LONDON, UK – Toy manufacturer Mattel has issued an apology after a misprint on the packaging of its new Wicked movie-inspired dolls directed customers to an adult website rather than the official movie page.
The dolls, based on the characters Elphaba and Glinda from the highly anticipated Wicked film, feature a web address under the Universal Pictures logo that links to an explicit website, sparking concerns among parents and fans alike.
The error, which was spotted by fans who purchased the dolls, prompted immediate online reactions.
“I purchased the Singing Elphaba doll and upon inspection, the website… is listed as an unaffiliated adult 18+ website,” one customer noted on Reddit.
Another shopper shared her experience on social media after visiting Target and Walmart, saying, “The Wicked dolls have the [porn] website listed.”
In a statement, Mattel expressed regret for the “unfortunate error” and apologised to parents, advising that the misprinted link “is not appropriate for children.” The company has since updated its website with instructions for the Glinda and Elphaba dolls, advising customers to discard the erroneous packaging or cover the web address if the packaging cannot be discarded. Mattel also assured that the dolls themselves remain suitable for children aged four and above.
“We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this,” a Mattel representative said. The company added that the dolls were primarily sold in the United States, and that customers could contact Mattel’s customer service for further assistance.
A Long-Awaited Film Adaptation
The Wicked movie, a highly anticipated adaptation of the Broadway hit, stars British actress Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman with green skin who is destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West. Grammy-winning artist Ariana Grande portrays Glinda, Elphaba’s classmate who will eventually take on the mantle of the Good Witch of the North. Set in the magical Land of Oz before Dorothy Gale’s arrival, the film explores the complex friendship between the two characters, which ultimately leads them down opposing paths.
The film is set for release in the United Kingdom and the United States on 22 November, marking two decades since Wicked first captivated audiences on stage. The dolls, which sing songs from the musical, were intended to offer young fans a glimpse into the story’s enchanting world, albeit with a packaging error that Mattel says it is addressing urgently.
As the release date for Wicked approaches, Mattel has reiterated its commitment to rectifying the issue and ensuring that families can safely enjoy its products.
