Barney makes first public statement in 14 years: ‘You are seen, you are special, you are loved’

(Gray News) – Barney the dinosaur is speaking publicly for the first time since his show “Barney and Friends” ended on PBS 14 years ago.

In a special Valentine’s Day message, Barney spoke to fans both young and old to remind them how loved they are.

The message was posted on Barney’s official Instagram account on Wednesday.

Here is Barney’s full message:

“Hi friends, it’s me, Barney. I haven’t seen some of you in a long time, but I always make sure to check in on my friends. And it seems like maybe we could all use a little reminder right now, a reminder of the super-dee-duper ability we all have to love one another, and how important it is to show love towards yourself, too.

After a long day on the playground of life, I want you to know you are seen, you are special, you are loved. Isn’t it nice how some things are still true even when you’re all grown up?

Well friends, it’s been stupendous to see you all, and I have a feeling I’ll be seeing you again soon.”

Barney hinted at seeing his friends again soon, possibly in reference to an animated Barney series that is rumored to debut this year.

He also might be referring to a live-action film starring Daniel Kaluuya that was announced in 2019 but does not yet have a release date.

In an interview with the New Yorker, Mattel Films executive Kevin McKeon said the movie will be geared toward adults.

“We’re leaning into the Millennial angst of the property rather than fine-tuning this for kids. It’s really a play for adults,” McKeon told the New Yorker in July. “Not that it’s R-rated, but it’ll focus on some of the trials and tribulations of being 30-something, growing up with Barney — just the level of disenchantment within the generation.”

Both the animated series and the live-action film are part of a Barney franchise relaunch that Mattel announced last February.

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