Beware, purple dinosaur purists: Barney is returning, but with a completely different appearance.
Mattel announced on Monday that it would relaunch the PBS franchise with a purple T-Rex. One of the new games will be a live-action adaptation of Barney & Friends, which first ran in 1992 and lasted for nearly two decades.
In a statement, Mattel Television's Fred Soulie, SVP and General Manager, said the show "has to reflect the world that kids today live in so that the series may impart valuable lessons on navigating it." "With our contemporary interpretation of Barney, we hope to inspire the next generation to listen, care, and dream big."
Barney's next iteration is expected to be released in 2024.
Mattel's relaunch will also include new merchandise, YouTube content, and, perhaps, a feature film.
"Barney's message of love and kindness has stood the test of time," said Josh Silverman, Mattel's chief franchise officer and global head of consumer products. "We will tap into the nostalgia of generations who grew up with Barney and now parents themselves, and introduce the iconic purple dinosaur to a new generation of kids and families around the world across content, products, and experience."