The dust has settled on the exciting “Barbenheimer” weekend, and it has brought to light some interesting revelations. Surprisingly, people still have a strong desire to go to the movies. Additionally, it’s evident that Ryan Gosling is not just limited to his role as Ken. However, the most intriguing discovery is the existence of obscure and questionable Barbie dolls that we may have forgotten about.
Greta Gerwig, the writer and director of “Barbie,” was given a surprising amount of creative control by Mattel to tell the story of the iconic doll. She didn’t shy away from addressing the company’s controversial decisions and public controversies. Many of these issues arise in the film, leaving audiences wondering if they could be real. Well, they are indeed real dolls.
One such doll is Allan, who is portrayed as Ken’s best friend in the movie. Unlike the numerous iterations of Kens and Barbies, Allan is unique. Introduced in 1964, Allan’s ability to fit into all of Ken’s clothes was marketed as a selling point. However, this led to rumors about his relationship with Ken. Allan had a brief lifespan in the shadows of Ken before being discontinued. In the ’90s, he was reintroduced as Midge’s husband. Michael Cera’s portrayal of the lonesome sidekick in the film has sparked interest, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Allan made a comeback today.
While some speculate that Allan’s re-pairing with Midge was an attempt to portray him as heterosexual, Allan has become a queer icon over the years. Non-binary individuals particularly relate to Allan, seeing him as neither Barbie nor Ken, but as something uniquely Allan.
Another controversial Barbie featured in the film is Pregnant Midge. Introduced in 1963, a pregnant version of the doll was released in 2002. This caused accusations of promoting teen pregnancy, despite the character being a married woman with a child. Gerwig fearlessly addresses this misstep by Mattel, emphasizing her willingness to confront the company’s mistakes.
Earring Magic Ken, released in 1993, brought a different vibe to the Ken doll. With his purple shirt, bleached-blond highlights, and earring, he quickly became a best-selling doll and a symbol for the queer community. However, he was recalled due to the controversy surrounding his appearance and accessories.
In 2009, Mattel released Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken, a doll that piqued curiosity. Wearing a lime-green jacquard blazer and accompanied by a tiny white dog named Sugar, the doll was marketed to adults. He retailed for a staggering $82 and claimed to be Sugar the dog’s daddy, which seemed rather dubious.
Video Girl Barbie, released in 2010, had a unique feature that caught the attention of the FBI. With a built-in screen, she could record up to 30 minutes of footage. This raised concerns about the potential misuse of the doll by individuals with malicious intentions.
Another peculiar doll mentioned in the film is Growing Up Skipper, Barbie’s little sister. Released in 1964, she had a twistable arm that transformed her into a teenage version of herself, complete with an increase in breast size. This doll was discontinued in 1977 for obvious reasons.
Lastly, there’s Tanner the Dog, a strange-looking pooping dog that Barbie encounters in the film. Much to the surprise of viewers, this doll actually existed. Tanner came with Barbie and had the ability to “digest” treats, resulting in small brown pellets. A recall for the Barbie and Tanner play set was issued due to a potential choking hazard caused by loose magnets in the poop scoop accessory.
In conclusion, “Barbie” explores the world of obscure and questionable Barbie dolls, shedding light on Mattel’s past controversies. Gerwig fearlessly addresses these issues, embracing the uniqueness of each doll and sparking conversations about representation and inclusivity.
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