Daniel Kaluuya: Get Out actor explains why he’s producing a Barney movie

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

A Barney movie adaptation may not look like something  Daniel Kaluuya would be involved with but the star of GET OUT and BLACK PANTHER, who is set to produce the project, is explaining to "Entertainment Weekly" that the purple dinosaur's mantra of "I love you, you love me", is exactly what we need right now.

"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? 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."

Kaluuya has discussed the movie in the past, with his comments then being similar in regards to us just needing the simplicity of Barney's kind-hearted nature. Kaluuya said then that "Barney was a ubiquitous figure in many of our childhoods, then he disappeared into the shadows, left misunderstood. We're excited to explore this compelling modern-day hero and see if his message of 'I love you, you love me' can stand the test of time."

Mattel Films' Robbie Brenner has also teased the unique approach that is being taken for the Barney adaptation by saying, "Working with Daniel Kaluuya will enable us to take a completely new approach to Barney that will surprise audiences and subvert expectations. The project will speak to the nostalgia of the brand in a way that will resonate with adults while entertaining today's kids."

The PBS series Barney and Friends began in 1992 and quickly became a staple of children's television. Aimed at children aged 1 to 5, the show centers on the title character Barney, a big, friendly, purple dinosaur who conveys educational messages through songs and small dance routines with an upbeat, optimistic attitude. The series ran for 14 seasons and 268 episodes, with the last episode airing on September 18, 2009.

No word on when the Barney adaptation will begin shooting or see the light of day but Kaluuya's optimism about the project is evident and that should make for a positive viewing experience for the target audience.