Warning: Mild spoilers ahead for the film “Barbie,” currently showing in cinemas. “Barbie” showcases a collection of discontinued dolls, including Allan, played by Michael Cera, and Midge, played by Emerald Fennell. These forgotten characters add an interesting element to the film. Here’s what you need to know about these dolls and the controversy that surrounds them. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all the details!
In “Barbie,” several forgotten dolls from the extensive history of the famous Barbie brand make a comeback. While most of the cast portrays different versions of Barbie or Ken, two key characters stand out: Michael Cera as Allan and Emerald Fennell as Midge. These characters are based on real dolls created by Mattel, the parent company of Barbie. Allan and Midge were once part of Barbie’s posse but were eventually discontinued and fell into obscurity, until now.
Towards the end of the “Barbie” movie, many other discontinued dolls join Stereotypical Barbie (played by Margot Robbie) on her journey. These include Sugar Daddy Ken, Growing Up Skipper, and Earring Magic Ken. However, according to The New Yorker, Mattel initially had reservations about featuring these dolls in Greta Gerwig’s film. The company raised concerns and questioned whether it was necessary to remind people of their past existence. In response, Gerwig explained that including them was a way of honoring Barbie’s history and acknowledging the experimentation and evolution of the brand. Gerwig believes these dead ends serve as a reminder that Mattel was constantly trying out new things.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the forgotten dolls. Midge Hadley, introduced in 1963 as Barbie’s best friend, underwent a makeover to address concerns that Barbie appeared too adult and sexy. The original Midge dolls were discontinued in 1965 but made a comeback in 1988. Eventually, Midge even got married to her boyfriend Allan in the ’90s, with Barbie and Ken in attendance.
Midge’s troubles began in 2002 when Mattel released a pregnant version of the doll. This caused quite a stir among parents who feared it would promote teen pregnancy. Walmart responded by removing the doll from its shelves. However, Mattel later released a postpartum version of Midge. In “Barbie,” there is a subtle acknowledgment of Midge’s discontinuation when Helen Mirren’s narrator declares that Midge won’t be shown because a pregnant doll was considered too strange.
As for Allan, he was created in 1964 as Midge’s boyfriend and Ken’s best friend. The original Allan doll, dressed in a bright striped shirt like Michael Cera’s character in the film, was named after Barbara Handler’s husband, Allen Segal. Barbara Handler’s mother, Ruth Handler, created Barbie and named the iconic doll after her daughter. However, rumors emerged that Allan and Ken were in a homosexual relationship due to the marketing tagline, “All of Ken’s clothes fit him.” These rumors, combined with declining popularity, led to Allan’s discontinuation. Nevertheless, Allan has occasionally made appearances in the world of Barbie.
Moving on to the other forgotten doll references in the film, we have Growing Up Skipper, Barbie’s younger sister, who could “grow” breasts when her arm was pushed backward. This doll was meant to teach children about puberty and growing up. There is also Video Girl Barbie, released in 2010, which featured a built-in video camera. However, due to concerns about potential misuse, the doll was discontinued in 2012.
Another controversial doll is Sugar Daddy Ken, created for Barbie’s 50th anniversary in 2009. Despite the suggestive name, “Sugar Daddy” actually refers to Ken’s pet dog, a white West Highland terrier. Mattel clarified that this doll collection was intended for adults, and interpretation of the doll’s name varied.
Lastly, there’s Earring Magic Ken from the 1990s, designed to make Ken more fashionable and appealing to a wider audience. This Ken doll wore a purple mesh shirt, a pleather vest, and had an earring in one ear. While the doll gained popularity in the gay community, it also faced backlash for perceived associations with the LGBTQ+ community. It was eventually discontinued and recalled.
It’s fascinating to see these discontinued dolls make a comeback in “Barbie” and pay homage to Barbie’s rich history. The film sheds light on the various trials and tribulations faced by these forgotten characters, and the controversy they sparked at their peak.
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