A marketing misstep for the highly anticipated "Wicked" movie has left fans and toy collectors bewildered. Promotional dolls released by Mattel, intended to generate excitement for the film, feature QR codes on their packaging that unfortunately redirect to an adult website instead of the official movie landing page. This unexpected detour has sparked an apology from Mattel and initiated a recall of the affected products.
Key Takeaways
- Promotional "Wicked" movie dolls by Mattel contain QR codes that link to adult content.
- Mattel has issued an apology and is undertaking a recall of the misprinted dolls.
- The error has led to some misprinted packaging being resold at significantly inflated prices online.
The Unfortunate Detour
Fans purchasing the "Wicked" collection dolls from Mattel were met with an unwelcome surprise when scanning the QR codes on the packaging. Instead of leading to the official "WickedMovie.com" website, as intended, the codes directed consumers to an adult website, reportedly named "Wicked Pictures." This error has caused considerable embarrassment for Mattel and the "Wicked" movie’s marketing team.
Mattel’s Response and Recall
Mattel has acknowledged the printing error, stating in a release, "Mattel was made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, primarily sold in the U.S., which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page." The toy manufacturer expressed deep regret for the "unfortunate error" and confirmed that immediate actions are being taken to rectify the situation. Parents have been advised that the misprinted website is inappropriate for children, and consumers who have already purchased the product are encouraged to discard the packaging or obscure the link. Mattel Customer Service is available for further assistance.
Resale Market Frenzy
While Mattel works to recall the affected dolls, the misprinted packaging has inadvertently created a niche market on resale platforms like eBay. Some listings for the dolls with the incorrect QR codes are being offered at prices ranging from $40 to over $2,000, capitalizing on the novelty of the marketing blunder. Social media users have noted the potential for these items to become collector’s items due to the error.
About the "Wicked" Movie
The "Wicked" movie, slated for a November 22 release, is a cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, which itself is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel. The film aims to tell the untold story of the witches of Oz, with Cynthia Erivo starring as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. The movie is set to be released in two parts, with the second installment scheduled for release next year. The film has already been involved in other discussions, including casting choices and fan-created promotional material.