A ‘Barney’ movie is set to be the next in Mattel’s would-be “cinematic universe”
Suppose we were to liken the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to Mattel’s growing portfolio of live-action adaptations. In that case, we may have just found our ‘Iron Man 2’ – sorry ‘The Incredible Hulk,’ but we don’t count you. Succeeding Greta Gerwig’s upcoming ‘Barbie’ starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, is a ‘Barney’ movie spearheaded by ‘Get Out’ star Daniel Kaluuya.
We’re pretty sure that a live-action adaptation featuring the relics of our childhood was not something everyone was clamoring for. To be frank, even the mere attachment of these massive Hollywood personalities to these franchises seemed to lay outside the realm of possibilities. Nevertheless, it’s here and we’re all for it. Unexpected, sure, but it would be foolish to not even see what they have in store for us.
Here’s what we know so far about the ‘Barney’ movie:
Who’s leading production?
The film’s production is set to be led by Mattel Films, Daniel Kaluuya’s 59% Productions, and Valparaiso Pictures. Variety shares that joining to co-produce the project are Rowan Riley, Amandla Crichlow, David Carrico, Adam Paulsen, Bobby Hoppey, and Mattel Executive Kevin McKeon.
What will it be about?
Little is known about the plot of the upcoming ‘Barnie’ film, but it’s safe to say that it won’t be anything like we’ve seen from our purple friend. McKeon described the title as “surrealistic” to The New Yorker, further sharing that:
“We’re leaning into the millennial angst of the property rather than fine-tuning this for kids. It’s really a play for adults. Not that it’s R-rated, but it’ll focus on some of the trials and tribulations of being thirtysomething, growing up with Barney—just the level of disenchantment within the generation.”
He also described it as an “A24-type” film.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Kaluuya discussed why he undertook the project:
“Barney taught us, ‘I love you, you love me. Won’t you say you love me too?’ That’s one of the first songs I remember, and what happens when that isn’t true? I thought that was really heartbreaking. I have no idea why but it feels like that makes sense. It feels like there’s something unexpected that can be poignant but optimistic. Especially at this time now, I think that’s really, really needed.”
Back in 2019 when the film was first announced, Kaluuya also shared with The Hollywood Reporter that “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.”
It’s a tall task, imagining the fluffy purple dinosaur and his band of skittle-colored reptilians in live-action, let alone, taking them seriously. But with Kaluuya’s track record, he’s earned the benefit of the doubt.
In the early stages of development
Unfortunately this early on, that’s all there is to know about the upcoming film. Outside of production, nothing has been said about any directors, actors, and actresses coming on board. According however to i-D via The Smith Society podcast, Lee Sung Jin (‘Beef’ and ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’) will be writing the script.
“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,” said Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner via The Hollywood Reporter.
