URLs Matter: Mattel has issued an apology following the discovery of a significant misprint on their new “Wicked” movie-themed dolls, where packaging accidentally includes a link to an adult website instead of the official movie site. NPR reports that the company is taking immediate action to address the error on dolls featuring characters from the upcoming film starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Consumer Safety Prioritized: The manufacturer advises parents to either discard packaging or obscure the incorrect URL to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content. The dolls, intended for children ages 4 and up, have been removed from major retailers, including Amazon and Target.
- Immediate removal from retail shelves
- Customer service support is available
Market Response Evolves: The Hollywood Reporter reports that the manufacturing error has created an unexpected secondary market, with some collectors listing the misprinted packages on eBay for up to $250, significantly above the original $25-40 retail price.
Broader Impact Assessed: The incident comes at a crucial time for both Mattel and the “Wicked” franchise, with the film’s first part scheduled for release on November 22, 2024. The special edition dolls were part of a larger merchandising campaign for the two-part film adaptation.
Retail Actions Continue: Major retailers have suspended sales while Mattel implements corrections. The company emphasizes its commitment to consumer safety and appropriate content for children.
