Exciting News: A24's Barney Movie Sets to Astonish, Assures Mattel CEO

Summary

Mattel CEO assures that the upcoming A24 Barney movie will not be "odd," promising a fresh, fun, and culturally oriented approach.

The film will cater to adults while tapping into the Millennial angst of the franchise, but it will not have an R-rating or an overly dark tone.

Certain individuals may feel let down by the film's more conventional approach to the beloved purple dinosaur, as it deviates from the possibility of being a wild, psychedelic masterpiece like those produced by A24.

A24's upcoming Barney movie, starring Daniel Kaluuya, will not be labeled as an "odd movie" by Mattel. Following the success of Barbie, Mattel is adding Barney to its growing list of adaptations. The Barney movie aims to cater to an adult audience, departing from the original Barney & Friends source material.

Despite the mature nature of the Barney movie, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz emphasizes that it will not be considered strange or unconventional. In an interview with Semafor, Kreiz refrained from sharing specific plot details but assured that Barney's approach will be enjoyable and culturally relevant. Read Kreiz's full statement below:

It’s too early to be specific, but I can tell you we are taking a fresh approach that will be fun, entertaining and culturally oriented. It will not be an odd movie.

How Can An A24 Barney Movie Not Be An “Odd Movie”?

Kreiz's statement on the upcoming Barney movie raises more questions than it provides answers. The lack of clarity regarding the premise leaves room for interpretation. Additionally, it's unclear how Kreiz defines the term "odd." While Barbie has been a blockbuster success, some might consider it an "odd movie" due to its unconventional elements, such as the inclusion of a song titled "I'm Just Ken." Considering A24's portfolio, it is likely that Kreiz is suggesting the film will not be excessively dark or explicit.

Kreiz's statement aligns with recent news about Barney. Despite the film targeting an adult audience, Barney will not be R-rated. Kevin McKeon, a Mattel Films executive, confirmed this by stating that Barney would embrace the millennial angst but stay within a PG-13 rating. Therefore, Barney will not venture into the horror subgenre popularized by Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, nor will it follow the lecherous character portrayed in the movie Ted.

This news may disappoint A24 fans who had anticipated a more eccentric portrayal of the friendly purple dinosaur. With Barney as a mascot-like, fabric dinosaur forming friendships with human children, there was potential for a psychedelic and unconventional A24 masterpiece, similar to The Green Knight. However, considering the success of Barbie, it is understandable that Mattel would choose to play it safe. Nevertheless, a straightforward Barney adaptation is underwhelming.

Source: Semafor