Can we just allow the Barbie movie to stand on its own?
In 2023, Greta Gerwig’s film Barbie took the world by storm, delivering a thought-provoking narrative centered around self-discovery, existential questions, misogyny, and the essence of womanhood. The film culminates in a transformative scene where Barbie exits Barbieland, stepping into the human realm to experience life as an average woman. This journey marks her growth from the pursuit of perfection to embracing the complexities and struggles of womanhood, providing a profoundly satisfying conclusion.
Yet, rumors indicate that a sequel may be in the works. But do we truly need one? My stance is a resounding no.
Potential Sequel in Development
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach are currently collaborating on a sequel to the beloved film. While it’s still in the early stages, the duo has reportedly conceptualized a storyline, pitching it to Warner Bros.
However, both the studio and representatives for Gerwig and Baumbach have denied these claims, asserting that the information is erroneous and that “THR’s reporting is inaccurate.” One can only hope that these denials hold truth.
Is a Sequel Necessary?
The question that lingers is whether a sequel to Barbie is genuinely warranted. The original film adeptly portrayed the intense pressures facing women—expectations to be attractive, fit, and positive, all while balancing ambition, determination, and nurturing qualities.
Such unrealistic ideals thrust Barbie into an existential quandary, propelling her to the real world alongside Ken. The film also challenges societal norms, illustrating how a matriarchal structure can be as problematic as a patriarchal one. After navigating both environments, the characters resolve to reshape Barbieland into a place of equality, advocating for better treatment of both Barbies and Kens alike.
In the film’s resolution, Barbie embraces her humanity, choosing to abandon the façade of the perfect doll for an authentic life, symbolized by ordinary activities like visiting a gynecologist. This pivotal moment emphasizes her acceptance of mortality, a theme central to her journey.
Given this impactful resolution, what purpose would a sequel serve? The narrative arc seems complete—Barbieland has achieved equality, and Ken is on a quest for self-identity independent of Barbie. Therefore, there seems to be little reason for Barbie to return.
While watching Barbie navigate life as Barbara Handler in the real world might be entertaining, it’s unlikely to resonate as deeply as the original film did. The absence of Barbieland’s chaos or Gloria’s (America Ferrera) empowering speech on womanhood would only dilute the sequel’s potential impact. Ultimately, depicting Barbara’s mundane existence doesn’t set the stage for a compelling blockbuster.
Let’s allow Barbie to find her peace and focus on creating new films with empowered female leads facing diverse challenges. Pursuing a sequel may come across as capitalizing on the original’s success, undermining the first film’s significance. It’s time to let Barbie rest and live her life.
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