‘This is regrettable’: ‘Wicked’ dolls with adult website on packaging withdrawn from Target, Amazon
Dolls have been listed online for more than $100.
Mattel’s latest dolls came with a significant error.
The link found on the back of the packaging led to an adult content site, causing stores across the nation to remove the dolls from their inventory. Meanwhile, some of the dolls featuring this packaging mistake are being sold online for over $100.
“Wicked,” a film featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, is the movie adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical and is set to premiere in theaters nationwide on November 22.
As the release date approaches, stores have been stocking a variety of merchandise tied to the film, including Rice Krispies Treats, lotions, and candles. It’s hard to miss the film’s main characters, Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande), when you walk into a Target store.
However, the iconic displays were missing the now-infamous Barbie-style dolls.
Mattel launched 11-inch “Fashion Dolls” inspired by the film’s leading characters, but the packaging contained the troubling error. There were no reports concerning issues with the dolls themselves.
“Mattel has been informed about a packaging misprint concerning the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, mainly sold in the United States. The intention was to direct customers to the official WickedMovie.com website,” stated Mattel in a message sent to YSL News.
No other toys related to the film have reported similar packaging problems.
What should you do if your Barbie package has the misprint?
The company recommends that anyone who bought the doll with the packaging error either dispose of the product packaging or cover the link.
“We sincerely apologize for this regrettable error and are taking prompt steps to resolve it,” the company expressed. “We inform parents that the misprinted website is unsuitable for children.”
Dolls with the error are selling for hundreds of dollars online
Some dolls with the misprinted packaging have fetched prices over $100 on eBay.
One “Singing Glinda” doll was listed for a staggering $450 on the platform.
What was the issue?
The back of the doll’s box should have directed consumers to “www.wickedmovie.com,” the official website for the movie.
However, a typographical error caused the URL to instead link to an adult film website. Those who entered the incorrect link would encounter a page prompting them to confirm their age before viewing the content.
Where were the dolls available?
The dolls were primarily sold at Target and Amazon, as indicated by Mattel.
As of Monday morning, they have been removed from both stores’ websites. Targets across the country have also taken the dolls off their shelves.
YSL News discovered one of the dolls listed on the grocery delivery service, Instacart, but it was subsequently removed from the cart during checkout.
What is ‘Wicked’?
“Wicked” is a Broadway musical that draws from the book “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.”
“The Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” is a work by Gregory Maguire.
This book and the musical adaptation tell the story of the Wicked Witch as portrayed in the classic film “The Wizard of Oz,” featuring Judy Garland, which is based on L. Frank Baum’s book of the same name.
The musical delves into the relationship between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch, and Glinda, the Good Witch. Glinda is known for giving Dorothy her famous Ruby Red Slippers (which appear silver in both the Wicked movie and Broadway show) and guiding her to “follow the Yellow Brick Road” in “The Wizard of Oz.”
The musical consists of two acts and has been divided into two films. The second film is set to release on Friday, November 21, 2025.