In a stunning achievement, the summer blockbuster “Barbie” has shattered records, crossing the $1 billion mark at the global box office just over two weeks after its release on July 21. Fans around the world are rejoicing at this monumental milestone and are now eagerly awaiting news of a potential sequel. But the film’s director, Greta Gerwig, wants to do even more!
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, conducted alongside stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Gerwig revealed her aspiration to transform the success of “Barbie” into a platform for a series of interconnected films set in what she affectionately refers to as “Barbie Land.” The director expressed her hopes for a diverse range of Barbie movies, each with its own unique tone, humor, and adventure.
Gerwig, known for her unique blend of heartwarming storytelling and zany humor, emphasized the joyful and visually stunning world she and her team had brought to life. “There’s a tone and a humor and a joy, and obviously the world is so beautiful,” she remarked. “I want to go back to Barbie Land.”
Margot Robbie, who stars as the titular doll in the movie, spoke highly of Gerwig’s creative vision. “Greta has a very specific thing where she can be very silly and very clever at the same time, but it’s also very heartfelt,” Robbie shared. She praised Gerwig’s ability to infuse warmth into her humor, making it feel genuine and relatable.
In a recent TIME magazine cover interview, Robbie reflected on the challenges of planning for a sequel while creating the first film. Despite this, the actress indicated that discussions were underway about the future of the Barbie cinematic universe. “It could go a million different directions from this point,” Robbie stated, acknowledging the exciting potential that lies ahead.
With an all-star cast led by Robbie and Gosling, “Barbie” not only soared past the $1 billion mark but also achieved several groundbreaking milestones. Gerwig’s directorial feat makes her the first female director to hit this box-office milestone on her own. Additionally, “Barbie” set records for Warner Bros. Pictures, becoming their highest-grossing film for a Monday ever and marking the industry’s biggest opening weekend for a movie directed by a woman.
As the buzz around “Barbie” continues to grow, Margot Robbie’s role extended beyond acting; she also served as a co-producer alongside her husband Tom Ackerley, David Heyman, and Mattel Films Executive Producer Robbie Brenner. In an entertaining twist, Robbie humorously admitted during an early pitch meeting that she predicted the movie would “make a billion dollars,” a prediction that has remarkably come true.
The success of “Barbie” has opened the door to an expansive new cinematic universe under Greta Gerwig’s creative direction. Fans can’t wait to see how Barbie Land evolves and the exciting adventures that await in future films. With its winning blend of humor, heart, and visual splendor, the Barbie franchise is poised to continue its remarkable journey on the big screen.
