BARNEY is no longer the Tyrannosaurus rex you used to know.

More than a decade after Barney was last seen on television, US-based multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment Mattel announced the reimagined version of Barney the dinosaur.

The reimagined character was unveiled ahead of the cartoon television show’s comeback in 2024.

In a statement, Mattel said the Barney brand would extend into the domains of television, film, and YouTube content in addition to the areas of music and a wide variety of products for children, such as toys, books, apparel, and more. 

The company likewise said they are working on developing apparel and accessories for adult fans that feature the original Barney character.

“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,” said Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer and Global Head of Consumer Products at Mattel. 

The new Barney character also hopes to inspire the next generation “to listen, care, and dream big.”

It noted that with a new look of Barney comes a new responsibility. Mattel stated that in order for the new series to be able to teach children significant lessons about managing the world in which they live, it was essential that they accurately reflect the reality in which children are growing up today.

“ We think that parents, many of whom will fondly remember the original Barney from their own childhoods, will love the show, too,” it said.

Childhood ruined?

Following the new look of Barney, fans flocked to social media to express their opinions regarding the Barney glow up.

“They gave Barney contacts, a nose job and bigger veneers. Sad,” a fan  tweeted showing a comparison of the before and after look of the cartoon icon.

Another fan has called out the company to bring Barney’s chubby cheeks and nose back to its original form

“Like why would they give a dinosaur a job and botox…give barney his chubby cheeks and nose back!” it said.

What happened to Barney?

Starting in 1992, Barney was supposed to be a bear character. After its creator, Sheryl Leach’s son went to a dinosaur exhibit, Barney then became a dinosaur. It aims to provide shows that are educational and children-friendly while dancing with Barney’s friends.

Barney was last seen on air in 2010 after an 18-year run on television, citing lawsuits filed by its producers due to the rise of content that promotes violence.

One of the famous hit songs of Barney and Friends is I Love You which was frequently sang during the end of the show which depicts unconditional love for family and friends and also about playfulness and learning.