A new animated feature film from Mattel Films will be another message movie aimed at children’s minds. Anthony Ramos, the star of “In the Heights,” will provide the title character’s voice for Mattel’s “Bob the Builder,” which Jennifer Lopez is producing, according to Variety. In his interview, he slipped about the movie being another message film, and implied it was going to be another self-insert around diversity.
A spoof of the beloved children’s show and Mattel toy “Bob the Builder,” it centers on Roberto, also known as Bob, who goes to Puerto Rico to work on a significant construction project. Viewers will witness Bob as he “takes on issues affecting the island and digs deeper into what it means to build,” according to the official logline. Bob’s voyage will push an agenda regarding Latin American countries in the Caribbean and their citizens. The screenplay will be written by Felipe Vargas (the upcoming “Rosario”); the director has not yet been named.
“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,” said Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films.
Where Anthony Ramos slipped up, is he already warns parents there will be a message to the children’s film. “Bob the Builder has a “important message,” according to Ramos, who also notes that aspects of the movie were influenced by his own experiences, marking another self-insert movie likely going to revolve around personal politics.
“For years, Bob the Builder’s characters have inspired young people around the world,” he said, making the movie sound innocuous. “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!”
Producer Ramos will collaborate with Corey Campodonico and Alex Bulkley of ShadowMachine on “Bob the Builder.” Nuyorican Productions, owned by Lopez, will be produced by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina. “Bob the Builder” is managed by Kevin McKeon, Ivan Sanchez, and Arturo Thur De Koós for Mattel, and by Natalie Haack Flores for Nuyorican.
“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,” Goldsmith-Thomas stated. “We can’t wait for new and existing fans to connect with these amazing characters.”
“Bob the Builder” is one of many Mattel movies in development—some more anticipated than others—such as “American Girl,” a live-action “Barney” film starring Daniel Kaluuya from “Get Out,” “Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots,” starring Vin Diesel, and Lena Dunham’s adaptation of “Polly Pocket.”
Greta Gerwig’s enormously popular film “Barbie,” which was distributed by Warner Bros. and brought in $1.4 billion worldwide, was Mattel’s first theatrical release. Eight Oscar nominations were received for the film, including with Ryan Gosling for best actor.
We already had Handy Manny. That Was Spanish Bob the Builder.
Bob the Groomer.