Picture Credit: Mattel
If you grew up in the early 2000s, get ready for a massive wave of nostalgia. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Mattel’s beloved 2001 animated classic Barbie in the Nutcracker is officially back and available to stream on Netflix right now, but there’s more.
For many, the 2001 release of Barbie in the Nutcracker was a defining childhood staple. It launched Barbie’s massively successful animated storytelling legacy, introducing countless young fans to the world of ballet and classical music. The original film follows Barbie as Clara, whose wooden Nutcracker magically comes to life before the evil Mouse King casts a spell, sending the pair on a sweeping adventure to find the Sugarplum Princess. It featured the voice talents of Kelly Sheridan, Kirby Morrow, Tim Curry, Peter Kelamis, Christopher Gaze, and Ian James Corlett with Owen Hurley directing.
Now, a whole new generation can discover the magic of Clara, the Sugarplum Princess, and the iconic ballet soundtrack, while older fans can revisit an absolute childhood favorite.
But as you know by now, the nostalgia trip doesn’t stop there.
An All-New Barbie in the Nutcracker Special is Coming to Netflix
As part of the film’s 25th-anniversary celebration, Netflix and Mattel have announced an all-new, reimagined Barbie in the Nutcracker animated special, slated to arrive on Netflix this November (an exact date TBD).
To ensure the ballet sequences are as magical as ever, Mattel has partnered with legendary dancer and choreographer Debbie Allen, who serves as Co-Executive Producer and Choreographer for the new special. As one of the most influential figures in dance, Allen helped shape the choreography and movement throughout the film, bringing her decades of expertise to Barbie’s reimagined story.
The special also boasts an exciting lineup of behind-the-scenes and voice talent. The music is helmed by Macy Schmidt, promising a sweeping and updated score.
In a bittersweet announcement, the special will also feature the voice of the late Tim Curry as The Rat King’s Father. Curry’s extraordinary talent and legacy will be deeply missed, and his posthumous role in this special is sure to be a touching highlight for longtime fans of his prolific voice-acting career.
New Dolls and More!
The magic of Barbie in the Nutcracker is also leaping off the screen this year. Earlier this summer, Barbie launched an all-new doll collection inspired by the beloved story and the upcoming Netflix animated special. The collection brings characters like Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy to life through innovative play experiences, making it the perfect tie-in for the holiday season.
Between the return of the 2001 classic to Netflix today, the brand-new special coming in November, and a slew of new consumer experiences, it’s safe to say this holiday season belongs to Barbie in the Nutcracker.
Here are a few more first looks ahead of the title’s release this November, plus the trailer that just debuted today:
