Burger King Hunchback Of Notre Dame Dolls
Introduction
Burger King is a fast-food chain known for its delicious burgers, fries, and shakes. However, in 1996, the company made headlines for a different reason. Burger King launched a new marketing campaign featuring a set of dolls inspired by the movie "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." The dolls were available with the purchase of a value meal, and the move sparked controversy and backlash in the community.
The Dolls
The set of dolls consisted of four characters from the movie: Quasimodo, Esmeralda, Phoebus, and Frollo. The dolls were designed to be a collectible item for children, but they also served an ulterior motive - to promote the movie and increase Burger King's sales.
The Controversy
Many parents and activists were outraged by Burger King's marketing move. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a dark and mature movie, with themes of violence, discrimination, and abuse. The dolls were seen as inappropriate for children, and the promotion was seen as a way to profit from a controversial movie.
The Response
Burger King defended its campaign, stating that the dolls were not intended for young children, but for collectors and fans of the movie. The company also emphasized that the dolls were not violent or inappropriate, but rather represented the positive and heroic aspects of the characters. However, the damage was done, and the campaign was seen as a misstep by many.
The Legacy
The Hunchback of Notre Dame dolls are now considered a collector's item and a rare piece of fast-food memorabilia. Despite the controversy, the dolls remain a part of Burger King's history and a reminder of the power of marketing campaigns.
Conclusion
The Burger King Hunchback of Notre Dame dolls are a prime example of a controversial marketing move. Although the dolls were intended to promote a movie and increase sales, they sparked outrage and backlash from the community. The legacy of the dolls serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible marketing and the consequences of missteps.