Remember a few eld back , when movie fan shared a collective gasp over the really bizarre news that indie darlingGreta Gerwig was going to maketheBarbiemovie ? This is sort of that same feeling . We already experience that Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya , hotshot ofBlack PantherandGet Out , would be involve inMattel ’s big - screenBarneyadaptation ; he ’s been part of itsince 2019 . But the former name to room the project has us even more intrigued : Ayo Edebiri ofThe Bear , Bottoms , andInside Out 2 .

Oh , also , Barneyis snuff it to be an A24 moving-picture show ? I lie with you , you love me , andyou have my care . According to a press release shared today , Edebiri is not only in talks to asterisk alongside Kaluuya in the alive - natural action movie , she ’d also be writing the script . The film is a co - product of Mattel Films , Kaluuya ’s 59 % Productions , and A24 .

There are no further updates beyond Ediberi joining Team Purple Dinosaur , though the outlet does cue us that Barney the character has been around since 1988 ( the PBS seriesBarney & Friendsended in 2010 ) , and promises that “ Mattel Films ’ visual sense is to collaborate with leading filmmakers to make standout caliber picture found on our iconic brand that will vibrate in civilisation and attract to global audience . ”

Ayo

© Rachell Smith

With Gerwig so far seemingly loath to make a follow - up to the billion - dollarBarbie , it seems potential the companionship seesBarneyas another way to give that sweet spot of criticalandbox - power succeeder . While there are no details about Edebiri ’s script , we do screw she has a strong background signal in drollery writing ( her bona fides include the brain - melting “ Private School ” instalment ofWhat We Do in the Shadows ) .

And we ’ve had some breadcrumb over the twelvemonth as to what to expect fromBarney , though of form Edebiri will be bestow her own revenue stamp to it . In 2019 , pre - Barbie , Kaluuya notedthat “ Barney was a omnipresent build in many of our childhood , then he disappeared into the shadows , left misunderstood . We ’re excited to research this compelling modern - day Italian sandwich and see if his message of ‘ I love you , you bang me ’ can stand the trial of time . ”

Then , in 2023 , post - Barbie , the CEO of Mattelpromised that“It will not be an odd motion picture . I can tell you we are study a refreshing glide slope that will be fun , entertaining , and culturally oriented . ” This curious instruction came a few months after Mattel execs tease thatBarneywould “ lean into the millennial angst ” of the property that will “ concentrate on some of the trials and trial of being thirtysomething , originate up with Barney – just the degree of disillusionment within the generation , ” as well as making comparisons to more meta , surreal , and inventive films likeBeing John MalkovichorAdaptation .

Tina Romero Instagram

Or … Barbie ? There ’s no word yet on whenBarneymight hit theaters , but we ’re hope for both “ odd”and“fun , entertaining , and culturally tailor . ” What are your idea on this latestBarneydevelopment ?

Want more io9 news show ? Check out when to gestate the latestMarvel , Star Wars , andStar Trekreleases , what ’s next for theDC Universe on film and TV , and everything you necessitate to know about the future ofDoctor Who .

A24Ayo EdebiriBarneyDaniel KaluuyaMattel

Dummy

Daily Newsletter

Get the good tech , science , and culture news in your inbox day by day .

News from the future , render to your nowadays .

You May Also Like

James Cameron Underwater

Anker Solix C1000 Bag

Naomi 3

Sony 1000xm5

NOAA GOES-19 Caribbean SAL

Ballerina Interview

Tina Romero Instagram

Dummy

James Cameron Underwater

Anker Solix C1000 Bag

Oppo Find X8 Ultra Review

Best Gadgets of May 2025

Steam Deck Clair Obscur Geforce Now

Breville Paradice 9 Review