Daniel Kaluuya And Mattel Films To Produce Live-Action “Barney” Movie

A “Barney” live-action film is in the works, and it’s going to be brought to life by #DanielKaluuya and #Mattel Films.

Our favorite purple dinosaur graced our screens from 1992 to 2009 in the hit PBS series “Barney & Friends.” Now the childhood figure is coming back in a new project produced by Kaluuya through his newly formed 59% banner, along with Rowan Riley and Amandla Crichlow, as well as David Carrico, Adam Paulsen and Bobby Hoppey for Valparaiso (Sound of Silence).

Kevin McKeon will oversee for Mattel. The project does not have a studio attached, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “Barney was a ubiquitous figure in many of our childhoods, then he disappeared into the shadows, left misunderstood,” said Kaluuya.

“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.” he continued. “Working with Daniel Kaluuya will enable us to take a completely new approach to Barney that will surprise audiences and subvert expectations,” added Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner. “The project will speak to the nostalgia of the brand in a way that will resonate with adults while entertaining today’s kids.” 

“Barney will join other Mattel properties that are currently being developed as features, including Hot Wheels, Masters of the Universe and Barbie, the latter of which is set up at Warner Bros. and has Margot Robbie, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach attached. “It’s really about looking at these brands and saying, ‘How do I take the core message that speaks to people and sort of flip it on its head and make it interesting?'” said Brenner, who was photographed Feb. 21 in her El Segundo office.