Barney finds a home with A24

Ayo Edebiri is set to write and possibly star in a live-action Barney movie, co-developed and produced by Mattel Films and Daniel Kaluuya's 59% Productions. The film, overseen by Kevin McKeon and Andrew Scannell for Mattel Films, will also be produced by A24, Robbie Brenner, Daniel Kaluuya, and Rowan Riley.

“We’re leaning into the Millennial angst of the property rather than fine-tuning this for kids,” McKeon stated. “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 30-something, growing up with Barney—just the level of disenchantment within the generation.”

A24 landing the movie is a full-circle moment as McKeon also said that the project was “A24-type” of film, expounding, “It would be so daring of us, and really underscore that we’re here to make art.”

Barney first debuted in 1988 and ran for 14 seasons on PBS before ending in 2010. Mattel Films states that its vision is to “collaborate with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and  appeal to global audiences.”