Yes, Barney is getting a high-profile film treatment, but it’s probably not what you think. A24 has officially secured the rights to Daniel Kaluuya’s long-awaited Barney movie, with The Bear star Ayo Edebiri set to pen the script and potentially take on a leading role. The live-action feature, co-developed and produced by Mattel Films and Kaluuya’s 59% Productions, promises to take a daring, adult-oriented approach to the beloved children’s character.
It sounds interesting when you think of the take they are making with this film.
Get this: Kevin McKeon and Andrew Scannell will oversee the project for Mattel Films, with Robbie Brenner producing for the company. A24 is also on board as a producer, alongside Kaluuya and Rowan Riley for 59% Productions. First announced in 2019, the film has been described as a surrealistic take on the iconic purple dinosaur, targeting millennials rather than children.
During a 2023 interview with The New Yorker, McKeon revealed the film’s unique direction, stating, “We’re leaning into the Millennial angst of the property rather than fine-tuning this for kids. It’s really a play for adults. Not that it’s R-rated, but it’ll focus on some of the trials and tribulations of being 30-something, growing up with Barney—just the level of disenchantment within the generation.” He also emphasized the project’s artistic ambition, calling it an “A24-type” of film and adding, “It would be so daring of us, and really underscore that we’re here to make art.”
In case you need a refresher, Barney, who first debuted in 1988, became a cultural phenomenon during his 14-season run on PBS, which ended in 2010. Mattel Films aims to reimagine the character for a new era. Its mission is to “collaborate with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences.”
As you can imagine, with Edebiri’s sharp comedic talent and Kaluuya’s visionary production style, the Barney movie is shaping up to be a bold, unconventional reimagining of a childhood staple, blending nostalgia with a fresh, adult perspective. As the project progresses, fans eagerly await more details about this ambitious cinematic venture.