This is not a joke, Daniel Kaluuya, is making a film about the Barney the dinosaur, best known as the star of the children’s show Barney & Friends.
Today Variety announced that actor Daniel Kaluuya under his newly formed production banner 59% is collaborating with Mattel Film to create a Barney movie. This is in fact the same Barney known for that earworm song: “I love you, you love me, we’re a happy family…”
You know how the rest goes.
In a statement Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner had this to say:
“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.”
Daniel added that how much of a fan he is of Barney and its impact on kids.
“Barney was a ubiquitous figure in many of our childhoods, then he disappeared into the shadows, left misunderstood,” said Kaluuya. “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.”
No additional information on filming or a release date has been set.