LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Allan dolls have become a hot commodity since Michael Cera's impressive portrayal of the long-forgotten character in the new 'Barbie' movie. The character's newfound popularity as an unsung hero in the film's plot has sparked a surge in demand, with fans eager to own their own Allan dolls. Many are curious if Mattel, the toy manufacturer, has plans to re-release the toy to meet the growing demand generated by the movie's release.
Allan was a part of the series of Mattel dolls but was discontinued from the line sometime after its initial release. Allan was named after the son-in-law of Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler. The first Allan doll was introduced in 1931 and was marketed as Ken's friend, designed to fit into Ken's clothes.
How much do Allan dolls cost?
The value of Allan dolls in the open marketplace has experienced a significant surge in recent days, following the character's newfound popularity in the 'Barbie' movie. On Thursday, July 20, eBay listings showed old Allan dolls being sold at relatively affordable prices, ranging from $35 to $76 each. However, by Monday, July 24, the prices for these dolls have multiplied exponentially. The majority of eBay listings are now priced at least $150, with some going for $300 or even higher. The spike in prices can be attributed to the movie's immense popularity over the weekend, coupled with the knowledge that Mattel has no plans to release new Allan dolls into the market.
Why were Allan dolls discontinued?
Allan dolls were discontinued in 1960 after they failed to achieve the same level of appeal and demand as Ken dolls did. However, in the early 1990s, Mattel attempted to revamp the character by rebranding him as "Alan" and establishing him as the new husband of Barbie's friend, Midge. Alan was portrayed as the father of Midge's children in an early 2000s Happy Family collection, including their three-year-old child Ryan.
However, this rebranding attempt faced controversy and negative feedback due to the introduction of a pregnant Midge doll with a removable newborn. Critics argued that this portrayal sent the wrong message to young children, potentially normalizing teen pregnancies or early motherhood. As a result, the Happy Family collection was shelved, and subsequently, the character of Allan was phased out once again from the Barbie doll line.
