Jennifer Lopez Bringing Iconic Kids Show To Big Screen
Jennifer Lopez is developing an animated movie based on the beloved children’s television show Bob the Builder through her Nuyorican Productions banner. The announcement follows the box office success of Barbie, who, like Bob, is also owned by Mattel. The project has no release date at this time.
Anthony Ramos Portraying Bob The Builder
The reimagined version of Bob the Builder will feature Hamilton star Anthony Ramos as the titular character. Ramos expressed his enthusiasm for the project on Instagram. “Proud to be working with the family at Mattel and stepping into the producing chair with Jennifer Lopez on this one,” the actor wrote. “Grateful for what we’re building.”
Bob The Builder Goes To Puerto Rico
According to the official synopsis, Bob the Builder will see Roberto travel to Puerto Rico for a major construction job. Along the way, he tackles issues affecting the island and delves deeper into the meaning of building. The story also promises to celebrate the vibrant Caribbean Latin nations and their people, adding a cultural richness to the well-loved character.
Jennifer Lopez Producing Under Her Production Banner
Although a director has not been named, Felipe Vargas is penning the script. Producers include Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico of ShadowMachine, while Jennifer Lopez co-produces with Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina for Nuyorican Productions. The project will be overseen by Natalie Haack Flores for Nuyorican and Kevin McKeon, Ivan Sanchez, and Arturo Thur De Koos for Mattel.
More Mattel Toys Heading To The Big Screen
The announcement of the Jennifer Lopez-backed Bob the Builder movie comes amid a wave of exciting developments at Mattel Films, with numerous projects in the pipeline. Other iconic IPs such as American Girl, Barney, Polly Pocket, Uno, and Rock’ Em Sock’ Em Robots are also set to make their way to the big screen in the near future.
Polly Pocket will be directed by Lena Dunham and stars Lily Collins. Daniel Kaluuya is producing Barney the Dinosaur, which will see the beloved character take on adult themes and lean into millennial angst. Other projects from Mattel Films include Hot Wheels, helmed by director J.J. Abrams of Star Wars: The Force Awakens fame, along with Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, and Thomas & Friends.
Bob The Builder Through The Years
Bob the Builder began a British animated children’s series that follows the adventures of the titular construction worker and his anthropomorphic machine/vehicle friends as they work together to build and solve problems in Sunflower Valley. The series is known for its catchy theme song and positive messages about teamwork, much like the theme the Jennifer Lopez-backed movie is aiming for.Bob the Builder was created by Keith Chapman and first premiered in the United Kingdom on Channel 5’s “Milkshake!” programming block in 1998. The show was initially produced by HIT Entertainment, a British entertainment company specializing in children’s programming. The concept for the show was inspired by Chapman’s own experiences watching construction sites with his son.
Bob the Builder also features other characters, such as Wendy, who serves as Bob’s assistant and is proficient in construction work, often handling heavy machinery. The mechanical team includes Scoop, Muck, Dizzy, Roley, and Lofty, each possessing a distinct personality and set of skills that contribute to the overall success of the group. It’s unclear if the Jennifer Lopez-backed film will feature any of these characters.
Bob the Builder became a global phenomenon among preschoolers over the years. The series also spawned merchandise, including toys, books, and clothing.
