Revamped characters

US company Mars will update the look of the characters used in its M&M's chocolate advertisements, making them more modern and inclusive. A statement to this effect has been published on the Mars website.

As noted by NBC TV, the colour of "arms" and "legs" of M&M's characters has changed. Previously they were flesh-colored, but now the designers have decided to make them more neutral, close to white.

What's more, the footwear of some advertising characters, mostly female, has been changed. High-heeled boots, which were previously "worn" by the green candy, were replaced by trainers, while the brown candy's shoes got a lower and more comfortable heel. According to Mars spokesperson Jane Hwang, together the two characters will become "a force for supporting women".

In addition to the external changes, the voices and characters of the advertising characters have also been updated to be "more inclusive, welcoming and unifying". At the same time, the company promises that the characters will retain their inherent "wit and sense of humour". In addition, Edweek quoted Hwang as saying, M&M's characters will no longer be addressed to reflect their gender identity.