Mattel’s new live-action “Barney” film will lean into adults’ “millennial angst,” producer says

A live-action “Barney” film is headed for the massive display. However in keeping with one studio govt, it will not be for teenagers – it is for adults who grew up with the character. 

Producer Kevin McKeon informed The New Yorker that the challenge – which is ready to be produced by Mattel and Daniel Kaluuya, recognized for his starring roles in “Get Out,” “Nope” and “Black Panther” – might be “surrealistic.” 

“We’re leaning into the millennial angst of the property slightly than fine-tuning this for teenagers,” he mentioned. “It is actually a play for adults. Not that it is R-rated, however it’ll concentrate on among the trials and tribulations of being thirtysomething, rising up with Barney – simply the extent of disenchantment inside the era.” 

“Barney & Mates” got here out in April 1992, making Barney’s first followers those that are actually of their 30s. The character is understood for his optimism, giggle and academic messages, in addition to his “I Love You” music. 

McKeon did not present any extra particulars to The New Yorker in regards to the live-action movie’s plot, however mentioned the thought he had pitched set the film up as an “A24-type” movie, seemingly saying it may have an analogous tone to suave unbiased movies like “The Whale,” “Aftersun,” “Our bodies Our bodies Our bodies” and “The whole lot In all places All At As soon as.” 

“It will be so daring of us, and actually underscore that we’re right here to make artwork,” McKeon informed the journal. 

Robbie Brenner of Mattel Movies additionally hinted on the new film’s uncommon method to the character within the firm’s 2019 announcement of the challenge. 

“Working with Daniel Kaluuya will allow us to take a totally new method to ‘Barney’ that may shock audiences and subvert expectations,” he mentioned. “The challenge will communicate to the nostalgia of the model in a approach that may resonate with adults, whereas entertaining at this time’s youngsters.”

Earlier this yr, Mattel revealed a first-look of a brand new digital Barney as the corporate relaunches the franchise forward of the live-action movie, which doesn’t but have a launch date. The brand new animated Barney will debut in 2024 and is predicted to be a sequence that options the dinosaur and his buddies happening adventures “centered on love, group and encouragement.”