Fan Edits New ‘Barbie’ Movie Trailer, Adds ’90s ‘Barbie Girl’ Song
You may have heard that the Europop song “Barbie Girl” will not appear in the upcoming Barbie movie. Aqua’s 1997 song “Barbie Girl” has over a billion views on YouTube, and one would think it would appear in the Mattel and Warner Bros. soundtrack. Ulrich Møller-Jørgensen, manager of Aqua lead singer Lene Nystrøm, told Variety that “The song will not be used in the movie.”
Prior to the official trailer release, fans shared their creative takes on the Barbie movie. “If Barbie Girl by Aqua isn’t in the end credits of the Barbie movie I want my money back,” said on Twitter. “If Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” doesn’t appear on the Barbie soundtrack…,” another Twitter user mentioned.
“Barbie Girl” Controversy
Though the song was a popular hit, it also had a moment of controversy. Mattel, the Barbie manufacturer sued MCA Records. According to CNN, Mattel claimed that preteen girls who buy Barbie dolls were duped into thinking the song was an advertisement for the doll or part of Mattel’s official line of Barbie products. Not to mention the toymaker could be associated with lyrics of the song including the part that says, “I’m a blonde bimbo in a fantasy world/Dress me up, make it tight, I’m your dolly.” At this time, Mattel claimed that this presentation of Barbie had impacted the overall perception of the doll and harmed their marketing plans.
Meanwhile, MCA Records argued the song was a parody protected under the First Amendment and countersued Mattel. Accusing the manufacturer of defamation. Both parties’ suits were dismissed, with Appeals Judge Alex Kozinski. “The parties are advised to chill,” in a written opinion by Judge Kozinski.
Some fans feel that not including the song in the Barbie movie is a missed opportunity. Thanks to HYTT Films on YouTube, fans can see an edited version of the Barbie trailer that includes “Barbie Girl.” Since its release, the video has over two-hundred thousand views. “We all grew up listening to Aqua – Barbie Girl, and when Barbie fans found out the song wasn’t being used in the official Trailer, at HYTT Films, we listened,” said the YouTube video caption.
They also added a disclaimer to stay off of Mattel’s bad side. “HYTT FILMS is not affiliated with Warner Brothers, Mattel, Aqua or any other third-party entities mentioned or referenced in our Barbie Trailer.” They said the unofficial trailer was created for entertainment purposes and does not intend to infringe upon any copyrights or trademarks.
“Created for entertainment purposes”
“The version we deserve,” reads a comment in response to the trailer. “Amazing editing. Simply much better than the original trailer. Thanks for sharing,” said another commenter.
Fans of the unofficial trailer even called out Mattel’s marketing team. “Making a trailer for the Barbie movie without the song by Aqua is a grievous oversight by Warner Bros. marketing.”
See HYTT Films vision of the unofficial Barbie trailer here.
