Credit: MattelMattel has been sitting pretty like Barbie in her convertible as the movie adaptation of their iconic Jane-of-all-trades doll has made over $900 million in two weeks. This toy empire was built around the fashion-forward blonde who has been a top-seller for the company since 1959. In addition, the success of the movie has prompted Mattel to create a cinematic universe, with 14 projects in development such as, Hot Wheels, American Girls and Barney.
Yet, this financial triumph has not increased sales of Barbie dolls themselves. Sales of the famed toy have actually gone down by 12% this month so far. Mattel made a line of dolls based off the movie characters to change this outcome, but to no avail. Now they are pulling out all the stops to sell their most unusual Barbie yet.
This week Mattel has launched its own “Weird Barbie” doll based on Kate McKinnon’s character in Barbie. The quirky figure will be dressed as she appeared in the film with unkempt bleach-blonde hair, multi-colored highlights, her puffy sleeved dress and squiggly lines drawn on her face. Weird Barbie will also be capable of the same arm and hand motions performed by McKinnon in the movie. Most notably this Barbie will be able to do the splits as well.
Weird Barbie was one of the hit characters in the recent blockbuster. Former Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast member, McKinnon, expressed that her Barbie’s look was a creation brought to life between her and make-up artist, Ivana Primorac. She stated they talked a lot about how this “pre-loved” Barbie should appear after being burned and doodled on over many years. She ultimately pulled a bunch of images of used Barbies from the internet as inspiration, which eventually helped in shaping her quintessential look.
Pre-orders for Weird Barbie are available now with the item expected to be shipped near May 31, 2024. This eccentric version of Barbie can be seen in Barbie the movie, which still playing in theaters.