Mattel unveils 'Weird Barbie' dolls based on Kate McKinnon's character

New toy serves as a powerful reminder that being different is something to be celebrated

In a groundbreaking move towards inclusivity and celebrating individuality, toy manufacturing giant Mattel has unveiled a new line of Weird Barbie dolls, inspired by the beloved character portrayed by Kate McKinnon in Greta Gerwig's iconic Barbie film. Embracing facial markings, mismatched outfits, and dynamic leg poses, the Weird Barbie dolls encourage children and collectors alike to celebrate uniqueness and creativity.

The Weird Barbie doll collection was officially launched by Mattel on Friday, making it an exciting addition to their diverse range of toys. The doll is a perfect homage to McKinnon's character in the film - an inspiring tale that showcases the importance of accepting and cherishing individual differences.

Each Weird Barbie doll features meticulously designed facial markings, reflecting the character's distinctive appearance in the film. These markings serve as a symbol of the beauty in diversity and the empowerment to embrace one's true self. To replicate the iconic leg pose performed by Weird Barbie in the film, Mattel collaborated with production designer Sarah Greenwood to create a practical effect that mimics the character's ability to perform splits. The ingenious design involves small openings in the doll's set, allowing one of the doll's legs to be inserted through the wall while the other is suspended in a split position, providing a stunning and lifelike visual effect.

During EW's Around the Table chat with the Barbie cast, McKinnon expressed her admiration for the creative approach taken by the production team to achieve the effect of the split. Despite not being able to perform the physical feat herself, McKinnon was proud of the convincing portrayal and was overwhelmed by the positive response from fans and fellow cast members.

Mattel's decision to create the Weird Barbie doll aligns with its commitment to promoting inclusivity and celebrating individuality among children and toy enthusiasts. The doll serves as a powerful reminder that being different is something to be celebrated and embraced, inspiring children to express their uniqueness with pride.

The preorder for the Weird Barbie dolls is now open, running until August 18, 2023. By preordering, fans can secure their very own doll from the limited initial production run. According to Mattel, the Weird Barbie dolls are expected to be shipped on or before May 31, 2024.

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