All articles tagged with #mattel
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.
Mattel has announced a special edition Pauline Hot Wheels vehicle, inspired by her appearance in Mario Kart, available for pre-order at $22, arriving in September 2025, featuring a Rhodamine red body and premium packaging.
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.
Jon M. Chu is set to direct a live-action Hot Wheels movie for Mattel, Warner Bros, and Bad Robot, inspired by the popular toy car brand, with a script by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier. The film aims to showcase the brand's themes of imagination and thrill, and is part of a broader collaboration involving multiple toy brands and media projects.
Mattel is partnering with OpenAI to integrate conversational AI into its toys like Barbie and Hot Wheels, aiming to create smarter, more responsive playthings that adapt to children’s preferences. While this innovation promises educational and creative benefits, it raises concerns about privacy and the potential impact on imaginative play, prompting calls for transparency and robust data protections. The success of this venture could redefine interactive play and set new standards for trust in AI-powered toys.
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.