize deals with Robbie, Gosling, and director/co-writer Greta Gerwig by December 2026.

The original "Barbie" film, released in July 2023, was a significant box office success, grossing $162 million domestically on its opening weekend and a total of $1.4 billion worldwide. The film was co-written by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach.

Co-written by longtime couple Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig, Barbie opened to $162 million in July 2023, en route to $636.2 million at the domestic box office and $1.4 billion worldwide; pictured in 2024

Despite the initial success, Gerwig and Baumbach had expressed initial hesitation about proceeding with a sequel. In March 2024, Gerwig stated that her creative process is guided by finding a compelling story underneath the surface. Earlier reports in December 2024 by The Hollywood Reporter about a follow-up film being in early deal talks were subsequently denied by both Warner Bros. and representatives for Gerwig and Baumbach, who called the reporting "inaccurate."

The 36-year-old Australian actress was set to reprise her role as the iconic blonde doll, but unsuccessful negotiations at Warner Bros. have reportedly left the project in limbo

In addition to Robbie and Gosling, the original "Barbie" cast included America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Simu Liu, Issa Rae, Alexandra Shipp, Dua Lipa, Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Michael Cera. Both Robbie and Gosling have pursued other major projects since the film's release.

Representatives for Robbie, Gosling, and Warner Bros. have been contacted for comment but had not yet responded.

Barbie was a massive box office success when it hit theaters in 2023