Thursday 15th June saw two BBC Breakfast segments dedicated to all things Barbie, with Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz, Toy World’s Rachael Simpson-Jones and a Barbie collector all given screentime.
With just weeks to go until the release of one of the most hotly-anticipated films of 2023 – Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie – BBC Breakfast, the BBC’s flagship morning news show, ran an in-depth segment on the brand, and the wider doll category, on Thursday 15th June.
Presenter Hannah Miller was live at Hamley’s London to check out the new range of movie licensed toys, where she was joined by Keane Herman, general manager at the store, and Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz, fresh off a plane from Los Angeles. While Keane highlighted the collectability of some doll ranges and pointed out the strong investment potential brands like Barbie offer, Ynon discussed the huge variation in body types and skin tones within the Barbie doll range and how the character continues to inspire the limitless potential in every girl.
Ynon said: “The Barbie movie has been in the making for 64 years. It’s a big, broad comedy with heart, bringing together music and fashion with self deprecating humour and many pop culture moments. It’s a great movie and we’re very excited to launch it.”
And in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance, Toy World editor Rachael Simpson-Jones discussed how playing with dolls like Barbie can help kids develop empathy and improve their social skills.
Hardcore Barbie fan Claire Rawling was also featured, alongside some of her 1,000-strong collection of dolls, fashions and accessories. Claire will doubtless be keen to get her hands on the new range of movie licensed dolls, which Hannah and Ynon discussed while at Hamleys.
Arriving in cinemas on 21st July, the movie sees Barbie expelled from Barbieland for being a less than perfect-looking doll. Accompanied by an enthusiastic yet similarly naïve Ken, Barbie sets off for the human world to find true happiness. Alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, who plays Ken, the cast of the film also includes Will Ferrell, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Simu Liu, Michael Cera, America Ferrera, Ncuti Gatwa, Emerald Fennell, Rhea Perlman and Kingsley Ben-Adir.
