Yep you read that right. Daniel Kaluuya who previously starred in GET OUT and played W’Kabi in Black Panther is now working on a Barney movie. He is producing with his production company 59% along with Rowan Riley and Amanda Crichlow. Also producing are David Carrico, Adam Paulsen and Bobby Hoppey for Valparaiso. Kevin McKeon is overseeing for Mattel.
Currently there is no studio attached to this but with all of the other Mattel movies coming out soon it comes as no surprise that this would be on the docket. Barney was beloved by millions and had many straight to video movies that have come out over the years. Parents who grew up watching the purple dinosaur still buy DVDs or search out YouTube videos of the friendly character to show their children.
Kaluuya said about the project, “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.”
Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner said, “Working with Daniel Kaluuya will enable us to take a completely new approach to Barney that will surprise audiences and subvert expectations. The project will speak to the nostalgia of the brand in a way that will resonate with adults, while entertaining today’s kids.”
“Barney is a dinosaur from our imagination, and we can’t wait to get ‘I love you, you love me’ stuck in heads everywhere, yet again,” said Carrico of Valparaiso Pictures.
Other Mattel properties that have feature films coming out are Hot Wheels, Masters of the Universe and Barbie. More info for the Barney film to come at a later date. Stay Tuned!
