Hollywood has a habit of leaning hard into sequels, reboots, and remakes. Sure, some of them have managed to justify their existence, but not every movie needs a sequel just because the first one did well. The latest to fall victim to the sequel fatigue is Barbie, the billion-dollar blockbuster that became a global pop culture sensation in 2023. While makers are trying to replicate the movie's success, Mattel is busy brainstorming their own MCU, a Mattel Cinematic Universe, with multiple toy-inspired IP extravaganzas. But is that all really necessary? 

Here are three big reasons as to why Barbie should just be left alone.

Barbie’s main selling point was its singular vision. It gave a fun perspective on how the dolls fit into the human world, which was something that never occurred to anyone before. A sequel would be hard-pressed to top that first, fresh experience. We have seen it, we get it. Even if we put aside the story aspect and just focus on trying to repeat the financial success, it is still a tall order.

A huge part of Barbie's success can be credited to Oppenheimer. The whole Barbenheimer phenomenon thrived on the contrast between the two movies’ tones. Both films benefitted from the organic engagement, crosstalk on social media and fueled each other’s momentum. The Barbenheimer craze even drew in new audiences who had never paid much attention to Barbie before. And this will not be easy to recreate. 

A Barbie sequel would likely not be about Margot Robbie’s character since her story pretty much came to a close in the first film. This means they would need to focus on another character. But the other Barbies in the movie were not exactly looking to leave their world behind. They worked out a system with the Kens and lived in harmony in the Barbie-world. So, if there is anyone left who could carry a sequel, it is Ken. 

The film even had a little joke with the idea of a Ken-focused sequel. Even so, making a Barbie movie about Ken would contradict the whole point of the Greta Gerwig film, which was predominantly about women. Yes, Ken played an important part in Barbie’s journey, but turning the spotlight solely on him for a sequel would completely lose the essence of what Barbie was really all about. 

There are no loose ends in Barbie and it does not feel like anything has been left unsaid. It tied up the story in a very satisfying and meaningful way. By the end of the movie, Barbie finally figured out what it meant to be alive and chose to spend the rest of her days in the human world. The message about gender politics and self-acceptance came through loud and clear, too. So, there is no reason for a sequel. 

Moreover, the whole point of Barbie was that life’s beauty lies in its impermanence. Stretching out the franchise just for the sake of the IP would totally go against the film’s message. However, we all know that simply saying Barbie does not need a second film is not enough to stop the producers from making another one to line their ever-expanding pockets.

With a Blockbuster Behind Her, What Ventures Will Modern-Day 'Barbie' Margot Robbie Tackle Next?

What do you think about the Barbie sequel now in its early stages? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!