Ayo Edebiri to Write and Star in A24’s Live-Action Barney Movie

For those who grew up in the '90s and early 2000s, Barney & Friends was a defining childhood show, featuring the lovable purple dinosaur and his message of kindness, friendship, and fun learning. 

Emmy-winning actress Ayo Edebiri is set to write the screenplay for the upcoming Barney live-action movie, with reports suggesting she may also star in the film. The project, produced by Get Out star Daniel Kaluuya’s 59% Productions in collaboration with A24 and Mattel Films, promises to be a fresh take on the beloved purple dinosaur​. She is also in talks to star in the film, marking a significant shift for the beloved character that entertained generations of children from 1992 to 2010​

Edebiri, best known for her role as Sydney Adamu in FX’s The Bear, has been on a meteoric rise in Hollywood, with credits in Bottoms, Inside Out 2, Big Mouth, and Abbott Elementary. Her involvement in the Barney movie is a huge moment for Black creatives in Hollywood, further solidifying her place as a powerhouse in the industry​.

For many millennials and Gen Zers, Barney & Friends was a core part of childhood. Premiering in 1992 and running until 2010, the show was known for its songs, lessons on kindness, and fun-loving dinosaur pals Baby Bop, BJ and Riff​.

The upcoming film not only marks a return for the iconic character but also represents a major step forward in Hollywood’s continued push for diverse storytelling and Black-led productions.

With Ayo Edebiri at the helm, backed by the creative minds at A24 and Daniel Kaluuya, this reimagining of Barney could be one of the most unexpected and exciting films in development. And as fans of Edebiri and champions of Black filmmaking, we love to see it.

Would you watch an Ayo Edebiri-led Barney movie? Let us know your thoughts!