The live-action Barney film may provide a heartbreaking spin on the series' most famous song.
"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?" producer Daniel Kaluuya told Entertainment Weekly. "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."
The theatrical adaptation was announced back in 2019. No casting details or release date have been announced, and plot details are scarce. Producer David Carrico hopes it will "get 'I love you, you love me' stuck in heads everywhere, yet again."
Black Panther and Get Out's Daniel Kaluuya said at the time, "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."
"Working with Daniel Kaluuya will enable us to take a completely new approach to Barney that will surprise audiences and subvert expectations," Robbie Brenner, head of Mattel films, previously said.
Created by Sheryl Leach, Barney is a stuffed purple and green Tyrannosaurus rex doll who comes to life to offer educational and inspirational messages to kids. The children's series Barney & Friends ran from 1992-2009 for a total of 14 seasons and 268 episodes.
Barney is the latest Mattel property to get the movie-treatment, including View-Master, Barbie, Hot Wheels and American Girl.
Like Barney, news about these films has remained limited. View-Master was also announced back in 2019 but has yet to sign a director or screenwriter to take on the project. Birds of Prey's Margot Robbie was confirmed to star in the Barbie film back in 2019, but no new developments have been announced since then. Meanwhile, Hot Wheels hired Neil Widener and Gavin James to write the scrip just a few weeks ago.
Produced by Daniel Kaluuya, David Carrico and Robbie Brenner, the untitled live-action Barney film does not have a release date.
Source: Entertainment Weekly