Ayo Edebiri to Write and in Talks to Star in Live-Action ‘Barney’

Daniel Kaluuya and A24 are co-developing the film, based on the Mattel-owned character.

Ayo Edebiri is continuing her reign of 2025.

After making waves at Sundance with “Opus,” plus leading Luca Guadagnino’s latest film “After the Hunt” alongside Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield, the actress is set to write and is also in talks to star in the live-action version of the beloved TV series “Barney.”

Daniel Kaluuya is the lead producer on the film; despite being originally announced as the star of the film, the Oscar winner is no longer set to act in it, as sources told Variety. IndieWire confirmed the news.

“Barney” will be co-developed and produced by A24 and Daniel Kaluuya’s 59% Productions in partnership with IP owner Mattel Films. Kevin McKeon and Andrew Scannell are overseeing the project for Mattel Films. Robbie Brenner will serve as producer for Mattel Films with A24. Kaluuya and Rowan Riley will produce for 59% Productions.

Edebiri is an Emmy-winning actress, writer, producer, and director. She made her directorial debut in Season 3 of “The Bear.”

Actor/producer Kaluuya’s banner 59% Productions recently backed the film “The Kitchen,” which Kaluuya co-directed, co-wrote, and produced for Netflix. Other produced titles include “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.” and the new “Barney.”

The TV series “Barney & Friends” debuted in 1988 and aired for 14 seasons on PBS before concluding in November 2010. The film version was announced in November 2019.

Mattel Films executive Kevin McKeon told The New Yorker in 2023 that the film will be geared toward a nostalgic adult audience.

“We’re leaning into the millennial angst of the property rather than fine-tuning this for kids. It’s really a play for adults,” McKeon told The New Yorker. “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.”

McKeon further imagined the film as an “A24-type” “surrealistic” story akin to Charlie Kaufman and Spike Jonze. “It would be so daring of us,” McKeon said, “and really underscore that we’re here to make art.”

This year, 2025, marks 80 years of Mattel.

Kaluuya also told Entertainment Weekly in 2020 that he wanted to focus on the “heartbreaking” aspects of Barney.

“Barney taught us, ‘I love you, you love me. Won’t you say you love me too?’ That’s one of the first songs I remember, and what happens when that isn’t true?” Kaluuya said. “I thought that was really heartbreaking. I have no idea why but it feels like that makes sense. It feels like there’s something unexpected that can be poignant but optimistic. Especially at this time now, I think that’s really, really needed.”