Wicked is expected to become a major cinematic event in 2024. However, the promotional efforts for the film have encountered some embarrassment after inadvertently connecting to an adult website on the packaging of the movie’s merchandise.
Debuting for audiences worldwide on 22 November, Wicked features Cynthia Erivo in the role of Elphaba Thropp, a young woman whose misunderstood nature leads her to become the iconic Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz.
Ariana Grande takes on the role of Glinda Upland, a character who eventually transforms into Glinda the Good Witch of the North. The story chronicles the unexpected bond that develops between the two characters.
With a budget of $145 million (£112 million), this production is poised to be a major hit, attracting audiences globally with its impressive lineup featuring Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Peter Dinklage, and Jonathan Bailey.
In conjunction with the film, Mattel launched a series of exclusive dolls inspired by the characters portrayed by Grande and Erivo.
The team responsible for the merchandise is in disbelief after unintentionally connecting to explicit content through a URL on the doll boxes featuring characters from the film.
Available for purchase since September 26, these items can be found at major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target, priced at $39.99 (£31).
Dolls featuring Glinda, Elphaba, Nessarose, Madame Morrible, and Fiyero have been launched, with enthusiastic fans eagerly purchasing them weeks ahead of the film’s premiere.
But the packaging for said dolls has caused quite a stir online due to a very unfortunate website linked on the bottom of the boxes.
Connecting to www.wicked.com reveals that the site is actually a pornographic platform featuring ‘cinematic and parody porn movies,’ which is unrelated to the official film.
The site has an age verification process, requiring users to confirm they are 18 years or older before accessing its content.
Taking to X (previously Twitter), customers were left laughing at the NSFW error found on a Glinda doll packaging. The film’s true URL is www.wickedmovie.com.
Fans inspected other merchandise and discovered that Lego did not make the same mistake with their Wicked products.
Mattel issued a statement acknowledging the error.
A spokeswoman stated, “Mattel was made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, which were primarily sold in the United States, which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page.” We greatly regret this terrible error and are taking quick steps to correct it.
“Parents are advised that the misprinted and erroneous webpage is not suitable for youngsters.
“Consumers who already have the product are advised to discard the product packaging or obscure the link and may contact Mattel Customer Service for further information.”
Feature Image Credit: (Instagram/@arianagrande)
