Bob the Builder Animated Film in Development

Mattel Films, ShadowMachine, Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions and Anthony Ramos are developing a feature-length animated film based on Bob the Builder.

The project will star actor and recording artist Ramos (Hamilton, In the Heights), following along as Bob travels to the enchanting island of Puerto Rico for a major construction job. He takes on issues affecting the island and digs deeper into what it means to build.

Ramos is producing alongside Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico of ShadowMachine (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, BoJack Horseman). Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina have also joined to co-produce for Nuyorican Productions (The Mother, Shotgun Wedding, Hustlers, Marry Me). Felipe Vargas (Rosario, Loteria) is attached to write.

The original Bob the Builder television series ran for 12 seasons, from 1999-2011.

Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with our brilliant partners Anthony Ramos, Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Benny Medina, Alex Bulkley, Corey Campodonico and Felipe Vargas on Bob the Builder, our first animated theatrical film. Pairing Anthony and Felipe’s genius vision for the story with ShadowMachine and Nuyorican’s artisan approach will capture this beloved character in a manner that audiences who grew up with Bob will recognize and all-new audiences will enjoy.”

Ramos added: “For years, Bob the Builder’s characters have inspired young people around the world. I’m proud to partner with Mattel Films, ShadowMachine, Nuyorican Productions and Felipe Vargas to bring this important message to the big screen, adding elements of life that are inspired by my own. 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!”

Goldsmith-Thomas said: “Jennifer, Benny and I are elated to be partnering with the visionaries at Mattel Films along with Anthony Ramos, Felipe Vargas and ShadowMachine to bring Bob the Builder back to the screen. 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, and we can’t wait for new and existing fans to connect with these amazing characters.”

Bulkley and Campodonico commented: “Mattel Films’ creatively innovative, artist-first storytelling sensibilities align perfectly with our own at ShadowMachine. We are excited to join forces with them, Anthony Ramos, Felipe Vargas and Nuyorican in crafting an entertaining film for the big screen and bringing to life an all-new chapter in the legacy of Bob the Builder.”