NEW YORK CITY - "Bob the Builder,' the beloved childreen show, will be coming to the big screen in a new animated feature film from Mattel. Jennifer López will be producing it and Anthony Ramos, who has starred in Lin-Manuel Miranda productions "In the Heights" and "Hamilton," will voice the main character, according to a report from Variety.
The new film will bring a Latin twist to the children's series, telling the story of Roberto (or Bob), who travels to Puerto Rico for a major construction job. Bob will take on issues affecting the island and dig deeper on what it means to build. The film will also celebrate the vibrant and colorful texture of the Caribbean Latin nations and their people.
A director has not been named but the screenplay will be written by Felipe Vargas, whose most recent film was a bloody horror short.
"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.
Ramos, who will be producing the film alongside López, says the new film will carry an important message and that many 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 in an interview. "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!"
The new film will join the slew of Mattel films in development such as "American Girl," a live-action "Barney" and Lena Dunham's "Polly Pocket," following the success of the company's first theatrical release, Greta Gerwig's "Barbie."
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