Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi is a Barbie doll!

Like many little girls, a young Kristi Yamaguchi loved playing with Barbie. With a schedule packed with ice skating practices, her Barbie dolls became her “best friends.” So, it’s surreal for the decorated Olympian figure skater to now be a Barbie girl herself.

“It’s a huge, huge honour. I think a lot of pride comes along with it, not just recognising the Olympic achievement, but also being recognised during AAPI Month and following in the footsteps of some incredible women that I idolise — Anna May Wong, Maya Angelou and Rosa Parks,” Yamaguchi said. Yamaguchi became the first Asian American to win an individual figure skating gold medal, at the 1992 Winter Olympics, and is now immortalised as a doll for Barbie’s “Inspiring Women Series”.

Disney’s upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King

Disney unveiled the first teaser trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King!, arriving in theatres on December 20.

Disney also announced an all-star roster of talent bringing new and fan-favourite characters to life —including Beyoncé Knowles-Carter who will voice Nala, and introducing her daughter Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala.

Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala — with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature shtick. In flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny.

Bluey shorts coming to Disney Jr., Disney+

Disney announced in a press release that 20 new Bluey Minisodes will premiere in July. Bluey is an Australian animated children’s programme that follows Bluey, an energetic and imaginative Blue Heeler puppy who lives with her parents, Bandit and Chilli, and little sister, Bingo.

Blue Minisodes highlight “funny and sweet moments featuring Bluey and Bingo, leaning into playful interactions and games that further explore the characters and world of Bluey,” an official description reads.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 1st, 2024