Ayo Edebiri Is Writing a Barney Movie—And It’s Not What You Think

Yes, you read that right. Emmy-winning The Bear star Ayo Edebiri is officially writing the screenplay for a live-action Barney movie —and she might even star in it. But this is not the same friendly purple dinosaur you grew up with. Produced by A24, Daniel Kaluuya’s 59% Productions, and Mattel Films, this reimagining is set to take Barney in a bold new direction.

While Kaluuya is leading the project as a producer, he will not be appearing on screen, leaving fans to speculate about how this fresh take will unfold. The film’s details remain tightly under wraps, but producer Robbie Brenner has hinted that "will surprise audiences and subvert expectations,” Entertainment Weekly quotes.

A Barney Movie Unlike Any Other

Originally announced in 2019, this project has been described as a complete reinvention of the Barney story. Mattel Films has promised that while the heart of Barney will remain, the movie will introduce a fresh, modern perspective, making it relevant to today’s audience. With powerhouse producers like Robbie Brenner and Josh Silverman involved, this is not just a nostalgic throwback—it is a daring, unexpected take on the childhood classic. Could this be a darker, more thought-provoking take on Barney?

Ayo Edebiri’s Hollywood Takeover

Edebiri is on fire. After winning an Emmy for The Bear, she has quickly become one of the most in-demand talents in Hollywood. She recently voiced a character in Pixar’s Inside Out 2, landed a role in Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt alongside Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield, and now—she is making a move into screenwriting with Barney.

Her involvement signals that this film is anything but ordinary. With her sharp wit and unique voice, this Barney movie is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing and unexpected projects in recent years.

Are you ready for a whole new Barney?