Barbie 2 Deal Hits $25M Snag

Discussions for a potential "Barbie 2" have encountered significant hurdles, with key creative figures reportedly seeking $25 million apiece, along with enhanced profit participation. Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and Greta Gerwig are at the center of these negotiations. These demands emerged following the immense success of the first "Barbie" film.

Skydance CEO David Ellison is now tasked with resolving this contractual dispute. Previously, former Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav had balked at the proposed profit-sharing terms. The negotiations were reportedly spearheaded by CAA agent Bryan Lourd, representing the creative team.

Skydance completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery on October 6. As the company grapples with over $6 billion in interest expenses in 2027 on approximately $80 billion in net debt, cost-saving measures are a priority. Despite this, Skydance has pledged substantial annual content spending.

Ellison aims for at least $6 billion in annual cost savings over the next three years, targeting corporate overhead, technology, and marketing. The company has also identified "tens of millions" spent on hospitality, including luxury purchases at Erewhon, an upscale Los Angeles grocery chain, as areas for review. Layoffs are anticipated by the end of 2026 and into early 2027.