Will Barney go the Death to Smoochy route? For those who don’t remember the insanely dark and bizarre 2002 film, there’s a chance that the upcoming movie based on the Barney & Friends hero will have a grittier edge to it.
In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Mattel Films executive Kevin McKeon gave the first real information regarding the upcoming Daniel Kaluuya-led Barney adaptation. If you were expecting some cute, adorable family fun, McKeon wants you to think again; they are going for something close to Charlie Kaufman or Spike Jonze.
“We’re leaning into the Millennial angst of the property rather than fine-tuning this for kids,” McKeon said. “It’s really a play for adults. Not that it’s R-rated, but it’ll focus on some of the trials and tribulations of being 30-something, growing up with Barney—just the level of disenchantment within the generation.”
McKeon adds that the film will have an “A24-type” movie feel, adding, “It would be so daring of us and really underscore that we’re here to make art.”
Little is known about the project besides Kaluuya’s involvement. In 2019, the Get Out & Nope actor spoke about the film’s tone. “Barney was a ubiquitous figure in many of our childhoods, then he disappeared into the shadows, left misunderstood,” Kaluuya noted. “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.”
The Barney movie has no set release date, as the project is still in development.
