Daniel Kaluuya Is Producing a Live-Action 'Barney' Movie with Mattel

Yes, you read that correctly.
In a move that absolutely no one saw coming, Oscar-nominated actor Daniel Kaluuya is set to produce a live-action Barney movie in conjunction with Mattel Films. The Hollywood Reporter first broke the story.
Kaluuya will co-produce the film as part of his 59% production banner, which signed a first-look deal with Paramount back in May. Speaking on his involvement with the project and the impact of Barney & Friends, Kaluuya had this to say: "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."
While the news of the project is undoubtedly random, Barney & Friends which ran from 1992-2009 and featured the friendly purple dinosaur and his other reptilian friends, was a staple in children's programming. Many millennials grew up watching the show and can recount specific "Barney" memories.
The film is part of Mattel's plans to produce several feature-length films based on their iconic toys. A Barbie and Hot Wheels feature films are also in the works, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Aside from producing children's films, Kaluuya is currently starring in the crime-thriller Queen & Slim. He's also set to play Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton in the upcoming Ryan Coogler-produced Jesus Was My Homeboy.
Folks online have been humorously responding to the rather baffling news since it broke.
all i want in life in this daniel kaluuya barney movie— Bim S. Pumpkins Esq. (@Bim S. Pumpkins Esq.) 1571409835.0
Daniel Kaluuya is describing FUCKING BARNEY of all people like he is some morally grey anti-hero from DC. I love it… https://t.co/Ms2sowc3Jl— 🎃Till then🎃 (@🎃Till then🎃) 1571411653.0
I am comfortable with this Daniel kaluuya Barney news. No further questions.— Annabel Iwegbue (@Annabel Iwegbue) 1571407746.0
Damn, Daniel. https://t.co/6TKsnoEUZu— Bethonie Butler (@Bethonie Butler) 1571412314.0
absolutely incredible quote from the genuinely real article about the genuinely happening Daniel Kaluuya Barney the… https://t.co/XrWRlsdZCF— She's Turned The Halloweans Against Us (@She's Turned The Halloweans Against Us) 1571406695.0
Daniel Kaluuya survived The Sunken Place, producing a ‘Barney’ movie is gonna be a walk in the park for him. https://t.co/1Nh1UxJCaA— NUFF (@NUFF) 1571412860.0