In a surprising case of life imitating art, a movie set in Mexico City during ía de Muertos had a tremendous influence on how the holiday is celebrated in Mexico and the United States. Sam Mendes, the directo of the 2015 movie Spectre, wanted a big, cinematic procession as a setting for a chase scent. However, Mexico City did not celebrate Día de Muertos with a parade. A parade was planned and assembled just for the movie, and over 250,000 people turned out to watch it or participate in it. Since then, the Día de Muertos procession has become an annual event in Mexico City, and the practice has spread to other cities in Mexico and the United States.
Spectre (2015). Fair use. James Bond International Fan Club.
As Chicanx/Latinx culture becomes more prevalent in the United States, and the Chicanx/Latinx population grows, American entertainment companies have incorporated aspects of that culture's practices into the larger American mainstream. The 2017 Disney/Pixar animated film Coco is the most popular example. However, aspects of Día de Muertos practice have been incorporated into many films and shows before and after Coco's releast, including Frida (2002) and Spectre (2015). And in 2021, Mattel Creations released limited-edition Barbie and Ken Día de Muertos-themed dolls.
Lerner, S. (Sept. 7, 2021). A new Barbie is coming for Día de los Muertos. Here's what it looks like and how to buy it. azcentral.com, https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/life/2021/09/07/barbie-doll-new-dia-de-los-muertos/5719830001/
James Bond International Fan Club. "Live and let live: Spectre's 'Day of the Dead' parade now real." (https://www.007.info/live-and-let-live-spectres-day-of-dead-parade-now-real)
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