Bottoms’ Ayo Edebiri is set to write the screenplay for the new Barney live-action film and is also in talks to star in the movie.
In 2019, it was announced that there would be an adaptation of the popular show Barney & Friends. The children’s series was produced from 1992 to 2009 about an optimistic tyrannosaurus rex that teaches lessons about friendship through songs, dances and games. The series aired for 14 seasons before ending in November 2010.
The long-awaited film adaptation has been in the works for over seven years, and now, the first details are being released.
The film will be co-developed and produced by A24 and Daniel Kaluuya’s 59% Productions in partnership with Barney IP owner Mattel Films. When the project was first announced in November 2019, Mattel Films’ Robbie 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 executive Kevin McKeon described it as a “surrealistic” endeavour—an adult-orientated film that will “focus on some of the trials and tribulations of being 30-something, growing up with Barney—just the level of disenchantment within the generation.”
With that said, the movie adaptation is expected to offer a combination of the authenticity of the original show and an additional modern touch. Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz has assured that it will “not be an odd movie”.
“We want to have a clear narrative,” Mattel’s chief franchise officer Josh Silverman said in an interview with Variety. “That’s really, really important. If it’s not authentic, we’re not going to do it. We want to remain consistent to the DNA of Barney, but we also want to modernize.”
Also known for her Emmy-winning role on FX’s The Bear, Edebiri recently voiced Envy in Pixar’s Inside Out 2. She also stars in upcoming films, such as the psychological thriller Opus, which is expected to be released on March 14.
With more details yet to be released, Ayo Edebiri’s contribution to Barney certainly sounds promising.
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