The beloved purple dinosaur is heading to the big screen in a fresh and innovative way. Mattel Films, Daniel Kaluuya’s 59% Productions, and A24 have officially announced the development of a live-action Barney movie, with Emmy-winning actress, writer, and producer Ayo Edebiri attached to write the screenplay. Edebiri, best known for her roles in The Bear, Bottoms, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, is also in talks to star in the highly anticipated project.
A Bold and Unique Reimagining of Barney
The Barney movie is expected to take a fresh approach to the iconic character, introducing a modernized version of the beloved dinosaur which became a global phenomenon in the 1990s and early 2000s. While exact plot details remain under wraps, previous statements from Mattel Films suggest that the film will be a “surrealistic” and “existential” take on Barney’s legacy. This hints at a thought-provoking exploration of nostalgia, childhood, and the cultural impact of one of the most recognizable figures in children’s television history.
With A24 involved in the project, audiences can expect a film that balances heartfelt storytelling with the studio’s signature artistic and unconventional style. Ayo Edebiri’s involvement as a writer further solidifies the movie’s potential to bring a fresh and engaging perspective to the beloved character.
The Creative Team Behind the Project
The Barney live-action film is being co-developed and produced by Mattel Films and Daniel Kaluuya’s 59% Productions, with A24 joining as a producing partner. Key members of the production team include:
- Ayo Edebiri – Screenwriter (and potentially starring in the film)
- Kevin McKeon & Andrew Scannell – Overseeing the project for Mattel Films
- Robbie Brenner – Producer for Mattel Films
- Daniel Kaluuya & Rowan Riley – Producers for 59% Productions
- A24 – Co-producing alongside Mattel
The involvement of Daniel Kaluuya’s 59% Productions adds another layer of excitement to the film’s development. Kaluuya, an Academy Award-winning actor and producer known for his work in Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah, and Nope, has expressed his interest in bringing deeper, meaningful stories to the screen. His production company aims to push creative boundaries, making the Barney project an intriguing addition to its slate.
The Cultural Legacy of Barney
Barney & Friends first debuted in 1988 and quickly became one of the most popular children’s television shows of all time. Running for 14 seasons on PBS before concluding in 2010, the show featured Barney, a friendly purple dinosaur, teaching children about kindness, friendship, and imagination through music and storytelling. With iconic songs like “I Love You, You Love Me,” Barney became a comforting and familiar presence in households around the world.
The upcoming film will reintroduce Barney to a new generation while also appealing to millennials and Gen Z audiences who grew up watching the show. Given Mattel Films’ emphasis on making movies that resonate with both past and present audiences, the film has the potential to strike a balance between nostalgia and fresh storytelling.
Mattel’s Growing Film Universe
The Barney movie is the latest addition to Mattel Films’ expanding slate of live-action adaptations of its iconic toy brands. Following the massive success of Barbie (2023), which grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide, Mattel has been developing a variety of film projects based on its properties, including:
- Polly Pocket (written and directed by Lena Dunham, starring Lily Collins)
- Hot Wheels (produced by J.J. Abrams)
- Masters of the Universe (set to stream on Netflix)
- American Girl, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, and more
As Mattel celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025, the company continues to push boundaries in storytelling, bringing its classic brands to life in ways that appeal to contemporary audiences while honoring their original legacy.
Why Ayo Edebiri is the Perfect Choice
Ayo Edebiri’s meteoric rise in Hollywood has made her one of the industry’s most sought-after creatives. Her work on The Bear earned her critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy, while her comedic and writing talents have been showcased in projects like Big Mouth, Abbott Elementary, and Bottoms. Edebiri’s ability to balance humor, heart, and emotional depth makes her an excellent choice to shape the Barney movie’s narrative.
Her involvement suggests that the film could explore themes of nostalgia, identity, and how childhood influences our adult lives. With her unique voice and storytelling skills, she has the potential to craft a script that speaks to both longtime Barney fans and new audiences discovering the character for the first time.
What’s Next for the Barney Movie?
With the project still in early development, additional details—including casting, the director, and a potential release date—are expected to be announced in the coming months. Given the powerhouse collaboration between Mattel, A24, and 59% Productions, anticipation is already building for how Barney will be reimagined for the big screen.
One thing is clear: this isn’t just another children’s movie. With an ambitious creative team and a fresh, innovative approach, the live-action Barney film has the potential to be both nostalgic and groundbreaking, offering something special for audiences of all ages.
The idea of a Barney movie may have initially surprised audiences, but with Ayo Edebiri at the helm as a writer and Daniel Kaluuya producing, the project is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing reboots in recent memory. Whether it leans into heartfelt nostalgia, deep existential themes, or a mix of both, the film is sure to bring a new dimension to the childhood icon.
With Mattel Films, A24, and 59% Productions behind the project, the Barney movie is set to be a bold and unexpected reinvention of a classic—one that could redefine how audiences view the purple dinosaur for years to come.
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