From Deadline:
Mattel has issued an apology following a packaging misprint on its Wicked dolls that accidentally directed consumers to an adult film website. The dolls, inspired by Universal’s upcoming Wicked film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, were meant to feature a link to WickedMovie.com, the film’s official site. However, the packaging mistakenly listed a web address that redirected to Wicked Pictures, a prominent adult entertainment company.
The mistake was quickly noticed by social media users, who shared videos of the error from stores like Target and resale platforms like eBay. Concerns arose because the dolls, based on characters such as Elphaba and Glinda, were marketed primarily to children. In response, Mattel urged customers to discard the packaging or obscure the incorrect link. They also set up customer service support for affected buyers.
While Mattel expressed regret over the error, it clarified that Universal’s consumer products team was responsible for overseeing the packaging approval process. Public reactions ranged from amusement to serious criticism, especially given the potential exposure of children to inappropriate content.
The mishap coincides with heightened attention on Wicked, a cinematic adaptation of the Broadway hit that explores the backstory of the Wizard of Oz characters. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film is set for release on November 22.
Despite Mattel’s swift response, the incident remains a cautionary tale about the importance of quality control in promotional materials, especially for family-oriented products.
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