Move over Barbie: the latest Mattel property set for cultural domination has been unveiled as Bob the Builder, the chirpy construction worker who debuted 25 years ago on CBBC and is being belatedly brought to the big screen by Latina pop star Jennifer Lopez.
A twist on the long-running children’s series, “Bob the Builder” follows Roberto (aka Bob) who travels to Puerto Rico for a major construction job. According to the official logline, audiences will see 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.”
A director has not yet been named, but the screenplay will be written by Felipe Vargas, whose most recent film was a body horror short set in an orphanage plagued by a shadowy fairy who collects more than just the children’s teeth.
Anthony Ramos, whose credits include the stage and big screen versions of In the Heights, will voice the lead.
Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films said,
Pairing Anthony and Felipe’s genius vision for the story will capture this beloved character in a manner that audiences who grew up with Bob will recognize, and all-new audiences will enjoy.
Ramos says “Bob the Builder” carries an “important message” to the big screen, adding that elements of the film were inspired by his own life.
“For years, Bob the Builder’s characters have inspired young people around the world,” he said. “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!”
“Bob the Builder” joins a slew of Mattel films in development (some less expected than others) including “American Girl,” a live-action “Barney” movie with “Get Out” star Daniel Kaluuya, the Vin Diesel-led “Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots,” and Lena Dunham’s take on “Polly Pocket.”
The company’s first theatrical release was Greta Gerwig’s majorly successful “Barbie,” which was distributed by Warner Bros. and grossed a staggering $1.4 billion globally. The movie received eight Oscar nominations, including best picture.
