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Ayo Edebiri Crafts ‘Barney’ Film Pitch While Traveling in Asia

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US actress Ayo Edebiri attends the world premiere of Pixar's "Inside Out 2" at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, California on June 10, 2024.Ayo Edebiri
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Ayo Edebiri developed her pitch for the new adult-oriented ‘Barney’ movie during a month-long trip to Asia.

US actress Ayo Edebiri attends the world premiere of Pixar's "Inside Out 2" at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, California on June 10, 2024.Ayo Edebiri, known for The Bear, is stepping into a new creative role by writing—and possibly starring in—a live-action Barney movie, produced by Daniel Kaluuya in collaboration with A24 and Mattel Films. Edebiri developed her pitch while traveling in Asia, explaining to The Wall Street Journal: “I was just thinking of, what are the movies that I want to make? What are the things that make me excited?”

Unlike the original children’s series Barney & Friends (1992–2010), Mattel executive Kevin McKeon says this film will be “a play for adults,” exploring “the trials and tribulations of being thirtysomething, growing up with Barney,” and presenting a “surrealistic” tone similar to films by Charlie Kaufman and Spike Jonze.

While not R-rated, the movie aims to engage with the “level of disenchantment within the generation.” Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz adds the film is “fun, entertaining and culturally oriented” and “will not be an odd movie.” No release date has been announced.