Mattel Honors Juan Gabriel’s Legacy with Signature Barbie Doll

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

The late Juan Gabriel is being celebrated in a special way…

Mattel is honoring the legendary Mexican singer-songwriter with a signature Barbie doll ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The doll commemorates the six-time Grammy nominee’s nearly four-decade career, which includes the release of more than 30 studio albums and 1,500 composed songs, highlighting his influence as one of Latin America’s most significant musical figures.

Juan Gabriel’s greatest hits, known for their heartfelt ballad style, include “No Tengo Dinero,” “Abrázame Muy Fuerte,” “Amor Eterno” and “Siempre En Mi Mente.”

To honor the singer’s music and career, the Barbie Signature Juan Gabriel Doll ($55) dazzles with a mic in her hand and a glittering bolero jacket, drawing inspiration from the outfit he wore during his iconic 1990 performance at Mexico City’s El Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Juan Gabriel expressed his love and appreciation for his Mexican culture not just through his music, but also through his attire, often wearing mariachi suits with gold accents onstage — just like the Barbie’s outfit.

For those inspired by his legacy, the doll serves as a collaboration that pays tribute to the extraordinary artistry of this beloved music icon.

The late Juan Gabriel is being celebrated in a special way…

Mattel is honoring the legendary Mexican singer-songwriter with a signature Barbie doll ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Juan Gabriel’s greatest hits, known for their heartfelt ballad style, include “No Tengo Dinero,” “Abrázame Muy Fuerte,” “Amor Eterno” and “Siempre En Mi Mente.”

For those inspired by his legacy, the doll serves as a collaboration that pays tribute to the extraordinary artistry of this beloved music icon.

Fans have been anxiously waiting for the doll’s release, with one Reddit user writing, “Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor. I am absolutely blown away by this Barbie. I love the darker hues… which we haven’t seen before.” Another Reddit user described the doll as “beautiful.”

Mattel’s Signature Doll inspired by Juan Gabriel is now available at Amazon, Walmart, Target and Mattel Shop.

Lila Avilés Among Storytellers Immortalized with Barbie Doll in Their Likeness for International Women’s Day

Posted on March 4, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Lila Avilés is getting all dolled up…

The 42-year-old Mexican film director, screenwriter, actress and producer, whose meteoric rise on the international stage after just two feature films that have both represented Mexico at the Oscars, is among eight women storytellers selected by Mattel to be immortalized with Barbie dolls in their likeness.

Avilés joins Academy Award-winning actors Helen Mirren and Viola Davis along with country-pop artist Shania Twain, Australia’s Kylie Minogue, German comedian Enissa Amani, Japanese model Nicole Fujita and Brazilian Indigenous influencer Maira Gomez who have been selected as Barbie role models in honor of International Women’s Day.

Their dolls will be one of a kind and not for sale.

Said Mattel in a statement: “Since the brand’s inception, Barbie has helped girls explore their limitless potential through different roles and narratives – from encouraging self-expression through dress-up to playing out any of her 250+ careers. With Barbie by their sides, countless children have been able to imagine their own stories through play that help shape their real-life futures.”

“The brand is sharing countless stories of empowerment and bringing her legendary legacy to life through the eyes and words of fans everywhere, starting with some of the most renowned storytellers out there,” it continued.

Given the phenomenal box office and critical success of Greta Gerwig’s multi-Oscar nominated movie, Barbie, the company chose the storytelling theme for this year.

Last year’s theme was STEM, which covered women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. That year, Engineer Katya Echazarreta, the first Mexican-born woman in space, was among the few to be chosen for a Barbie doll to be made in her likeness.

Describing her selection as an “incredible, beautiful and surreal surprise,” Avilés expressed her delight at the recognition. “It’s not only me but my career that is being honored,” she told Variety.

The figurine portrays her with a camera on her shoulder, a script in one hand and her beloved cat by her feet.

Her latest film, Totem, which landed on the long list for the Oscar’s Best International Feature category, has played in more than 100 film festivals and will be rolling out theatrically across 40+ countries, including the U.S. where it’s still out. It’s slated to play on the Criterion Channel and just became available on Netflix Latin America.

“People ask me if my movies are feminist. In as much as my protagonists are women, they are, in an organic way,” she said. “The Chambermaid, my feature debut, gave voice to a woman who’s ostensibly invisible to many,” she noted. “Totem delves into childhood and the idea that childhood is destiny,” she added, recalling the times when she and her brother played with each other’s toys, including her Barbie dolls.

This doll is hers to keep. Fortunately, her daughter is already in her teens so may not be clamoring to play with it.

Mattel Releases Holiday-Themed Mariah Carey Barbie Doll

Posted on November 18, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Mariah Carey is getting all dolled up for the holidays…

Mattel is releasing a special Barbie doll to celebrate the 54-year-old half-Venezuelan American Grammy-winning songstress and Queen of Christmas this holday season.

The Mariah Carey Barbie was released on Friday, November 17 via Mattel Shop and Amazon.

Capturing Carey’s “signature flair and dazzling style,” the doll wears a glittery, trumpet gown with matching red heels. The festive, red dress features ruched overlay with a dramatic slit and sparkly silvery jewelry. The doll also holds a silver microphone and wears a tiny replica of Carey’s butterfly ring.

Carey holds many Hot 100 records. She has had 19 No. 1 hits, the most of any solo artist. She is the artist with the most weeks at No. 1 (91). She is the female songwriter with the most No. 1 hits (18). She is the only artist to reach No. 1 with her first five singles — “Vision of Love,” “Love Takes Time,” “Someday,” “I Don’t Wanna Cry” and “Emotions.”

In addition, Carey has made her mark on many other charts. She is the artist with the most weeks at No. 1 on the Radio Songs chart (91). She has had 18 top 10 albums on the Billboard 200, including six No. 1 albums (Mariah Carey, Music Box, Daydream, Butterfly, The Emancipation of Mimi and E=MC2).

Anahi & Her RBD Group Mates Getting Their Own Barbie Dolls

Posted on November 14, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Anahi is getting all dolled up…

In the midst of their Soy Rebelde Tour, the 40-year-old Mexican singer, songwriter and actress and her RBD group mates are getting their own Barbie dolls.

The news was shared on the Barbie Instagram page on Monday, November 13, where the dolls were officially unveiled. “¡Y soy Rebelde! Pop stardom meets pop culture icons with the special edition RBD x Barbie dolls,” read the caption.

The collector’s Barbie dolls — which are available in a set of five or sold individually as Rebelde characters Mia (Anahí), Roberta (Dulce Maria) and Lupita (Maite Perroni) — commemorate the Mexican group’s triumph comeback after a 15-year hiatus.

In true RBD fashion, the dolls are decked out in emblematic concert outfits or their signature Elite Way school uniform. Mia, for example, comes with a star sticker on the forehead and Roberta with her distinct cherry-red locks.

Furthermore, the official Barbie website states “Barbie is celebrating RBD’s reunion with a set of five dolls ready to take the stage! Roberta, Mia, Lupita, Diego and Giovanni wear outfits that pop with their personality and style. The clothes are trendy, the accessories cool and the hair spot on! Fans of the popular pop-rock music group and Rebelde telenovela will love the instant collection of the beloved group. Dolls cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.”

News of the Barbie dolls come just days after a wave of Música Mexicana acts — including Calibre 50, Chiquis, Banda Carnaval, Banda Los Sebastianes and Los Socios del Ritmo, among others — teamed up for Somos Rebeldes, a 15 track-set with reimagined versions of “Sólo Quédate en Silencio,” “Qué Hay Detrás” and “Sálvame.”

“I think that people connect with us because each one of us is so different, but we’re a family,” band member Christopher von Uckermann previously said at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week. “We know each other. We understand each other without having to speak. We are family and that is something you can feel.”

Fans can pre-order the RBD Barbie dolls here.

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“Barbie” Gives America Ferrera the Biggest Box Office Opening Weekend of Her Career

Posted on July 24, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Forget pink! America Ferrera is seeing the green…

Greta Gerwig’s fantasy-comedy Barbie, which stars the 39-year-old Honduran American actress, earned $162 million in its first weekend at the box office. The record-breaking total gives Ferrera the biggest opening weekend of her career.

The Warner Bros. film, starring Margot Robbie as the plastic, fantastic doll, declined only 9% from Saturday to bring in $43.7 million on Sunday.

Barbie’s ticket sales rank as the biggest opening weekend of the year, besting The Super Mario Bros. Movie ($146 million). Barbie also marks the biggest debut ever for a film directed by a woman, overtaking Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s 2019 blockbuster Captain Marvel ($153 million).

“This historic result reflects the intense heat, interest and enthusiasm for Barbie,” Warner Bros. president of domestic distribution Jeff Goldstein wrote in a note to press. “This doll will indeed have long long legs.”

Barbie also exceeded expectations at the international box office with $194.3 million (above Sunday’s estimate of $182 million), bringing its global tally to a stunning $356.3 million. Those ticket sales are especially notable because Barbie didn’t have much of a footprint on Imax or premium large format screens, which are more expensive than the average 2D movie ticket.

In Barbie, Ferrera portrays Gloria, a Mattel employee who helps Barbie in the real world.

Mattel Releases Gloria Estefan Barbie Inspired by the Grammy Winner’s “Get On Your Feet” Video

Posted on September 1, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan is getting all dolled up for her birthday…

Mattel has released a Barbie doll made in the likeness of the Cuban singer, actress and businesswoman to celebrate the music icon’s 65th birthday and her 1989 hit single “Get on Your Feet.”

“I’m honored to be partnering with Barbie to create a doll in my likeness, especially as I ring in my 65th birthday and right ahead Hispanic Heritage Month,” Estefan said in a statement to Billboard. “When designing my Barbie with the team, I wanted to ensure I was staying true to my multicultural roots – and I believe we did just that.”

The collectible Barbie retails for $55 and is available at Amazon, Target and MattelCreations.com.

The release of Estefan’s signature Barbie arrives ahead of Hispanic Month, which is September 15-October 15.

Inspired by the ‘80s wardrobe in the Grammy winner’s “Get on Your Feet” music video, the Gloria Estefan Barbie is dolled up in a black jacket with intricate, gold detailing, black leggings accentuated with a gold waist chain, and thigh-high, leopard-print boots. The doll also holds a microphone spruced up with lace.

In addition to releasing the doll, Barbie will also be partnering with Artístas y Músicos Latino Americanos, a North Philadelphia nonprofit that provides young people with private music lessons, songwriting, audio and production programs.

Additionally, Barbie will be underwriting one of ALMA’s event programs and bolstering their Mentor-Fellow programs, which train children in various careers, including arts production and administration.

Ana Cruz Kayne to Star in Warner Bros. & Mattel’s Upcoming “Barbie” Film

Posted on April 15, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Ana Cruz Kayne is getting dolled up…

The 37-year-old Latina actress will star in Warner Bros. and Mattel’s upcoming Barbie film

Cruz Kayne is part of a roster of new cast additions that include Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman, Ncuti Gatwa, Emerald Fennell, Sharon Rooney, Scott Evans, Connor Swindells, Ritu Arya and Jamie Demetriou.

They join Margot Robbie, who will star in the titular role, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrara, Kate McKinnon, Simu Liu, Ariana Greenblatt, Emma Mackey, Alexandra Shipp, Issa Rae, Michael Cera, Hari Nef and Will Ferrell.

Greta Gerwig is directing and co-wrote the script with Noah Baumbach.

Plot details are unknown, but given Gerwig’s track record as a director, one can expect this won’t be a typical take on the doll’s story.

Robbie is producing the film under her LuckyChap Entertainment production banner along with LuckyChap’s Tom Ackerley.

The film will be released worldwide sometime in 2023.

Gabriela Revilla Lugo to Pen Mattel’s Live-Action Family Drama “Christmas Balloon”

Posted on December 27, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Gabriela Revilla Lugo is blowing up in Hollywood…

The 39-year-old Nicaraguan film director, producer and writer is teaming up with Mattel to develop the live-action family drama Christmas Balloon.

Revilla Lugo will write the script based on a true story.

The film follows a young girl, Dáyami, living in a Mexican border town who tries to send her Christmas list to Santa tied to a balloon. The balloon is found by Randy and Marcella Heiss, a couple in Arizona grieving the loss of their own child, who make it their mission to fulfill the girl’s touching Christmas wishes.

Mattel worked with the couple and donated toys to fulfill Dáyami’s wish towards a brighter future.

“Much like Dáyami’s balloon itself, the journey of this touching story and Mattel’s direct role in fulfilling her real-life wishes made it a must-do for us,” said Kevin McKeon, VP of Mattel Films. “We were immediately struck by this little girl’s spirit and the story’s positive message. We also knew there was no one better to tell her story with passion and sensitivity than Gabriela. We are proud to work with her, along with Vital Pictures, to bring this touching family drama to audiences around the world.”

McKeon and Ivan Sanchez, Creative Executive are overseeing the project for Mattel Films. Chris Lemos and Luis Guerrero of Vital Pictures are producing.

“Randy and Marcella’s story exemplifies the holiday spirit and shows the miraculous way small acts of kindness can change lives, bring families together, and inspire entire communities on both sides of the border. We can’t think of better partners than Mattel and Gabriela to bring this wonderful true story to audiences everywhere,” said Lemos on behalf of Vital Pictures.

“I am honored to bring Dáyami’s journey to life in a time when it’s clear we all need to believe in hope and magic,” Revilla Lugo said.

Writer/producer Revilla Lugo is best known for executive producing Hulu/Neon’s Palm Springs and the Netflix movie The Starling, starring Melissa McCarthy.

Noah Centineo In Talks to Portray He-Man in “Masters of the Universe”

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Noah Centineois ready to master the universe…

The 22-year-old part-Latin American actor, who who gained acclaim for his roles in Netflix’s film To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Freeform’s The Fosters, is in talks to take on the lead role of He-Man in Masters of the Universe, the film adaptation Mattel Films is developing with Sony Pictures.

It’s based on the best-selling toy line from the 1980s that spawned an animated TV show and a 1987 feature with Dolph Lundgrenas He-Man.

Adamand Aaron Neeare attached to direct the film and are writing the script with Art Marcumand Matt Holloway.

He-Man is a muscular medieval kind of guy who is trying to ward off the nasty Skeletor and his dark armies as both good and evil fight for control of Castle Grayskull.

Currently, Masters of the Universe is slated for a December 20 release.

Centineo recently began production on Netflix’s TATBILB sequel and is set to appear later this year in Sony’s Charlie’s Angels reboot.

Villafañe Signs with Publicity Firm PMK*BNC

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Ana Villafañe may soon be landing more press…

The Cuban-American actress and singer has signed with publicity firm PMK*BNC.

Villafañe is thisclose to becoming one of Broadway’s next big thing with her debut on the Great White Way this fall in the Gloria Estefan bio-musical On Your Feet!, in which she stars as the Latin pop legend.

She also starred in the Hulu drama South Beach this summer and will play the female lead in Dolphin Entertainment’s live-action adaptation of the Mattel superhero toy brand Max Steel.

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