To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Not now
OK
Advert
Advert

M&Ms Redesigned In Attempt To Suit 'More Progressive World' After Criticism

Hannah Smith

Published 
| Last updated 

M&Ms Redesigned In Attempt To Suit 'More Progressive World' After Criticism

Featured Image Credit: Alamy/@mmschocolate/Twitter

(Alamy/@mmschocolate/Twitter)
(Alamy/@mmschocolate/Twitter)

The M&M characters are set to be given makeovers to fit in with a 'more dynamic, progressive world,' parent company Mars has announced.

The iconic characters - anthropomorphic versions of M&M sweets - are reportedly set to have new looks unveiled that focus on their 'personalities, rather than their gender,' after one of the characters was criticised for her 'sexy' appearance.

The green M&M, depicted as a female with false eyelashes and white heeled go-go boots, will be reintroduced with 'cool, laid-back sneakers to reflect her effortless confidence,' while ads will focus on her relationship with the other female character - the brown M&M - showing them 'together throwing shine and not shade.'

M and M characters (Alamy)
M and M characters (Alamy)

Since her introduction in 1997, the green M&M has courted controversy over her apparently suggestive nature, with a press release revealing the character ahead of her debut in a Super Bowl ad describing her as 'irresistible,' adding 'it's understandable how she adds credence to the rumor that her mere presence is a turn-on.'

The green M&M has also had an up-and-down relationship with the brown M&M in the past, with the two characters portrayed as oscillating between being rivals and friends - something Mars says it wishes to change to instead show a 'force supporting women.'

Now, Mars has changed tack, with the updated green M&M 'better represented to reflect confidence and empowerment, as a strong female, and known for much more than her boots,' per CBS.

 Sweets (Alamy)
Sweets (Alamy)

Meanwhile, the orange M&M - known for its anxious personality - is being altered to 'embrace his true self, worries and all,' with Mars claiming the character will resonate with Gen-Z customers, describing them as 'the most anxious generation.'

The red M&M is also getting an update to do away with his bully tendencies, with the character instead set to be a more supportive presence for his fellow characters, as the company seeks to promote 'self-expression and power of community.'

Versions of the M&M 'spokescandies' have been used in marketing campaigns since 1954, with the first CGI versions introduced in 1994. The spokescandies have been voiced by a number of different celebrities, including JK Simmons, who has voiced the yellow M&M since since 1996, Jon Lovitz, Vanessa Williams and David Cross.

It's not clear when the new characters will officially make their debut, though it's possible they'll make an appearance in a highly coveted Super Bowl slot next month.

If you have a story you want to tell, send it to UNILAD via [email protected]  

Topics: News, Food and Drink, Super Bowl, Life, US News

Hannah Smith
More like this

Chosen for YouChosen for You

News

Robert Irwin emotional as he discusses sister Bindi having ‘chocolate cyst’ removed

an hour ago

Most Read StoriesMost Read

The Little Mermaid has become the best fan-rated live-action Disney film of all time

11 hours ago