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Mattel

All articles tagged with #mattel

He-Man's Architect Roger Sweet Dies at 91, Shaping an Iconic Franchise
entertainment27 days ago

He-Man's Architect Roger Sweet Dies at 91, Shaping an Iconic Franchise

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.

Mattel Launches Global Masters of the Universe Toy Line Ahead of Movie Debut
brand-news2 months ago

Mattel Launches Global Masters of the Universe Toy Line Ahead of Movie Debut

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).

American Girl’s Modern Makeovers Spark Nostalgia-Backlash Debate
entertainment2 months ago

American Girl’s Modern Makeovers Spark Nostalgia-Backlash Debate

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.

Mattel Unboxes KPop Demon Hunters Saga for Fall Debut
business3 months ago

Mattel Unboxes KPop Demon Hunters Saga for Fall Debut

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, Mattel & Hasbro Unveil Kpop Demon Hunters Toys At Nuremberg Toy Fair
entertainment3 months ago

Netflix, Mattel & Hasbro Unveil Kpop Demon Hunters Toys At Nuremberg Toy Fair

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.

KPop Demon Hunters Toys Unveiled by Mattel and Hasbro Ahead of Netflix Hit
entertainment3 months ago

KPop Demon Hunters Toys Unveiled by Mattel and Hasbro Ahead of Netflix Hit

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 Launches Autism-Inclusive Barbie to Reflect Diverse Experiences
business4 months ago

Mattel Launches Autism-Inclusive Barbie to Reflect Diverse Experiences

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.

Mattel's Sales Decline Amid Tariff Uncertainties and Market Challenges
business7 months ago

Mattel's Sales Decline Amid Tariff Uncertainties and Market Challenges

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.