All articles tagged with #mattel
The Verge argues that both X-Men ’97 Season 2 and Masters of the Universe are nostalgia plays, but X-Men ’97 succeeds by expanding its world and reworking canon to stay fresh, while Masters of the Universe struggles with waning cultural prominence and a underperforming film; the piece suggests lasting franchise health requires more than fan service, as Marvel’s ongoing reinvigoration hints at a stronger long‑term strategy.
Roger Sweet, the Mattel designer who created the He-Man figure that launched the 1980s toy line and cartoon, died at 91 after battling dementia. He developed the He-Man prototype by reworking a Big Jim figure, pitched it to Mattel leadership, and brought He-Man to market in 1982, with the 1983–85 cartoon following Prince Adam’s transformation. The franchise later spurred a reboot film from Amazon/MGM/Mattel, featuring stars like Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Jared Leto, Idris Elba and Alison Brie. He is survived by his wife, Marlene.
The Barbie Dream Fest weekend in Florida is issuing full refunds to attendees after complaints that the event did not live up to its promises, citing a lackluster venue, limited activities, and age-inappropriate experiences; tickets reportedly cost up to $450, with Mischief Management and Mattel coordinating refunds for all purchasers.
Mattel unveiled a global, cross-category Masters of the Universe product line inspired by the upcoming live-action film from Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Studios. The rollout begins April 25, 2026 and spans toys, collectibles, apparel and publishing, with figures, Barbie-themed items, UNO, Funko figures, Hot Wheels cars, and more from 70+ partners ahead of the film’s U.S. theatrical release on June 5, 2026 (international rollout to follow).
Mattel released 14-inch 'modern-era' versions of six historical American Girl dolls to celebrate the brand’s 40th, updating outfits and hairstyles for today while keeping the 18-inch originals; the changes, intended to complement rather than replace, sparked backlash from some Millennials who say the newer dolls look older and more heavily made-up, prompting discussion about balancing historical education with contemporary appeal.
American Girl marks its 40th anniversary as Mattel pursues a dual strategy: lean into nostalgia with updated original characters while expanding into adult audiences through publishing and digital platforms, even as it trims stores and contends with higher prices and growing competition from digital play and lower-priced rivals.
At Spielwarenmesse 2026, Mattel unveiled a broad KPop Demon Hunters lineup spanning 18-inch American Girl dolls (Rumi, Mira, Zoey) preorderable with fall shipping, plus Little People Collector sets, a special UNO edition, Polly Pocket micro collectibles, and a range of fashion, action, and mini figures—all slated for a fall 2026 rollout with various price points.
Netflix, with Mattel and Hasbro, unveiled a Kpop Demon Hunters toy line at the Nuremberg Toy Fair, including American Girl dolls of the lead characters Rumi, Zoey and Mira, Nerf gear modeled after the trio’s demon-hunting kit, Spirit Blades, Four Tiger Sword, Curved Moon Sword and a themed Monopoly edition; pre-orders for the collection are now available through Mattel’s American Girl unit, following the title’s record viewership on Netflix.
Mattel and Hasbro revealed a broad lineup of KPop Demon Hunters toys at the Nuremberg Toy Fair, including Mattel’s Huntrix/Dolls, action figures, UNO and Polly Pocket items, and Hasbro’s Nerf weapons, Furby Furblets, light sticks, and a Huntrix Monopoly game. The American Girl Huntrix collection is available for pre-order, while release dates for the rest of the lines haven’t been announced. Netflix’s blockbuster status for the film has energized toy plans and a sequel is being discussed.
Mattel introduced a Barbie with autism as part of its Barbie Fashionistas line, developed with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to reflect how some people with autism experience the world. The doll features a side-eye shift, articulated elbows and wrists for stimming, a looser A-line dress, flat shoes, and accessories like a pink fidget spinner, noise-canceling headphones, and a tablet. It joins other inclusive dolls and will cost about $11.87, available online and at Target from Monday, with Walmart stocking it in March. The CDC says about 1 in 31 eight-year-olds in the U.S. have autism, with higher rates among nonwhite groups.
Netflix has signed a groundbreaking deal with Mattel and Hasbro to produce toys, games, and merchandise based on the hit franchise 'KPop Demon Hunters,' with products launching in 2026, marking a major expansion into consumer products for the streaming giant.
Mattel's third-quarter earnings missed Wall Street expectations due to a 12% decline in North American sales, primarily impacted by tariffs and shifting retailer ordering patterns, leading to a 4% drop in after-hours stock. Despite challenges, the company remains optimistic about the fourth quarter and is expanding its entertainment and licensing efforts.
Netflix has partnered with Hasbro and Mattel to create a toy line for the animated film KPop Demon Hunters, with products launching in 2026 and pre-orders starting soon, following the film's massive popularity and soundtrack success.
Netflix is partnering with Mattel and Hasbro to create a range of toys and merchandise based on its popular animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters,' with products expected in spring 2026, following the film's record-breaking success and theatrical releases.
Netflix's popular animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters' is set to inspire a wide range of merchandise, including toys, dolls, and games, with Mattel and Hasbro named as co-master licensees. The products will be available globally starting spring 2026, capitalizing on the film's massive success and fan demand.