American Girl’s 40th Anniversary Redesign Faces Significant Fan Backlash

American Girl is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a significant redesign of its cherished historical dolls, sparking immediate backlash on social media.

The Mattel-owned brand announced the launch of its new “Modern Era Collection,” which reimagines six of its most iconic characters. These dolls now feature contemporary outfits and a smaller 14.5-inch frame, a departure from the traditional 18-inch dolls, as detailed in a news release from Mattel.

“Discover the Modern Era Collection of 14.5-inch dolls and fashions — Felicity, Addy, Molly, Kirsten, Samantha, and Josefina reimagined for today,” the American Girl website states.

AUTISTIC BARBIE JOINS MATTEL DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION LINE

From left, Felicity Merriman, Josefina Montoya, Kirsten Larson, Addy Walker, Samantha Parkington, and Molly McIntire from American Girl’s new “Modern Era Collection.” (Mattel)

The collection features:

• Samantha Parkington, whose story is set in 1904, styled in bows and a plaid skirt.
• Addy Walker, from 1864, wearing a pink and blue dress along with accessories inspired by her heritage.
• Molly McIntire, set in 1944, sporting glasses, a blue skirt, and a beret.
• Josefina Montoya, whose character is set in 1824, dressed in ruffled crimson shorts and cowgirl boots.
• Felicity Merriman, from 1774, featuring a rose-print shirt and jeans.
• Kirsten Larson, inspired by her 1854 prairie story, styled in a blue floral dress and red shoes.

Each doll retails for $90 and is available for pre-sale, with shipments expected by May 1, as noted on the American Girl website.

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Many fans have taken to social media to argue that the redesign missed the mark. (Mattel)

Many fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment with the redesign.

“Holy corporate these look so cheap,” one Instagram user commented under the brand’s announcement post.

“Do y’all even ask people what they want to buy?” another user questioned.

“What?? Nooo, this ruins the whole point of the historical dolls!!” a third user lamented.

“Nooooo, we like the classics and want the old outfits back,” another commenter urged. “Listen to your millennial followers who are now buying stuff for their daughters.”

ICONIC TOY MAKER ‘CAPITALIZING’ ON NEW INDUSTRY TRENDS: ‘GAME PLAY IS HERE TO STAY’

The American Girl store at Rockefeller Center in New York City. (Plexi Images/GHI/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)

American Girl’s historical dolls feature fictional 9- to 12-year-old characters from various periods in American history. These dolls are paired with books designed to teach history through the character’s perspective, according to the brand’s website.

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“As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue evolving for the next generation while staying true to telling stories that act as both windows and mirrors, empowering girls to see themselves as the heroines of their own story,” said Jamie Cygielman, global head of dolls at Mattel, in a statement.

Mattel and American Girl did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

American Girl is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a significant redesign of its cherished historical dolls, sparking immediate backlash on social media.

The Mattel-owned brand announced the launch of its new “Modern Era Collection,” which reimagines six of its most iconic characters. These dolls now feature contemporary outfits and a smaller 14.5-inch frame, a departure from the traditional 18-inch dolls, as detailed in a news release from Mattel.

“Discover the Modern Era Collection of 14.5-inch dolls and fashions — Felicity, Addy, Molly, Kirsten, Samantha, and Josefina reimagined for today,” the American Girl website states.

AUTISTIC BARBIE JOINS MATTEL DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION LINE

From left, Felicity Merriman, Josefina Montoya, Kirsten Larson, Addy Walker, Samantha Parkington, and Molly McIntire from American Girl’s new “Modern Era Collection.” (Mattel)

The collection features:

• Samantha Parkington, whose story is set in 1904, styled in bows and a plaid skirt.
• Addy Walker, from 1864, wearing a pink and blue dress along with accessories inspired by her heritage.
• Molly McIntire, set in 1944, sporting glasses, a blue skirt, and a beret.
• Josefina Montoya, whose character is set in 1824, dressed in ruffled crimson shorts and cowgirl boots.
• Felicity Merriman, from 1774, featuring a rose-print shirt and jeans.
• Kirsten Larson, inspired by her 1854 prairie story, styled in a blue floral dress and red shoes.

Each doll retails for $90 and is available for pre-sale, with shipments expected by May 1, as noted on the American Girl website.

BARBIE MAKER MATTEL RAISES PRICES AMID TRUMP TARIFF FIGHT

Many fans have taken to social media to argue that the redesign missed the mark. (Mattel)

Many fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment with the redesign.

“Holy corporate these look so cheap,” one Instagram user commented under the brand’s announcement post.

“Do y’all even ask people what they want to buy?” another user questioned.

“What?? Nooo, this ruins the whole point of the historical dolls!!” a third user lamented.

“Nooooo, we like the classics and want the old outfits back,” another commenter urged. “Listen to your millennial followers who are now buying stuff for their daughters.”

ICONIC TOY MAKER ‘CAPITALIZING’ ON NEW INDUSTRY TRENDS: ‘GAME PLAY IS HERE TO STAY’

The American Girl store at Rockefeller Center in New York City. (Plexi Images/GHI/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)

American Girl’s historical dolls feature fictional 9- to 12-year-old characters from various periods in American history. These dolls are paired with books designed to teach history through the character’s perspective, according to the brand’s website.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

“As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue evolving for the next generation while staying true to telling stories that act as both windows and mirrors, empowering girls to see themselves as the heroines of their own story,” said Jamie Cygielman, global head of dolls at Mattel, in a statement.

Mattel and American Girl did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.