‘Wicked’ Toys Packaging Mistakenly Links to Porn Website: Where Was the Copy Editor?
Who knew the family film of the year could be so controversial?
In what appears to be a major copy-editing snafu, Universal Pictures and toy company Mattel made an unfortunate error with their line of “Wicked” toys. The packaging lists a URL that’s presumably meant to link to the film’s website, wickedmovie.com. However, it instead lists wicked.com — which belongs to long-established porn company Wicked Pictures, former home to Stormy Daniels and Jenna Jameson.
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Already, shoppers are posting their frustration on Reddit, TikTok, and other social media sites. IndieWire reached out to Universal and Mattel for comment but received no response.
Later in the day, Mattel issued a statement: “Mattel was made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel ‘Wicked’ collection dolls, primarily sold in the U.S., which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page. We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this. Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children. 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.”
Adult entertainment site Wicked.com has held the site registration for decades. Founded in 1993, Wicked Pictures is based in Canoga Park, California. In addition to launching Daniels’ and Jameson’s porn careers, between 2001 and 2021 it held the distinction of being the only heterosexual studio to maintain a condoms-only policy. Today, its studio is best known for sexual parodies of famous films and TV shows; it’s hard to imagine how the company would pass on one for “Wicked.”
The film was unveiled last night in Los Angeles with a star-studded premiere. Director Jon M. Chu was late to his own event, but for the best possible reason: His wife gave birth to their fifth child.
Mattel released the “Wicked” doll line September 28. Lego released a “Wicked” tie-in October 1 with no URL error. The Noble Company, known for high quality film-related items like “Harry Potter” wands, also plans on releasing a series of “Role-Playing Toys and Collectibles” so that “Wicked” fans can live the fantasy in theaters with Elphaba’s hat, Glinda’s crown, and other costume items.
“Wicked” releases in theaters on November 22. It’s expected to be a blockbuster hit and a serious awards contender, but couldn’t its estimated $150 million budget have afforded at least one really great copy editor?
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