The fans spoke — and now an Ava DuVernay Barbie doll is on sale, just in time for Christmas.
The Oscar-nominated “Selma” director revealed Sunday that Mattel Toys had produced a run of dolls featuring her likeness, after a campaign gained momentum on Twitter.
“Tomorrow this #AvaBarbie goes on sale for Christmas because enough folks asked @Mattel to do so. Wild + wonderful,” she posted on the micro-blogging site Sunday.
Tomorrow this #AvaBarbie goes on sale for Christmas because enough folks asked @Mattel to do so. Wild + wonderful. https://t.co/louahFZwjQ
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) December 6, 2015
Mattel Toys initially only intended to make a single version of the DuVernay doll in April, which the groundbreaking director would then auction off for charity.
It was part of the company’s very limited “Sheroes” line, featuring five other inspirational women, including actress Kristin Chenoweth and fashion magazine editor Eva Chen.
But DuVernay’s 141,000 Twitter followers campaigned for the version of her doll to be mass produced, The Wrap reports. And the company listened. DuVernay revealed in a later Twitter post that she’d donate proceeds of the doll to the nonprofit organizations Color of Change and WITNESS.
All my proceeds from #AvaBarbie will be sent from @Mattel to @ColorOfChange + @WitnessOrg. A fun way to support. xo! pic.twitter.com/O4Z5zl5els
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) December 6, 2015
It’s unclear exactly where you can buy the dolls or how many will be available. Mattel Toys said on Twitter that further details would be published Monday.
Fans of DuVernay, the first African-American woman to direct a movie nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, took to Twitter to praise the move, as the #AvaBarbie hashtag trended:
#AvaBarbie is so amazing. proud @Mattel is letting millions of girls see they can be anything they want.
— gina (@ambreignslee) December 7, 2015
In spite of the fact that I am 40ish, I will be buying an #AvaBarbie. Because…its @AVAETC! No further explanation needed!
— Dr. K. Farris (@educatedbrngirl) December 6, 2015
I need that #AvaBarbie like I need air. #AYearWithWomen
— Ms. Marya E. Gates (@oldfilmsflicker) December 7, 2015
Even Barbie herself can’t wait:
We’re so excited to share that the @AVAETC #Barbie doll will be available tomorrow! Check back here for more details on how to get your doll
— Barbie (@Barbie) December 7, 2015
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