FromThe Bearto Barney, Golden Globe Award winnerAyo Edebiriis in talks to star in the upcoming movie centered around everyone’s favorite purple dinosaur. The actress and comedian has already been signed on to pen the screenplay, which gives us a better idea of the tone of the live-action flick that’s being backed by A24. Yes, with every update, the project seems like more and more of a fever dream, but that’s just showbiz, baby. The movie is undoubtedly hoping to channel the excitement, audience, and cash reward that was garnered with 2023’sBarbie, although it’s not entirely clear whether Edebiri — or whoever ends up cast as the titular dino — will be under a costume or if some other nightmare situation will mold the two together.
Edebiri’s name isn’t the only big one attached to the upcoming project, withDaniel Kaluuyaset to back the title under his 59% banner alongsideRowan Riley. As one could expect,Mattel Filmsalso has their hands busy working on the production, withKevin McKeonandAndrew Scannelloverseeing andRobbie Brennerproducing. The Barneymovie has now been in the works for more than half a decade, having first been announced back in 2019. If all goes as the studios are expecting, it should be quite a hit with fans, especially those who grew up with the purple dinosaur from the late ‘80s to 2010. Over the years, Barney saw various iterations, starting with a direct-to-video series titledBarney & the Backyard Gangin 1988, which turned intoBarney & Friends. The latter ran for an impressive 14 seasons on PBS and taught kids plenty of lessons along the way. The movie sounds like it will lean away from the “kid-centered” aspect and act as nostalgia bait for adults, while offering them something completely different from what they’re used to.
What Else Does Ayo Edebiri Have On the Way?
Before we can expect to see her step into the shoes (feet?) of Barney, Edebiri has plenty of other things on the way for fans. First up is her thriller film,Opus, in which she stars alongside a cast of famous faces which includeJohn MalkovichandJuliette LewisinMark Anthony Green’s feature-length directorial debut. Following a successful premiere earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, the movie is set to arrive in cinemas on March 14.
BeyondOpus, the Emmy and Golden Globe winner will appear in yet another thriller, this time from the mind ofLuca Guadagninoin the celebrated director’sAfter the Hunt, which will also feature the likes ofJulia RobertsandAndrew Garfield. Finally, Edebiri’s other big-screen project on the way is a comedy-drama byJames L. BrookstitledElla McCay, which will see the helmer’s return to the craft after more than a decade away.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates about the Barney film.
