Classic stop-motion children’s show Bob the Builder is coming to the big screen.
Per Variety, the learned construction worker will make his debut in the movie world as an animated feature. It’s a move that makes sense from Mattel, which just saw unprecedented success with Barbie last year.
As we’ve seen with flicks like Dora and the Lost City of Gold, modern movies based on beloved children’s programming aren’t exactly new. However, the team behind the project, which includes Jennifer Lopez as producer, is looking to construct a fresh take for audiences.
A description for the movie says it will focus on Roberto (Bob) as he travels to Puerto Rico for a big job. Anthony Ramos (Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Hamilton) will play the titular character while also serving as a producer. No director has been chosen, though Felipe Vargas (Rosario, Milk Teeth) has been picked to write the screenplay.
The official logline describes a film that will follow Bob as he “takes on issues affecting the island and digs deeper into what it means to build. Bob’s journey will celebrate the vibrant and colorful textures of the Caribbean Latin nations and their people.”
The original Bob the Builder show rose to prominence in the early 2000s and quickly became a staple amongst younger viewer audiences. As the original show eventually died down, a reboot carrying the same name eventually followed. It’s been years since either show produced new episodes, leaving the Bob the Builder movie to potentially ignite interest in newcomers and classic fans alike.
“For years, Bob the Builder’s characters have inspired young people around the world,” Ramos said in a statement. “A movie about friends working together, a celebration of a beautiful home they share, and how love can help to conquer any obstacle in your way. Can we fix it? Yes, we can!”
Joining in the producing roles are ShadowMachine’s Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico. Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina are also aiding as producers under Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions banner.
“The show’s ability to promote positive thinking, problem-solving and empowerment with a completely original story set in Puerto Rico puts a new spin on a beloved brand,” Goldsmith-Thomas said. “We can’t wait for new and existing fans to connect with these amazing characters.”
Other Mattel movies in the works include a Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots movie starring Vin Diesel and a Barney movie from Daniel Kaluuya. The former seems ready to tell a heartwarming story between a father and son, while the latter, however, may offer may not be for kids.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
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