Things we didn’t see coming in 2025? Ayo Edebiri writing a live action Barney movie.
A24 has enlisted Ayo Edebiri, known for her role in The Bear, to write the screenplay for their live-action Barney movie, with discussions underway for her to also star.
Daniel Kaluuya initially secured the lead role, but Edebiri’s involvement now raises uncertainty about his position. However, Kaluuya will still serve as a producer through his company.
Ayo Edebiri’s Live Action Barney, What to Expect
Barney & Friends aired from 1992 to 2009 and featured a young Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez. The beloved show is now making a return with a new film, bringing the purple dinosaur and his friends to a new generation of fans.
A throwback we didn’t know we needed… but we’re SO glad it happened! 😊
From singing with Barney to ruling Hollywood—Selena’s journey is ICONIC—pop star, actress, and forever part of the Barney fam! 💜✨
Watch ‘Screen Actors Guild Awards’ now on Netflix! pic.twitter.com/tJOI5bsvqW
— The Barney Universe (@barneyuniverse) February 24, 2025
Edebiri is not new to the writing world, and has contributed her writing talents to shows like What We Do in the Shadows and Dickinson. Recently, she expanded her skills to directing, earning a DGA Award nomination for her debut behind the camera in season three of The Bear.
In a New Yorker article about Mattel’s venture into filmmaking, one person referred to A24’s upcoming Barney movie as “surrealistic”. Could the movie be similar to familiar favorites like Being John Malkovich and Stranger Than Fiction? Guess we’ll have to wait to find out as a release date has not been set.
