Mattel Celebrating 25 Years of Barbie in the Nutcracker

Mattel is commemorating the 25th anniversary of Barbie in the Nutcracker with a new animated special premiering on Netflix later this year and a range of new consumer products.

“This anniversary is an opportunity to honor where Barbie’s animated storytelling began—and to invite a new generation to experience these worlds in their own way,” said Nathan Baynard, VP and head of Barbie at Mattel. “Barbie in the Nutcracker has always been about imagination in motion, and this new chapter opens that world again through reimagined content, inspired products and experiences that encourage discovery and play.”

The new 45-minute Barbie in the Nutcracker special brings modern animation and fresh storytelling to the classic tale. In the new version, Barbie “Brooklyn” Roberts steps into the role of the Sugarplum Princess and Barbie “Malibu” Roberts stars as Clara. The project is being overseen by Rob David and Teale Sperling for Mattel Studios.

To celebrate the IP’s anniversary, Barbie will be releasing a line of dolls inspired by the new special ahead of its Netflix premiere. This includes a Clara doll, Daisy doll, Sugar Plum Fairy doll, Land of Sweets Horse, Land of Sweets Ballerinas assortment and Chelsea Snow Fairies assortment, as well as a deluxe version of the Clara doll, a two-pack with Clara and Sugar Plum Fairy and pack with the Land of Sweets Horse and sled.

Additional consumer products will come from collaborations with Loungefly, Brown Girl Jane, Funko, Hallmark, Glamlite, Just Play, Townley, Centric Brands, Alex + Ani, Tutu Du Monde and Crayola.

Alongside the new special, Mattel Press will be releasing Barbie: The Nutcracker, a jacketed hardcover picture book retelling of the story, featuring original illustrations by Pura Belpré Honoree Mirelle Ortega and text by Lorelai Hart. It will be available on September 8.

Plus, Mattel will re-release iconic animated Barbie specials on the Barbie YouTube channel and select streaming platforms and broadcasters globally. This includes Barbie & Her Sisters in a Pony Tale, Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus and Barbie in the Nutcracker (2001).