It seems that after the success of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, Mattel-owned properties continue to be highly desired in Hollywood. The next project in the pipeline is a Bob the Builder movie featuring… Jennifer Lopez.
The versatile entertainer has finalized a deal to produce a new animated film centered around the preschool character Bob the Builder, as reported by Variety. Felipe Vargas (Rosario) will write the screenplay.
The movie will follow the main character, Bob, played by Anthony Ramos (Transformers: Rise of the Beasts), as he embarks on a major construction project in Puerto Rico. Throughout the narrative, Bob will confront “challenges impacting the island and explore the core of construction.” Additionally, the movie’s premise highlights that “Bob’s journey will celebrate the vibrant and diverse qualities of the Caribbean Latin nations and their people.”
Ramos describes the upcoming film about Bob the Builder, which originated as an animated TV series in 1999, as “a story of allies collaborating, a tribute to a magnificent home they share, and how love can conquer any obstacle along the way.”
“The show’s ability to promote positive mindset, conflict resolution, and empowerment through a completely unique story set in Puerto Rico brings a fresh perspective to a beloved brand,” noted Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, who will produce for Lopez’s company Nuyorican Productions. “We are excited for both new and existing fans to connect with these fantastic characters.”
Reactions from social media users were varied regarding Lopez’s involvement in the production of a Bob the Builder feature film.
Some questioned Lopez’s decision to support a Bob the Builder movie instead of a film featuring the popular Latin handyman character, Handy Manny.
Others were already looking forward to a crossover between Bob the Builder and Handy Manny.
A few people made jokes about the reaction of non-Latin individuals to the transformation of Bob into a Latin character set in Puerto Rico.
are we about to see white people start crying and pretending like they ever gave a damn about bob the builder after childhood ended
— sk (@kirkxxs) January 25, 2024
Others joked that undertaking construction work on the island was going to be a challenging test.
In addition to Bob the Builder, several other Mattel films are in development, including American Girl, Polly Pocket, and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.
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