Sindy, the popular British doll that emerged from Pedigree Dolls & Toys in the 1960s as a rival to America’s iconic Barbie, may soon be singing her way onto the big-screen.
A2R2 Productions – the production company launched last Autumn by actor Archie Renaux and manager-producer Arjun Rose – has acquired rights to adapt Sindy and they’ve set plans for a “bold, feel-good live-action musical that mixes heart, humour and high fashion,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Rose, who dabbled in music with a live performance series called Laughing Boy that featured the likes of Ed Sheeran and Jessie J, will produce along with Renaux. The British talent was last seen on the big screen in Alien: Romulus. Daniel Hulme, a leader in the tech and artificial intelligence space who currently serves as chief AI officer at WPP, joins the team as executive producer.
“Introduced in 1963, Sindy became a best-seller in the UK. Sindy’s story only got more colourful and complicated from there as attempts were made to broaden her appeal by introducing her to the US market in the 1970s”
Introduced in 1963, Sindy became a best-seller in the UK. Sindy’s story only got more colourful and complicated from there as attempts were made to broaden her appeal by introducing her to the US market in the 1970s. Hasbro eventually bought the rights to Sindy, and subsequently gave the doll a makeover though that didn’t help to spur sales. According to online reports, Mattel, home to Barbie, filed a lawsuit alleging copyright infringement.
Pedigree regained ownership of Sindy, and the doll got a relaunch in January 1999. She got anniversary relaunches for her 40th and 60th birthdays. Per various reports, Sindy has sold north of 150 million dolls over the doll’s lifespan.
Matthew Reynolds of Pedigree said: “Sindy has a passionate and loyal following by millions of Sindy fans who are now parents and grandparents themselves. She is a trusted brand that represents all things good about their own childhood memories.”
