Only a few short years ago cinephiles were shocked by the rise of a new subgenre shock horror animated adaptations. Childhood favorites were getting a makeover. Or maybe the apt term is disfigured, a perspective highly predicated on viewer’s taste.
Amongst the flurry of possible adaptations was once a particularly interesting one, a feature film about Barney. With nothing in recent years to finalize the rumors has led many to wonder, whatever happened? Well, it seems that it is still in the works. An in fact an update has recently dropped.
From Whimsy to Horror
Remember when Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and Bambi were figures of innocence. Can you picture where you were when the news about “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” emerged? For some, it ignited feelings of shock and awe, while for others, it was hardly unexpected. It was a domain that had largely remained untouched, at least in the sense of a more mainstream offering. This is largely due to the IP of certain characters being unavailable for use until more recent years.
A New Cinematic Trend Emerges
While it wasn’t entirely the first of its kind, as IMDb lists several nightmarish twisted tales that debuted before the 2023 premiere of “Pooh: Blood and Honey,” the trend hadn’t quite caught on yet. Even with the release of its sequel, “Blood and Honey 2,” it’s challenging to determine if it truly ignited a movement. What is undeniable, though, is that it carved out a distinct niche audience that delights in these eerie re-imaginings.
A Most Unexpected Announcement
Around the same time, David Kuulya, renowned for his role in “Get Out,” announced his plans to take on the Barney IP and adapt it into a feature film. This news sparked curiosity about whether the film would veer toward a horror theme or perhaps blend drama with a biographical exploration of this cherished childhood figure.
Some people struggled to understand why this concept was worth exploring. Undeniably, Barney captivated young audiences, much like Mister Rogers during his era, Big Bird from “Sesame Street,” or Steve Burns from “Blue’s Clues.” As reported by The Hollywood Reporter,
“Barney & Friends,” which aired from 1992 to 2009, became a childhood staple. It featured Barney, an imaginary and always cheerful tyrannosaurus rex, who imparted lessons about friendship through song and dance.”
The real surprise was that no one anticipated Kuulya would be the one to bring this vision to fruition.
Barney: The Newest Update
While the film “Pooh: Blood and Honey” sparked discussions in many circles, the buzz surrounding the Barney adaptation seemed to dwindle. Initially dismissed as a fleeting idea, it has now become clear that this is not the case. David Kuulya remains at the helm as one of the producers, working alongside Rowan Wiley and Mattel’s head, Robbie Brenner. Additionally, Ayo Edebiri has been brought on board, not only to play a role in the feature but also as the writer.
Ayo Edebiri’s Creative Spark
Ayo Edebiri has garnered a reputation for her outstanding work ethic and versatile talents. She maintains a schedule brimming with projects. She currently stars in the critically acclaimed series The Bear. As the Hollywood Reporter highlighted, she will appear on the big screen in the upcoming horror thriller “Opus.”
The Barney adaptation perfectly complements the young artist’s diverse repertoire. She has also brought numerous iconic fictional characters to life through her voice work, making this project a seamless addition to her portfolio. Fans may recall her voicing April O’Neil in “Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Envy in “Inside Out,” Harriet Tubman in “Clone High,” and Missy Foreman-Greenwald, Maya, and Theresa in “Big Mouth.”
Edebiri’s Extends Her Magic
Ayo Edebiri has honed her skills not only as an actor in television and film but also as a talented writer in the television industry. Her impressive work can be seen in series like “Dickinson” and the 10-episode comedy series “Sunnyside.” Moreover, she has contributed as a writer for episodes of “Craig of the Creek,” “Mulligan,” and “What We Do in the Shadows.” With such diverse talents, she is an excellent fit for the role of writer on a Barney film.
Barney and Where it Stands
This is the latest update we have. Although details remain sparse, this information gives us a glimpse into the show’s current status. There is likely significant interest in the direction the film will take— whether it will adopt a darker or lighter tone. Anticipation is beneficial, as it builds interest.
It’s been six years since the project was first mentioned, and now that interest has hopefully been reignited, perhaps we won’t have to wait another six years before audiences can enjoy the fruits of this creative labor.
Uncut Diamonds 