The Barney Film Is Coming, & It Actually Sounds… Good?

Ayo Edebiri, star of Disney+ series The Bear, is set to write the screenplay for the upcoming live-action Barney film and is in talks to lead the cast.

This exciting project marks a collaboration between Mattel Films, Daniel Kaluuya’s 59% Productions, and A24, promising a fresh take on the beloved purple dinosaur. Here’s everything we know so far.

Kaluuya, known for his standout performances in Get Out and Black Panther, is attached as a producer for the film and has confirmed he will not act in it. His production company aims to bring a modern perspective to Barney, a character that many millennials fondly remember from the long-running children’s show, Barney and Friends, which aired from 1992 to 2009.

In a statement about the project, Kaluuya explained the significance of reviving Barney for a new generation. “Barney was a ubiquitous figure in many of our childhoods, then he disappeared into the shadows, left misunderstood,” he remarked. “We’re excited to explore this compelling modern-day hero and see if his message of ‘I love you, you love me’ can stand the test of time.” This approach indicates a desire to delve deeper into Barney’s character and relevance today.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kaluuya (@danielkaluuya)

Robbie Brenner from Mattel Films echoed Kaluuya’s sentiment, expressing confidence in his ability to craft a story that resonates across age groups. “Working with Daniel Kaluuya will enable us to take a completely new approach to Barney that will surprise audiences and subvert expectations,” she stated. The goal is to create a narrative that not only appeals to children but also captures the nostalgia of adults who grew up with the character.

The project has been in development since 2019 and aims to break the mould of typical children’s films. By drawing inspiration from the successes of The Lego Movie and Barbie, which seamlessly blend entertainment with impactful storytelling, the creative team behind Barney hopes to find a unique angle that offers both fun and depth. “We want to remain consistent to the authenticity, the DNA of Barney, but we also want to modernise,” said Mattel’s Chief Franchise Officer, Josh Silverman, hinting at a fresh yet familiar take on the character.

Plot details are currently under wraps, but early insights suggest that this reimagined Barney will differ significantly from the version many remember. Silverman mentioned that they are striving to create something innovative while staying true to what made Barney beloved. The involvement of A24, known for producing critically acclaimed films, further heightens expectations for a sophisticated and layered narrative.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ayo Edebiri (@ayoedebiri)

With Edebiri’s sharp comedic and dramatic talents, the project is poised to be anything but ordinary. At just 28 years old, Edebiri has already made a name for herself in Hollywood, and her involvement as both writer and potential star raises the bar for this adaptation.

While the film does not yet have a production start date or release schedule, fans are eagerly anticipating this modern take on Barney. With its aim to reintroduce the character in a new light, the upcoming movie promises to deliver a fresh narrative that celebrates the timeless messages of love and friendship, all while engaging today’s audiences.

As excitement builds, one thing is certain: Barney is making a comeback, and he is set to shine in 2025 with a revitalised presence that will resonate with both old fans and new.

Words by Alyssa O’Sullivan