a reboot of Barney — the famous children’s franchise of the 90s featuring the sweetest and most beloved purple dinosaur — is officially in the works, Mattel announced Monday.
Mattel’s plans for the big, friendly purple dinosaur include a TV reboot, movies, YouTube content, music, plus a slew of kids’ toys, apparel, books and more.
Barney & Friends reboot was announced by Mattel Television this Monday (13)Source: Mattel Television
The name of the new animated series has not yet been revealed, but it is expected to premiere in 2024. It will feature the adorable purple T-Rex and his friends and, according to the official announcement, “will introduce the world of Barney to new audiences through adventures full of of music centered on love, community, and encouragement.”
The reboot will be produced by Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana and Mattel Television. Mattel Franchise Director Josh Silverman said in a statement that the new series will teach meaningful lessons and hopes it will inspire the next generation with Barney’s messages of love and kindness.
Barney and his friends
the original series Barney and his friends ran from 1992 to 2010 and featured the protagonist Barney, a purple plush dinosaur who came to life to play with children alongside his friends Baby Bop and BJ.
The program became a fever in a short time, being renewed by the network after a national campaign by affiliated networks, program producers and thousands of parents whose children were delighted with the dinosaur and his friends, and lasted 14 seasons.
In its heyday in the 1990s, Barney & Friends ranked alongside the likes of “Sesame Street” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” as one of the most popular shows for children at the time.
Mattel is also co-producing a movie adaptation of its most famous toy with the film Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling and will be released by Warner Bros. on July 21st.
