Daniel Kaluuya’s ‘Barney’ Film Is Said To Be Similiar To ‘Being John Malkovich’ & ‘Adaptation’

Way back in 2019, it was reported that Daniel Kaluuya was involved as a producer in a new feature film adaptation of “Barney,” the classic kids’ show featuring the iconic purple dinosaur. Since then, there have been a few tidbits here and there about the film, but it many people are curious why one of the best actors working today is so excited about making a film about a huge, silly purple dinosaur. Well, thanks to a Mattel executive, we have an idea about the major risk it appears the studio is taking regarding “Barney.”

READ MORE: ‘Barney’: Daniel Kaluuya Says His Upcoming Film About The Purple Dinosaur Is “Really, Really Needed” Right Now

Speaking to Variety, outlining the various film franchises Mattel is currently hoping to get made, in response to the massive success of “Barbie,” the person in charge of Mattel Films, Robbie Brenner talked about exactly what’s coming up. This includes a planned film based on the “Barney” IP, produced by Kaluuya.

“I don’t know that it’s necessarily going to be darker,” said Brenner. “It’s just going to be unique — more of like a ‘Being John Malkovich’ or an ‘Adaptation.’”

She added, “Any movie that has Barney is not certainly going to be straightforward, We’re not making ‘Ted.’ You know what I mean?”

READ MORE: Greta Gerwig Didn’t Expect The ‘Barbie’ Outrage But Hopes The Film Is “An Invitation For Everybody To Be Part Of The Party”

Going deeper about the message of the potential film, the executive said it will be about “identity and finding who you love and who feels alienated” and “what does it all mean?” The film will also “be more adult and have adult themes — and sort of be a little bit off-kilter.”

Considering the success of “Barbie,” both financially and critically, you have to be moderately excited by the prospect of Mattel doing something equally ambition with “Barney.” Referencing films like “Being John Malkovich” and “Adaptation” are clearly ways to get film fans jazzed about the idea of a “Barney” movie. Now, if the studio is able to snag a filmmaker on the level of Greta Gerwig, perhaps the purple dinosaur can enjoy immense success as well.

There’s no release date set for “Barney,” but clearly, this is a project the studio is really excited about.