A24’s live-action “Barney” movie has found its writer, and possibly its star in Emmy-winner Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”). This adaptation of the beloved children’s show is being co-developed and produced by A24, Daniel Kaluuya’s 59% Productions, and IP owner Mattel Films. Despite Kaluuya being a lead producer on the film, at this time it seems he will not be starring in it.
The studios have confirmed that Edebiri is penning the screenplay for “Barney” and is in talks to star as well. However, at this time, plot details are being kept under wraps.
Producers for the project include Kevin McKeon and Andrew Scannell for Mattel Films. Robbie Brenner will serve as producer for Mattel Films with A24. Kaluuya and Rowan Riley are producing for 59% Productions.
The purple dinosaur-hosted children’s TV series “Barney & Friends” first aired on PBS in 1988. It ran for 14 seasons until it ended in November 2010.
What This Version of “Barney” May Look Like
This live-action film adaptation was first announced in November 2019. At the time Brenner said that working with Kaluuya would allow the studio “to take a completely new approach to ‘Barney’ that will surprise audiences and subvert expectations.”
Mattel chief franchise officer Josh Silverman has teased that the film’s plot differs from Max’s new animated reboot of the franchise.
“We’re very much hand in glove and in concert,” Silverman told Variety last October. “And Robbie Brenner, who leads our film division, who’s just incredible, she and I spent a ton of time together talking about this. We want to have a clear narrative. In the case here, the ‘Barney’ film will be what it’s ultimately going to be, and this show, we felt that, we want to remain consistent to the authenticity. That’s really, really important. If it’s not authentic, we’re not going to do it. We want to remain consistent to the authenticity, the DNA of “Barney,” but we also want to modernize.”
We’ll keep you posted on updates about the live-action “Barney” movie as it develops.
