Ayo Edebiri in Talks to Write, Star in Daniel Kaluuya's Live-Action 'Barney' Film

The upcoming adaptation will be produced by Kaluuya and A24 in partnership with Mattel Films.

Ayo Edebiri could soon be involved in Daniel Kaluuya, A24 and Mattel Films’ live-action Barney film.

As per Variety, the award-winning actress is currently in discussions to pen the screenplay and star in the upcoming movie adaptation. Sources also claim that while Kaluuya himself will serve as a lead producer with his 59% Productions, he will not be joining the film’s cast.

A24 and 59% Productions are co-developing and producing Barney in partnership with Mattel Films, which owns the IP. Kevin McKeon and Andrew Scannell are overseeing the movie for Mattel Films alongside Robbie Brenner for Mattel Films with A24, and Kaluuya and Rowan Riley for 59% Productions.

No further details on the long-awaited project have been confirmed so far, although Mattel chief franchise officer Josh Silverman previously confirmed to Variety that the plot will be different from Max’s latest animated reboot. “We’re very much hand in glove and in concert,” he said. “And Robbie Brenner, who leads our film division, who’s just incredible, she and I spent a ton of time together talking about this. We want to have a clear narrative. In the case here, the ‘Barney’ film will be what it’s ultimately going to be, and this show, we felt that, we want to remain consistent to the authenticity. That’s really, really important. If it’s not authentic, we’re not going to do it. We want to remain consistent to the authenticity, the DNA of “Barney,” but we also want to modernize.”

Stay tuned for more info.