Looks like Academy Award-nominee Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Black Panther) loves Barney.
Mattel, Inc. and production companies 59% and Valparaiso Pictures announced a partnership to develop a live-action motion picture based on Barney, Mattel’s iconic lovable, purple dinosaur.
Mattel Films will co-produce Barney alongside Academy Award-nominee Kaluuya, Rowan Riley and Amandla Crichlow at 59%, as well as Valparaiso’s David Carrico, Adam Paulsen and Bobby Hoppey. Kevin McKeon will also shepherd the project for Mattel Films.
Barney represents the first partnership between the production companies and Mattel Films.
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“Working with Daniel Kaluuya will enable us to take a completely new approach to ‘Barney’ that will surprise audiences and subvert expectations,” said Robbie Brenner, Mattel Films. “The project will speak to the nostalgia of the brand in a way that will resonate with adults, while entertaining today’s kids.”
“Barney was a ubiquitous figure in many of our childhoods, then he disappeared into the shadows, left misunderstood,” said Daniel Kaluuya, 59%. “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.”
“Barney is a dinosaur from our imagination, and we can’t wait to get ‘I love you, you love me’ stuck in heads everywhere, yet again,” said David Carrico, Valparaiso Pictures.
“Barney” will join other Mattel Films projects in development, including ones based on Barbie, Hot Wheels, Masters of the Universe, American Girl, View Master, Magic 8 Ball and Major Matt Mason.
Tom Hanks and members of the Reel 360 team share a passion for Major Matt Mason.
SOURCE: Mattel
