Photo Credit:Associated Press
Amazon MGM Studios has successfully acquired the rights to produce a new animated Bob the Builder film from Mattel, led by Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions and ShadowMachine, known for their acclaimed work on Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. Anthony Ramos, the film’s lead, will voice Bob in a culturally resonant reimagining set in Puerto Rico. This re-envisioned Bob the Builder introduces “Roberto” (Ramos), who tackles a significant construction project on the island, allowing the story to explore themes of resilience and community while honoring Puerto Rican culture and spirit.
The concept of setting Bob the Builder in Puerto Rico was inspired by Ramos himself, as he envisioned the character taking on a mission that celebrates Latinx heritage and resilience. Key production roles are filled by Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico of ShadowMachine, along with Lopez and other representatives from Nuyorican Productions, ensuring a robust team behind this heartfelt adaptation. Robbie Brenner, head of Mattel Films, expressed confidence that this project will bridge generational fans and draw in new audiences with its refreshed storyline, spotlighting Puerto Rican culture through vibrant animation and storytelling.
While Lopez has previously voiced characters in animated films like Ice Age: Continental Drift and Home, it remains undecided if she will lend her voice to this Bob the Builder adaptation. However, her commitment to promoting diverse and authentic narratives is reflected in the production approach, aiming to empower young viewers with themes of teamwork and perseverance, aligning with the original series’ values.
The new Bob the Builder marks a pivotal expansion in Mattel’s film ventures following the success of the Barbie movie, as Mattel aims to bring beloved childhood characters into contemporary narratives with culturally relevant updates. This project is another example of Amazon MGM’s commitment to diverse content, strengthening its animated offerings following recent streaming successes by Lopez on Prime Video.
This animated Bob the Builder film is expected to resonate with audiences when it premieres, either on Prime or in theaters, though the release platform is yet to be confirmed.
