Daniel Wu slams Barbie’s new Asian doll stereotypes

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Hong Kong actor Daniel Wu sharply criticized the new doll collection from Barbie on Sun (Jan. 21), alleging that the line deepens stereotypes about Asians.

The dolls were released after the global success of the "Barbie" film, a 2023 collaboration between Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. The movie grossed over US＄1.4 billion, becoming the box office champion of the year.

Barbie recently launched a new doll series based on the "You Can Be Anything" theme, featuring a diverse range of ethnic groups and professions. The depiction of the Asian doll, appearing as a violinist or a panda doctor, has drawn strong criticism from Wu.

Wu expressed his concerns on Weibo saying, "I strongly support diversity. But an Asian Barbie that only offers the options of a violinist or a panda doctor? That sounds more like 'you can be anything your Asian parents want you to be.'"

Wu's Weibo post has sparked a wave of online support, with many online users echoing his view. Some believe the doll design reflects a lack of understanding of Asians by the toy's creators.