Bob the Builder is ready for his big screen debut.
A construction worker with an entrepreneurial spirit will be the subject of a new animated feature film from Mattel Films. Jennifer Lopez is producing “Bob the Builder,” while “In the Heights” star Anthony Ramos will play the title character.
“Bob the Builder” is a twist on the long-running children's series, as Roberto (aka Bob) travels to Puerto Rico for a major construction job. According to the official log, audiences will see Bob “address the issues affecting the island and delve deeper into the meaning of the structure. Bob's journey will celebrate the vibrant and colorful textures of the Latin Caribbean and its peoples.” Felipe Vargas (the upcoming “Rosario”) is attached to write the script; a director has not been announced .
“Combining Anthony and Felipe’s genius vision for the story will bring this beloved character to life in a way that audiences who grew up with Bob will recognize, and a whole new audience will enjoy,” said Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films.
Ramos says “Bob the Builder” brings an “important message” to the big screen, adding that elements of the film are inspired by his own life.
“For years, Bob the Builder characters have inspired young people around the world,” he said. “A movie about friends working together, celebrating the beautiful home they share, and how love can help overcome any obstacle in your way. Can we fix it? Yes we can!”
Ramos will also produce “Bob the Builder” with Alex Bulkley and ShadowMachine’s Corey Campodonico. Eileen Goldsmith Thomas and Benny Medina will produce for Lopez's Nuyorican Productions. “Bob the Builder” is supervised by Kevin McKeown, Ivan Sanchez, and Arturo Thor de Cos for Mattel, and Natalie Hack-Flores for Nuyorican.
“The show’s ability to promote positive thinking, problem solving and empowerment through a completely original story set in Puerto Rico puts a new spin on the beloved brand,” Goldsmith-Thomas said. “We can't wait for new and existing fans to connect with these amazing characters.”
“Bob the Builder” joins a slew of Mattel films in development (some less expected than others) including “American Girl,” a live-action “Barney” adaptation with “Get Out” star Daniel Kaluuya, and “Rock” led by Vin Diesel. “Em Sock 'Em Robots” and Lena Dunham's take on “Polly Pocket.” The company's first theatrical release was Greta Gerwig's blockbuster “Barbie,” which was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It achieved amazing revenues of $1.4 billion worldwide. The film received eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
Ramos is repped by CAA, Door24 and Paul Hastings. Lopez is repped by CAA. Felipe Vargas is repped by CAA, Magnolia Entertainment and Gang, Tire, Ramer, Brown & Passman.
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