15 February 2023 , 11:00
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Those who watched children's TV in the Nineties and early Noughties will instantly recognise the smiling, purple dinosaur that is Barney. He is an icon for kids who grew up watching Barney & Friends and treasured by many - but his latest redesign has not gone down well with many fans.
Toy company Mattel, who famously also own Barbie, have announced a total relaunch of Barney across TV, film and even music. The launch also comes with toys, books, clothing and other merchandise for kids to get their hands on.
However, the now-adult fans of Barney are horrified at the CGI version with his "terrifying" new look.
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Fans are yearning for the old Barney (NBCUniversal via Getty Images)Mattel's new Barney series hopes to "revitalise" the brand and will launch with a new fully animated series in 2024, aimed at pre-school children.
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Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer and Global Head of Consumer Products at Mattel, said: "Barney's message of love and kindness has stood the test of time. 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."
Unfortunately, those who watched Barney growing up were left feeling nostalgic for the real-life version of Barney and Friends, portrayed by a man in a giant costume.
One sceptic tweeted: "I'm terrified after seeing what they did to Barney." while another shocked fan added: "Not the worst but like, he looks too happy. Barney in the costume still had an existential dread look about him."
Barney is an iconic dinosaur loved by many growing up in the Nineties or Noughties (Rex Features)"Worst part of new barney's design is that his eyes are fully open. Barney needs his friendly sleepy eyes," lamented one tweet.
Another asked: "Wtf did u do Barney, poor gay dinosaur, might as well change her name and colour, this ain't the Barney who loves me."
The new Barney has a little gap in his front teeth, a happier demeaner, and a brighter purple and green colouring but that wasn't the only thing about his look that changed.
"Barney got the buccal fat removal" tweeted numerous fans in reference to a face slimming plastic surgery trend and meme that went viral.
Many criticised that even a purple dinosaur wasn't safe from being "yassified" by the beauty standard, as he appeared slimmer in this animated version. Vulture wrote: "Could the animated Barney just have been a little more plump?"
Some fans did like the new Barney, however, and said: "I actually love the character design — looks fun!"
Fred Soulie, SCP and General Manager of Mattel Televisions, said: "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. With our modern take on Barney, we hope to inspire the next generation to listen, care, and dream big.
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"We think that parents, many of whom will fondly remember the original Barney from their own childhoods, will love the show, too."