The dinosaur from our imagination is getting a renovation.
That's right: Barney is getting a makeover, Mattel revealed Feb. 13 with the announcement that the iconic children's franchise is coming back in 2024 with new TV shows, movies, YouTube videos, toys and much more.
"Barney's message of love and kindness has stood the test of time," Mattel's chief franchise officer and global head of consumer products, Josh Silverman, said in a statement. "We will tap into the nostalgia of the generations who grew up with Barney, now parents themselves, and introduce the iconic purple dinosaur to a new generation of kids and families around the world across content, products, and experiences."
And though the character is getting a revamp, still expect to see the Barney who gave you a great big hug as a kid. The latest design—which will be a cartoon—features the same purple dinosaur, just with more a more expressive face because, well, technology.
"In creating the new series, it was important to us that we properly reflect the world that kids today live in so that the series can deliver meaningful lessons about navigating it," SVP and general manager of Mattel Television Fred Soulie noted in the announcement. "With our modern take on Barney, we hope to inspire the next generation to listen, care, and dream big. We think that parents, many of whom will fondly remember the original Barney from their own childhoods, will love the show, too."
And that's not all: Mattel promised even more musical adventures when Barney returns in 2024. So yes, prepare to have "Clean Up," "I Love You" and many more tunes stuck in your head.
PBS' original Barney & Friends series ran from 1992 to 2010 and featured fellow dinosaurs Baby Bop, BJ and Riff. While the show made those characters household names, it also helped launch the careers of child stars like Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Debby Ryan, Madison Pettis and Never Have I Ever's Jaren Lewison.
It was preceded by eight Barney and the Backyard Gang straight-to-VHS entries from 1988 to 1991.
Until next year, remember: Barney can be your friend too if you just make-believe him.