While Barbie achieved success at the box office, there remains an unresolved storyline that could be rectified through a Barbie spinoff.

• Barbie’s Mattel storyline lacks a satisfying conclusion, leaving the issue of male-dominated management unaddressed.
• A potential Barbie spinoff, set in the real world, could tackle Mattel’s shortcomings, exploring themes of corporate greed and the necessity of diversifying higher-ups.
• A Mattel spinoff could effectively unfold by predominantly situating the film in the real world at Mattel headquarters, incorporating elements from Barbie and other Mattel products. It might take the form of a workplace comedy, effecting genuine change within the company.

In July 2023, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie captivated audiences, soaring to the top of the box office. However, the film, while a success, is not without its flaws, particularly in a storyline that requires resolution, potentially through a Barbie spinoff. While there is no official confirmation of Barbie 2, the expansive world created in Barbie offers ample room for various stories.

Several plot points introduced in Barbie are in need of clarification. Despite Barbie’s success in mending relationships and reclaiming control over Barbieland, the film leaves the issue of Mattel’s male-dominated leadership largely unaltered. From the beginning, it’s evident that Mattel is led by men who lack an understanding of what girls want and what Barbie represents. While Barbie and Gloria assert themselves against these men by the end of the film, there is a lack of a satisfying follow-up.

The Mattel storyline in Barbie concludes in an unsatisfactory manner

Although the group of men comically navigates their way into Barbieland, led by Will Ferrell’s eccentric character, their encounter with Barbie results in minimal change. Despite receiving a lecture on respecting women and themselves, akin to the Kens, there is no indication of true transformation within Mattel’s leadership. Gloria is given the opportunity to create Barbie dolls, but there’s no evidence of substantial change in Mattel’s management.

This unresolved aspect poses a significant issue for Barbie as a whole. The film highlights the male-dominated leadership at Mattel and critiques its shortcomings, yet fails to depict meaningful change. The CEOs who began as Mattel executives in the film remain in those positions. While Barbie confronts them about their failures, it raises the question of whether a quick transformation in these previously oblivious men is realistic. The lack of follow-up in Barbie creates a significant plot hole that requires addressing.

A Barbie Spinoff Set In The Real World Could Address Mattel’s Failings

To rectify the dissatisfaction surrounding Mattel’s Barbie ending, a Barbie spinoff could focus on the issue of the all-male team at Mattel. Set partly in the real world, the spinoff could delve into the managerial challenges at Mattel and emphasize the benefits of diversifying the leadership team for both the company and society. Utilizing the intriguing world within Mattel headquarters, the spinoff could address the unresolved storyline and explore corporate greed, a pertinent social issue.

A Mattel spinoff would need to differ from Barbie for various reasons. Primarily, the film could be primarily set in the real world at Mattel headquarters. However, this need not be mundane, as Barbie and Barbieland could return to assist in challenging Mattel’s problematic practices, and other Mattel products could make appearances. The spinoff could reintroduce characters from Barbie, creating a workplace comedy that brings about substantial change at Mattel.

Crafting a Realistic Framework for a Mattel Spinoff

Creating a Mattel spinoff that stands apart from Barbie necessitates significant changes. A pivotal adjustment would involve predominantly situating the film in the real world at Mattel headquarters. While this may initially seem mundane, it offers an opportunity for creativity and intrigue. Barbie and Barbieland could return in innovative ways to contribute to challenging Mattel’s problematic practices, and various other Mattel products could seamlessly make appearances. Additionally, the spinoff has the potential to reintroduce beloved real-world characters from Barbie, such as Gloria. Overall, envisioning a Mattel spinoff as a workplace comedy presents a promising avenue for ushering in substantial and much-needed change within the company.