# Barbie in the Nutcracker Netflix special production

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/barbie-in-the-nutcracker-netflix-special-production
> Updated: 2026-09-16T20:38:21.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Mattel and Netflix announced a collaboration for a new animated television special, ‘Barbie in the Nutcracker’, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the original 2001 film. Scheduled for release in November 2026, the special features a modern plot where Barbie characters Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy attempt to rescue Ken the Nutcracker from the Rat King.

Debbie Allen is serving as co-executive producer and choreographer, blending classical ballet with contemporary hip hop. Following the announcement of the project, it was noted that the special will feature a posthumous voice performance by the late British actor Tim Curry, who will portray the Rat King’s Father. Curry previously voiced the Mouse King in the original 2001 production.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: Tim Curry to appear posthumously in new Netflix Barbie special

Netflix will release a new ‘Barbie in the Nutcracker’ animated special featuring a posthumous voice performance by the late actor Tim Curry.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tim-curry-to-appear-posthumously-in-new-netflix-barbie-special

### 2026-09-14: Mattel and Netflix announce new Barbie in the Nutcracker special

Mattel and Netflix will release a new ‘Barbie in the Nutcracker’ animated special in November 2026 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original film.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mattel-and-netflix-announce-new-barbie-in-the-nutcracker-special

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Cite as: Barbie in the Nutcracker Netflix special production. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/barbie-in-the-nutcracker-netflix-special-production