Ayo Edebiri, fresh off her Emmy-winning role in The Bear, has been tapped to write the screenplay for the upcoming Barney movie, a live-action reimagining of the beloved children’s character. Edebiri is also in talks to star in the film, adding another unexpected project to her already diverse portfolio. The film will be co-developed and produced by A24 and Daniel Kaluuya’s 59% Productions, in collaboration with Mattel Films, the IP owner behind Barney & Friends.
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While details about the storyline remain under wraps, the project has been in development since 2019, with Mattel hinting at a fresh take on Barney that will “surprise audiences and subvert expectations.” Producer Robbie Brenner previously suggested that the film will resonate with Millennial audiences, tapping into nostalgia while entertaining a new generation of viewers. Kevin McKeon of Mattel Films described it as an “A24-type” movie, initially implying a more artistic and introspective approach before later walking back those remarks.
Despite being a lead producer on the project, Daniel Kaluuya will not be starring in the film. Early speculation suggested he might take on an acting role, but sources have confirmed that he will remain behind the scenes, overseeing production alongside Rowan Riley for 59% Productions. The film is also being produced by Robbie Brenner for Mattel Films, with Kevin McKeon and Andrew Scannell managing the project on Mattel’s behalf.
Edebiri’s involvement in the Barney film further solidifies her rise as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents. In addition to her work on The Bear, she recently voiced Envy in Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and has upcoming roles in After the Hunt alongside Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield, as well as A24’s horror thriller Opus, which debuted at Sundance. Her screenwriting credits include Dickinson and What We Do in the Shadows, showcasing her range across different genres.
The new film aims to reintroduce Barney in a way that speaks to those who grew up with the purple dinosaur, exploring themes of nostalgia, childhood memories, and the passage of time. Kaluuya has described Barney as a “misunderstood” character who disappeared from the cultural sphere, and this project seeks to examine whether his core message of love and kindness still holds meaning in today’s world.
With A24 backing the film and Edebiri at the helm of its screenplay, Barney is shaping up to be a project that defies expectations. Whether it leans into the Millennial angst hinted at by Mattel or takes a more conventional approach, the film is already drawing attention as one of the most intriguing reimaginings in recent memory.
