Mattel Revives Beloved Barney Franchise with Expanded Content and Merchandise Lineup

Mattel is set to breathe new life into its iconic Barney franchise through a comprehensive revitalization effort. This extensive relaunch encompasses television, film, YouTube content, music, and a wide array of children's products, including toys, books, and clothing. Additionally, there are plans to develop apparel and accessories catering to adult fans, featuring the beloved Barney character.

The reimagined Barney will make its debut through a fresh animated series, scheduled for a global release in 2024. Designed for preschoolers, the series will reintroduce the endearing purple dinosaur and his friends, embarking on music-filled adventures that center around themes of love, community, and encouragement.

Collaborating with Corus Entertainment's Nelvana, a global producer and distributor of children's content, and Mattel Television, this co-produced series boasts executive producers Fred Soulie and Christopher Keenan for Mattel Television, alongside Colin Bohm, Doug Murphy, and Pam Westman for Nelvana.

Mattel's decision to revive Barney symbolizes the company's strategic approach to leverage its vast intellectual property (IP) portfolio for reinvigorating beloved heritage franchises.

Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer and Global Head of Consumer Products at Mattel, acknowledges Barney's timeless message of love and kindness, emphasizing the opportunity to introduce the iconic purple dinosaur to a new generation of children and families worldwide, spanning content, products, and experiences.

Fred Soulie, SVP and General Manager of Mattel Television, highlights the importance of reflecting today's children's world in the new series, aiming to impart meaningful lessons about navigating it. Soulie envisions that parents, many of whom fondly remember the original Barney from their own childhoods, will also embrace the modern adaptation.

Mattel's recent initiatives include the revival of the Monster High franchise and the reintroduction of the popular 1980s Masters of the Universe franchise, both accompanied by fresh content and consumer product offerings.

In terms of partnerships, Mattel embarked on a multi-year global licensing agreement in 2022 for Disney Princess and Frozen franchises, securing global licensing rights for developing various toy lines, games, and publishing materials, including fashion dolls, small dolls, and figures under Disney consumer products.