Barney the purple dinosaur is bringing the I Love You music to a complete new era of youngsters — whereas additionally hoping to capitalize on the nostalgia of older followers.
The toy firm Mattel introduced their plans to relaunch the Barney franchise on Monday. The announcement got here with a brand new photograph of the anthropomorphized, lilac T-rex, who has been given a makeover from a real-life large mascot right into a wide-eyed, animated character.
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The relaunch kicks off with a brand-new animated collection, set to debut globally in 2024. Targeted at pre-school aged kids, this system will take viewers on “music-filled adventures centred on love, community, and encouragement.” Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, a producer and distributor of kids’s content material, will co-produce the collection alongside Mattel.
Barney’s rebrand will prolong past the brand new TV present. Mattel additionally introduced plans for Barney to star in movies and YouTube content material, launch music and promote child’s merchandise together with toys, books and clothes. Adult followers, together with millennials who grew up with Barney (or no less than those who don’t discover the pleasant dinosaur cringe-worthy), will be capable of purchase merch too, as grownup attire and equipment are at present within the works.
“Barney’s message of love and kindness has stood the test of time,” mentioned Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer and Global Head of Consumer Products at 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.”
The unique Barney and Friends TV present aired on PBS from 1992 to 2010. Mattel has but to announce the place the brand new Barney TV present might be broadcast.
Barney alongside BJ the yellow protoceratops and Baby Bop the inexperienced triceratops in 1998’s ‘Barney’s Great Adventure.’.
CP
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Barney’s revival just isn’t the one Mattel reboot hoping to capitalize on the nostalgia issue. The firm not too long ago relaunched its Monster High property and the favored Masters of the Universe franchise from the Nineteen Eighties.
So, whether or not you’re keen on him or hate him, Barney nonetheless needs to be “a happy family.” Won’t you say you’re keen on him too?
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