Uncover the Surprising Resurgence of Discontinued Allan Dolls Amidst ‘Barbie’ Movie Craze

Michael Cera Warner Bros.

Greta Gerwig's Barbie film brought unexpected attention to a lesser-known character.

Since the movie's release on July 21, the resale prices of vintage Allan dolls have experienced a remarkable increase. Initially sold for $35 to $75 on eBay, these dolls, which Mattel discontinued shortly after their initial launch in 1964, are now being listed for as much as $300, according to TMZ.

Despite Allan's recent surge in popularity, Mattel is unlikely to reintroduce the doll to store shelves. In addition to Allan, Barbie showcases other lesser-known toys from the company, such as Pregnant Midge, Video Barbie, and Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken.

In the film, Michael Cera delivers a charming portrayal of the unique character Allan. He joins forces with Stereotypical Barbie (portrayed by Margot Robbie) and her companions to reclaim Barbieland from the leadership of the Kens, led by Ryan Gosling.

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Initially, Allan was promoted as “Ken’s pal,” leading certain fans to speculate a more profound connection between the two characters. In an interview preceding Barbie's release (and prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike causing a halt in promotions), Cera, aged 35, contemplated the nature of the bond shared by Allan and Ken.

Cera explained to ScreenRant that in the script, Allan's feelings towards Ken can be seen as an obsession or even love. He admires Ken and only wants what is best for him, even if it means being apart. Allan's actions can be seen as a form of devotion and longing.

Barbie's much-anticipated premiere received glowing reviews and set new box office records. The fantasy-filled adventure raked in an impressive $162 million on its opening weekend, surpassing Oppenheimer's earnings of approximately $82.4 million.

Although Cera had a minor role in the film, his character quickly became a favorite among fans. In an interview with The Guardian this month, he expressed his eagerness to be a part of the project. Cera admitted to standing on set in awe, constantly discovering new and delightful details. He described the experience as one of the most breathtaking things he has ever witnessed.

Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Greta Gerwig, Ryan Gosling, Margot Robbie, America Ferrera and Michael Cera. Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Known for her previous directorial works in Lady Bird (2017) and Little Women (2019), Gerwig's involvement in the movie Barbie might come as a surprise. However, it is important to remember that Gerwig has also showcased her acting skills in films like Frances Ha (2012) and Mistress America (2015).

When some film enthusiasts questioned Gerwig's decision as a potential sell-out, Cera came to her defense. In a recent interview with GQ UK, he reminded everyone that filmmaking is a capitalist venture, emphasizing the ultimate goal of creating a profitable return on investment rather than solely catering to artistic intentions.

Cera went on to praise Gerwig’s “attention to detail” during filming, saying, “It didn’t feel like playtime. It felt like the biggest amount of money I’ve ever seen spent.”