Mattel made headlines earlier in the week for launching a Barbie inspired by lesbian soccer star Abby Wambach. This positive news came after facing backlash for their diverse dolls. But now, the toy company is facing criticism again for their limited edition Wonder Woman doll. Fans were excited for the doll based on Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the iconic character, but some are unhappy with its thin proportions, feeling it doesn’t match the powerful image Wonder Woman should embody.
Is Mattel’s Wonder Woman Barbie too slim? The doll, inspired by Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the character in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, has caused controversy due to its slender physique.
Gal, a 30-year-old woman, devoted several months to intense training in order to achieve the physique of a superhero. This physical transformation was inspired by her desire to embody a strong and powerful image, in stark contrast to the unrealistic and slender portrayal of her character as a Barbie doll.
In a departure from the norm, classic renditions of the Wonder Woman doll often portray her with a thin waist, but with muscular arms and legs, and a curvaceous body.
Reacting to the recent release of the doll, one Twitter user expressed surprise, questioning why Wonder Woman was depicted with arms resembling those of a stick insect. Another user voiced displeasure over the doll’s appearance, noting that Wonder Woman is known for being ripped and muscular, not possessing a thigh gap and arms akin to Barbie’s.
In an opinion piece for Metro, entertainment writer Hanna Flint criticized the doll, likening it to a runway model dressed up in a Wonder Woman costume for Halloween. She highlighted the stark contrast between the doll’s slim limbs and Gal Gadot’s powerful physique, emphasizing that the actress embodies the strong, toned appearance expected of an Amazonian goddess.
Comparing the doll to the actress it’s meant to represent, the disparities are glaringly apparent. Gal Gadot exudes strength in her portrayal of Wonder Woman, clad in a modernized version of the iconic uniform, accentuating her muscular frame. Conversely, the Wonder Woman doll appears frail, with more emphasis on her styled hair rather than her formidable physique.
Interestingly, some critics previously criticized DC Comics for casting Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, claiming that she was too slender for the role of a mighty Amazon warrior. The contrasting depiction of Wonder Woman by Mattel only served to highlight the disparity between the character’s powerful image and the doll’s slender aesthetic.
Superman: To make matters worse, the action figures of Wonder Woman’s male counterparts in the film – such as Henry Cavill’s Superman – are depicted with exaggerated muscles and chiseled bodies.
The Batman doll inspired by Ben Affleck’s portrayal in the movie is depicted with a highly defined muscular physique. Unveiled at Comic-Con in San Diego last July, the Wonder Woman doll, part of the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Collection, is sculpted according to the Mattel website. It is set to hit stores this month in anticipation of the movie release.
Interestingly, the Wonder Woman doll has a slender figure, in contrast to the muscular and ripped physique of its male counterparts – Batman and Superman, modeled after Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill respectively. Unlike the Wonder Woman doll, both Batman and Superman dolls are sculpted with prominent muscles, reflecting their on-screen characters.
Despite the criticism over the Wonder Woman doll, Mattel seems to have hit the mark with the Abby Wambach Barbie, showcasing the soccer star in a US women’s soccer uniform with her iconic platinum pixie cut. Abby expressed her satisfaction with the doll’s design, mentioning the importance of representation and diversity in dolls. The response to her Barbie on Instagram has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 33 thousand likes.
In her own words, Abby highlighted the significance of having dolls that reflect diversity and offer options for those who may not see themselves represented in traditional dolls. The positive reception of the Abby Wambach Barbie signifies a step towards inclusivity and acceptance in the toy industry.
Last week, Mattel Inc. introduced a fresh collection of Barbies featuring a variety of body shapes and skin tones, catering to a more diverse audience.
Barbie goals: Abby Wambach’s recently unveiled Barbie doll, inspired by the soccer star herself, is receiving positive feedback from discerning consumers.
Exciting news! The former soccer star recently posted a photo of a new Barbie doll on her Instagram account, praising Mattel for expanding their collection in a positive direction. However, not everyone is on board with the new diverse range of Barbie dolls. Some have expressed concerns over the new body types, including a fuller-figured option, saying that young girls shouldn’t have to worry about body image. The use of labels like ‘curvy’ and ‘petite’ has also sparked some controversy. Despite the mixed reactions, there may be hope for a more diverse Ken doll in the near future. Kimberly Culmone, VP of Barbie design, hinted at potential changes for Ken dolls, including ethnic diversity and possibly a different body type. It seems like Mattel is open to making rapid changes to adapt to the times. No comments have been received from Mattel Inc. or Gal Gadot on the matter yet.