Talk about a dream come true! Barbie in the Nutcracker turns 25 this year, and Mattel is celebrating with a new adventure for today’s kids and a little nostalgia for fans who grew up with the original.
Leading the celebration is an all-new Barbie in the Nutcracker television special. Coming to Netflix this November, the animated special puts a new spin on the beloved 2001 classic, this time casting Barbie “Malibu” as Clara and Barbie “Brooklyn” as the Sugar Plum Fairy. On their adventure to rescue Ken the Nutcracker, the friends will travel through a variety of enchanted lands, face off against the mischievous Rat King, and discover that if you truly believe in yourself, magical things can happen.
'Barbie in the Nutcracker' is back for an encore. | Source: Mattel
This special puts a new spin on the 2001 classic. | Source: Mattel
Discover the magic of friendship. | Source: Mattel
Tim Curry returns as the Rat King's Father. | Source: Mattel
Dance into an enchanting new era. | Source: Mattel
The ballet is also getting some more modern moves, thanks to dance legend Debbie Allen. As the special’s co-executive producer and choreographer, Allen created unique numbers that blend classical dance with today’s hip hop, all set to music by Macy Schmidt. The late Tim Curry also returns to the voice cast as the Rat King’s Father, the natural progression of his appearance as the Rat King in the original.
But you don’t have to wait until November to return to the Land of Sweets! The classic 2001 Barbie in the Nutcracker is now available to stream on Netflix, so parents who grew up with the original Clara and the Sugarplum Princess can share the magic of the film that kicked off more than two decades of animated adventures with a new generation of fans.
The Barbie Nutcracker Clara and Sugar Plum Fairy 2-Pack features the characters in their ballerina outfits. | Source: Mattel
The Barbie Nutcracker Ballerina and Chelsea Snow Fairies are ready to put on a show! | Source: Mattel
Kids can recreate scenes from the new special and older film with these toys. | Source: Mattel
These dolls are ready to dance. | Source: Mattel
Barbie Nutcracker Land of Sweets Horse and Sled. | Source: Mattel
The anniversary celebration continues off-screen with a new Barbie in the Nutcracker toy collection. Available now at major retailers, kids can re-create the classic story with dolls inspired by Clara, Daisy, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Land of Sweets ballerinas, Chelsea Snow Fairies, and more, complete with poseable bodies that mimic real ballet positions. Each doll features a variety of enchanting accessories and outfits, and select toys can even magically transform their tutus with a twirl.
Families can stream the original Barbie in the Nutcracker on Netflix now, with the re-imagined special joining it this November. To learn more and shop the new dolls, visit mattel.com.
