'The Hunger Games' Katniss Barbie Doll Revealed
" Hunger Games" fans waiting to see what Katniss Barbie doll would look like now have their answer.
Entertainment Weekly today has the first picture of the special collection doll inspired by Katniss, the 16-year-old heroine of the "Hunger Games" books and movie phenomenon.
Putting Barbie, she of the Malibu Dream House, dream car and dream man, in the middle of the battle-to-death, annual Hunger Games competition, required a far stretch from the doll's usual pink and plush look.
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Katniss Barbie is make-up free and decked out in the boots, black-and-orange jacket, trademark mockingjay pin, braid and bow and arrow favored by a lead character of the wildly popular book trilogy and movie.
Since its 2008 release, the "Hunger Games" book trilogy by author Suzanne Collins has sold more than 11 million copies, and has been published in 47 foreign-language editions. The "Hunger Games" movie has stayed atop the box office for three consecutive weeks after its $155 million opening last month, and has now passed the $300 million mark in total revenue.
The doll's precise resemblance to Katniss, played by Jennifer Lawrence in the film, is another example of fans' loyalty to the franchise.
"Hopefully 'Hunger Games' fans can appreciate the attention to detail," designer Bill Greening told EW." "I am a huge 'Hunger Games' fan and loved all three books, so it was truly an amazing experience for me to be able to design the Katniss Barbie doll…I think it really pays tribute to Katniss and 'The Hunger Games.'"
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Pre-orders for the Katniss Barbie opened today at Barbiecollector.com, according to Mattel, the toy maker behind the doll. The special collection doll will be widely available in stores in August, the company said.
The Katniss Barbie is the latest product in a line of merchandise being produced at breakneck speed to capitalize on the wildly popular franchise. Fans can also purchase "Hunger Games"-themed nail polish, cookbooks, posters, clothes and even a workout class at some health clubs.
Mattel describes the new Katniss Barbie as "created specifically for the adult collector."
