Ayo Edebiri to Write and Possibly Star in A24’s Bold New Take on “Barney”

Ayo Edebiri, star of “The Bear,” is setting her sights on bringing the beloved childhood character, Barney, to life.

The Emmy-winning actress has been tapped to pen the screenplay for A24’s live-action Barney flick. Showcasing her impecable range, Edebiri is also reportedly in talks of starring in the upcoming feature. This movie will find Edebiri aligned with Daniel Kaluuya’s 59% Productions, which is co-developing and producing with A24 and Mattel. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ayo Edebiri (@ayoedebiri)

Many of the intricate details such as plot and casting remain under lock and key, but Mattel Films’ producer Robbie Brenner, has promised a fresh and unexpected take.

“It will surprise audiences and subvert expectations,” he declared.

While fans are just not catching wind of this project, it has been in the works for several years now. Kaluuya, who has been involved with the film since at least 2019, said, “Barney was a ubiquitous figure in many of our childhoods, then he disappeared into the shadows, left misunderstood. 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.”

“Barney & Friends” is a childhood staple to many, debuting in 1992 and running for 14 seasons on PBS. It helped launch the careers of young stars who went on to become global sensations such as Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato. This film is part of Mattel’s push into live-action adaptations, following the massive success of 2023’s “Barbie.”