Build-A-Bear Called Out for Selling Deadpool Bear
Stuffed animals are practically a staple for children, and this latest option is definitely turning heads. Build-A-Bear now has a Deadpool bear that's sparking a bit of controversy given how inappropriate the character is for children.
Deadpool is a Marvel character who's an antihero that does what he wants and says whatever he feels.
Ryan Reynolds brought this character to life on the big screen, playing Wade Wilson (Deadpool), a former special forces op who's diagnosed with terminal cancer. He's offered a cure that painfully triggers dormant mutant genes, resulting in a more disfigured look. Though Deadpool slices and dices bad guys, he's not super keen on being known as a good guy.
A guy with a potty mouth and wisecracks?
Sounds more like him.
And it looks like Build-A-Bear is celebrating with an exclusive bear.
"Here comes Build-A-Bear as Deadpool!" the listing reads on the website. "This action-packed character is outrageously fun as an online exclusive collector's item. He even comes with a plush sword accessory set that can attach to his back or wrists. Build-A-Bear as Deadpool is a wacky, zany and mouthy hero that’s a must-have for your collection!"
Welp, lots of folks feel Build-A-Bear is being inappropriate offering such a bear.
The reaction is crystal clear: A number of people aren't here for it and are calling out the children's retailer for selling a bear based on an R-rated superhero who cusses, kills, and maims.
(In case you're curious, Deadpool is definitely not the movie to watch with little ones.)
Others, however, see nothing wrong and think critics need to calm down.
To clarify, this Deadpool-inspired bear will not be sold in Build-A-Bear stores. It's something offered on its website, so the chances of your little one running across Simba and this Marvel antihero are very slim to none.
Is this really that big of a deal?
Although parents have every right to think Deadpool is an inappropriate movie, is Build-A-Bear wrong for offering this bear on its website? Plus, if some children aren't being shown films from this franchise, will they even know what it is -- or why some folks have issue with it?