Robbie Brenner, President of Mattel Studios, discussed the company's upcoming projects at MIPCOM, highlighting the success of Barbie and its impact on Hollywood opportunities. Key projects include a Polly Pocket live-action film, Masters of the Universe, and a Magic 8 Ball TV series directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Brenner emphasized the company's bold approach to storytelling and the potential for a diverse slate of films and series leveraging Mattel's IP, with a focus on innovative and engaging content.
An outdoor screening of the Barbie movie in Noisy-le-Sec, Paris, was canceled due to threats from opponents claiming the film promotes homosexuality and attacks women's integrity. The mayor condemned the threats and announced plans to reschedule the screening, while facing backlash and accusations of political exploitation and Islamophobia. An investigation into threats and intimidation has been opened.
Mattel has introduced a new Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes, featuring medical devices like an insulin pump and glucose monitor, as part of its effort to increase representation of medical conditions and disabilities. Developed in partnership with Breakthrough T1D, the doll aims to raise awareness and help children see themselves reflected in their toys. The launch coincided with an advocacy event for diabetes research funding, highlighting the importance of visibility for the condition.
Mattel has released a new Barbie doll that features Type 1 diabetes medical equipment, including an insulin pump and glucose monitor, to promote awareness and inclusivity.
Mattel has launched a Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes, equipped with a glucose monitor and insulin pump, to promote inclusivity and awareness of the condition among children, in partnership with Breakthrough T1D and reflecting a broader effort to represent diverse health experiences in toys.
Mattel has launched its first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes, featuring medical devices like a glucose monitor and insulin pump, to promote inclusivity and representation for children with the condition, reflecting ongoing efforts to diversify Barbie dolls in terms of appearance and abilities.
Mattel is partnering with OpenAI to develop AI-powered toys and games, with plans to launch its first such product later this year, aiming to enhance play experiences while focusing on safety and privacy, amidst a challenging economic environment for toy sales.
Oscar-nominated writers Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach are reportedly in the early stages of developing a sequel to the blockbuster film 'Barbie,' which grossed $1.4 billion. Despite denials from Warner Bros. and the filmmakers' representatives, sources suggest that the duo has settled on a story idea and initiated discussions with the studio. The sequel's development hinges on finding a compelling narrative, a principle Gerwig emphasized in her creative process. Details about the sequel's plot remain undisclosed.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav emphasized the need for more consistency in the studio's performance following the disappointing box office debut of 'Joker: Folie à Deux.' Despite successes like 'Barbie,' which grossed $1.44 billion globally, Zaslav highlighted challenges in the gaming unit and the impact of cord-cutting on legacy cable TV brands. He remains optimistic about future improvements through strategic changes in green light governance and franchise management, while also praising the success of HBO's 'The Penguin.'
The 2024 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards saw big wins for Taylor Swift, Barbie, Young Sheldon, and Olivia Rodrigo. Swift took home three awards, including favorite female artist. Barbie won favorite movie, while Young Sheldon was named favorite family TV show. Olivia Rodrigo won favorite album and favorite female TV star (kids). The event featured performances and appearances by numerous celebrities and iconic Nickelodeon characters.
At the 2024 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, held at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion, "Barbie," Taylor Swift, and Olivia Rodrigo were among the big winners. "Barbie" won favorite movie and several other categories, while Swift took home three awards including favorite female artist. Rodrigo won favorite album for "GUTS" and favorite female TV star (kids). Other notable winners included Post Malone, Imagine Dragons, and Reneé Rapp. The event featured performances by The Kid LAROI and Paul Russell, and was hosted by SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star.
The 2024 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards saw "Barbie" win Favorite Movie and Margot Robbie named Favorite Movie Actress. Other winners included "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" for Favorite Kids TV Show, "Young Sheldon" for Favorite Family TV Show, and Taylor Swift who took home three awards including Favorite Female Artist. Hosted by SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star, the event featured performances by Paul Russell and The Kid LAROI, and honored Serena Williams with the Legend Gold Blimp award.
Venus Williams is among nine female athletes to be honored with their own Barbie dolls by Mattel, celebrating Barbie's 65th anniversary and the impact of sports on self-confidence and empowerment. The other athletes include gymnasts, soccer players, a boxer, a swimmer, a paratriathlete, and a track and field runner from various countries. Williams expressed her honor in being recognized as a sports role model and aligning with Barbie's mission to inspire young girls.
During a Saturday Night Live skit, Emily Blunt urged Ryan Gosling to move on from his Barbie character Ken, as they reminisced about their performances in Oppenheimer and Barbie. Gosling humorously sang a love letter to playing Ken, but Blunt interrupted, telling him to let go of the character. The pair then sang a duet about their characters, and it was announced that Dua Lipa will return to SNL as both host and musical guest on 4 May.
Ryan Gosling initially turned down the opportunity to perform "I'm Just Ken" from "Barbie" at the 2024 Oscars, citing concerns about potential mishaps. However, he eventually embraced the role, delivering a memorable performance complete with a pink suit, cowboy hat, and special guests. His daughters' interest in Barbie and disinterest in Ken inspired his involvement in the song, and they even joined him during rehearsals. Despite initially moving on from his Barbie character, his daughters noted his return to "Ken-ing" when it was time to revisit the role.
