Touchpoints include the work of Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman, according to an exec
It seems that Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' movie may have inadvertently kick-started a cinematic movement that puts a new twist on kid-oriented material.
The latest - although it was originally announced back in 2019 - project to be given the movie/backstory treatment is that of Barney, the friendly purple dinosaur that plagued so many of our childhoods.
'Get Out' star Daniel Kaluuya will both produce and star in the forthcoming 'Barney' movie by Mattel Films - but if you're thinking it's going to be all fluff, fun and frolics with a few 'I love you, you love me' sing-songs thrown in for good measure, think again.
According to the film's executive producer, Mattel Films' Kevin McKeon, it is set to be a "A-24-type project" and entirely more adult-oriented.
McKeon told The New Yorker that following the release of 'Barbie' , 'Barney' will be "surrealistic", with touchpoints including Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman.
"We’re leaning into the millennial angst of the property rather than fine-tuning this for kids," he 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 thirtysomething, growing up with Barney - just the level of disenchantment within the generation."
Mattel will also release a new animated series of 'Barney' next year.