Mattel Announces Barney Franchise Relaunch

Mattel has announced the relaunch of the Barney franchise. Mattel’s revitalization of the purple dinosaur’s brand will span television, film and YouTube content as well as music and a range of kids’ products including toys, books, clothing and more. Apparel and accessories for adult fans, featuring classic Barney, are also in development. 

Mattel will relaunch Barney to a new generation with a new animated series, set to debut globally in 2024.  

“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,” says Fred Soulie, senior vice president and general manager, Mattel Television. “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.” 

The series will be produced by Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, an international producer and distributor of children’s animated and live-action content, and executive produced by Fred Soulie and Christopher Keenan for Mattel Television and by Colin Bohm and Pam Westman for Nelvana. 

“Barney’s message of love and kindness has stood the test of time,” says Josh Silverman, chief franchise officer and global head, consumer products, Mattel. “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.” 

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