The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s icon Barney is gaining momentum. Produced by Mattel Films and Daniel Kaluuya’s 59% Productions, the film has secured Emmy and Golden Globe winner Ayo Edebiri to pen the screenplay and potentially star in the lead role. Since its initial announcement in 2019, this project has been shrouded in secrecy, with only hints about its direction. Kevin McKeon and Andrew Scannell from Mattel Films are overseeing the production, while Robbie Brenner and the team at 59% Productions are handling the creative aspects. This new take on Barney aims to appeal to an adult audience, focusing on the surreal and nostalgic elements that resonate with millennials who grew up watching the purple dinosaur.

Barney, a character that has charmed generations of children since his debut in 1988, became a global sensation through the PBS series "Barney & Friends," which ran for 14 seasons. In a recent interview, Mattel executive Kevin McKeon revealed that the live-action version would adopt a more mature and surrealistic tone, drawing inspiration from films by Charlie Kaufman and Spike Jonze. The movie will explore themes of millennial angst and the challenges faced by adults who grew up with Barney, offering a fresh perspective on the character. Despite the unconventional approach, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz assured that the film would remain entertaining and culturally relevant without veering into odd territory.

Edebiri, a rising star known for her roles in "The Bear" and her directorial work on the same series, brings both acting and writing expertise to the project. Her involvement adds a layer of excitement as she transitions from television to the big screen. With her DGA Award nomination for directing and her contributions to acclaimed series like "What We Do in the Shadows" and "Dickinson," Edebiri is poised to bring a unique voice to the Barney adaptation. Additionally, she recently voiced Envy in Pixar’s "Inside Out 2" and will appear in several upcoming films, including A24’s thriller "Opus" and Luca Guadagnino’s "After the Hunt."

Mattel, riding high on the success of "Barbie," is expanding its cinematic universe with projects like "Matchbox" and "Masters of the Universe." The company is also developing various other features based on its iconic properties, ensuring a steady stream of content that appeals to both nostalgia and contemporary audiences. As the live-action Barney movie progresses, fans can look forward to a reimagined story that captures the essence of the character while exploring new dimensions for an adult audience.