Not too much is known about the forthcoming film from Mattel Films Barney Film starring Daniel Kaluuya, a Mattel executive has revealed it will feel similar to an A24 project.
Not too much is known about the forthcoming film from Mattel Films Barney Film starring Daniel Kaluuya, a Mattel executive has revealed it will feel similar to an A24 project.
Speak with The New Yorker (above meeting), Mattel CEO and Vice President of Film Production Kevin McKeon spoke about the mysterious project. According to McKeon, the film will be “surrealistic,” with McKeon saying the film will be based on projects by directors Charlie Kaufman or Spike Jonze and will be an “A24-style” project.
“We’re taking a cue from the property’s millennial angst rather than refining it for kids,” McKeon said. “It’s really a play for grown-ups. Not that it would be appropriate for R-rated films, but it will focus on some of the problems and difficulties of being in your thirties and growing up with Barney – just the level of disenchantment within the generation .”
What do we know about the upcoming Barney movie?
Not much is currently known about the upcoming movie other than the fact that Kaluuya will star in it. Unlike the original television series, in which Barney teaches children love and compassion, this film aims to be “more heartbreaking,” Kaluuya said.
“Barney taught us, ‘I love you, you love me.’ Won’t you say you love me too?’ That’s one of the first songs I remember and what if that’s not true? I found that really heartbreaking,” Kaluuya said in a 2020 interview with EW about the project. “I have no idea why, but it feels like it makes sense. It feels like there’s something unexpected that can be poignant but upbeat. Especially at this time, I think it’s really, really necessary.”
“Barney & Friends” originally premiered on PBS in 1992, ran for 14 seasons and quickly became one of the biggest and most popular children’s television series of all time. Outside of Kaluuya’s upcoming project, a three-part documentary about the history of the character and the television series is scheduled to premiere on Peacock later this year.