Barbie’s inspiring women series

Yes, you read that right. It has been confirmed that Florence Nightingale, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Jean King have been added to Mattel’s expanding Inspiring Women Series under the Barbie brand for 2020, joining the likes of Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks and Sally Ride, in a range that pays tribute to some of history’s most inspiring role models.

Each doll in the range features authentic clothing and unique accessories, plus educational information about the honouree’s contributions to society, so girls can be inspired by their stories through play.

If you don’t know, Billie Jean King is a former number one tennis player, and she comes in her iconic two tone blue and white get-up, as well as her signature round frame glasses, blue tennis shoes and Wilson racket. Ella Fitzgerald, the First Lady of Soul and Queen of Jazz, comes with the widely recognised vintage look, while Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, wears her 19th century nurse’s uniform.

Lisa McKnight, SVP Barbie and global head of dolls, said: “By highlighting these women and their stories in the format of a doll, we celebrate the impact they’ve made on history and encourage girls to chase their own dreams.”

Monster wrestlers in new animated Rumble

Paramount Animation released the first trailer for Rumble, a new animated film about monsters who are professional wrestlers.

The film follows Steve (Will Arnett), a monster who is training to become a wrestling star with help from his human coach. Steve is an underdog who will have to work hard in order to reach the level of reigning champion Tentacular (Terry Crews).

Rumble, from director Hamish Grieve, is set to hit theatres in 2021. Paramount Animation made the film in association with WWE Studios.

WWE stars Roman Reigns and Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch will be also be voicing characters in the film, along with Geraldine Viswanathan, Tony Danza, Susan Kelechi Watson, Stephen A. Smith, Jimmy Tatro, Ben Schwartz and Michael Buffer.

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 14th, 2020