He was able to “Get Out,” and survived the “Black Panther” — and Okoye — so Daniel Kaluuya’s next project might leave some people scratching their heads.

Kaluuya is partnering with Mattel Films and Valparaiso Pictures on a live-action movie about Barney, that giant purple dinosaur who famously loved us from 1992 through 2009.

"Barney was a ubiquitous figure in many of our childhoods, then he disappeared into the shadows, left misunderstood," Kaluuya said in a statement announcing the movie. "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."

» The 'Black Panther' cast takes on the #GetOutChallenge

According to Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner: “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.”

Kaluuya was nominated for an Academy Award for his 2017 performance in "Get Out." In 2018, he played W'Kabi — friend of T'Challa and the love of Okoye — in Marvel's Atlanta-filmed "Black Panther."

Social media had mixed reactions to the announcement, so many that Barney was a trending topic by the afternoon.

About the Author

Keep Reading

The scares at Paranoia Haunted House in Canton continue on select dates through Nov. 2. (Courtesy of Paranoia Haunted House)

Credit: Photo courtesy of Paranoia Haunted House

Featured

Mathew Palmer, a former Delta Air Lines employee, at his home in Atlanta on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025.  Palmer was fired less than two weeks after writing a post on social media about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. (Natrice Miller/AJC)