Another Mattel franchise is coming to the big screen. With films like Hot Wheels, Barbie and more in development, a Barney film is now in the works form Mattel and Daniel Kaluuya.

It is based on the purple dinosaur and classic children’s character from Barney & Friends that ran from 1992-2009.

Kaluuya is producing through his production company, 59%. Other producers are Rowan Riley, Amandla Crichlow, David Carrico, Adam Paulsen and Bobby Hoppey. Kevin McKeon is overseeing for Mattel. No studio is currently attached to the project, but 59% has a first-look deal with Paramount Players.

“Barney was a ubiquitous figure in many of our childhoods, then he disappeared into the shadows, left misunderstood. 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,” said Kaluuya in a statement.

“Working with Daniel Kaluuya will enable us to take a completely new approach to Barney that will surprise audiences and subvert expectations. The project will speak to the nostalgia of the brand in a way that will resonate with adults, while entertaining today’s kids,” said Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner.

“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 Carrico of Valparaiso Pictures.

A He-Man movie from Mattel has Noah Centineo attached to star and the Barbie film has Margot Robbie set to star with Greta Gerwig, and Noah Baumbach on the writing and directing team.

 

READ MORE:

Daniel Kaluuya’s Production Company, 59%, Inks First-Look Deal With Paramount Players

 

Photo: Mattel/Getty

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