Jennifer Lopez Producing New ‘Bob the Builder’ Movie

Jennifer Lopez is producing a new Latino-flavored take on the classic kids’ character, with the animated movie set in Puerto Rico for a brand new story.

(Left) Jennifer Lopez attends the Tribeca Festival Opening Night & World Premiere of Netflix's 'Halftime' on June 08, 2022 in New York City. Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images. (Center) 'Bob the Builder.' Photo: Mattel. (Right) Anthony Ramos stars in 'Dumb Money.' Photo: Claire Folger. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Preview:

A new ‘Bob the Builder’ animated movie is in development.
Jennifer Lopez is on board to produce the movie.
Anthony Ramos will voice Bob in a story set in Puerto Rico.

Here’s a story we’re not sure we saw coming: ‘Bob the Builder’, the classic animated kids’ show is getting its shot at a big screen movie. So far, so unexpected.

But then you learn that Jennifer Lopez is producing the film, with Anthony Ramos taking over voice duties for a story that will see the construction-minded character heading to Puerto Rico. And it’s backed by rights holder Mattel, who are still riding high on the success of ‘Barbie’.

What’s the story of ‘Bob the Builder’?

'Bob the Builder.' Photo: Mattel.

For those who don’t have kids or a love of children’s’ TV output, Bob as a series follows the adventures of Bob, a general contractor, specializing, along with his colleague Wendy, various neighbors, and friends, and equipment, and their gang of anthropomorphized work-vehicles, Scoop, Muck, Dizzy, Roley, Lofty and many others.

The show began life in the UK, where it ran between 1999 to 2011 before the format was sold to Mattel and it came back for a new series in 2015.

As for the movie, it’ll see Roberto (aka Bob) travelling to Puerto Rico for a major construction job. According to the logline, audiences will see Bob as he “takes on issues affecting the island and digs deeper into what it means to build. Bob’s journey will celebrate the vibrant and colorful textures of the Caribbean Latin nations and their people.”

Felipe Vargas is writing the script for the movie.

What are the people involved saying?

Anthony Ramos stars in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.' Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

Here’s what Anthony Ramos had to say about the new movie:

“For years, ‘Bob the Builder’s characters have inspired young people around the world. 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!”

Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films, had this to say:

“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.

And this was the sentiment from Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas of Lopez’ Nuyorican Productions company:

“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. We can’t wait for new and existing fans to connect with these amazing characters.”

What else is on the way from Mattel?

Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Barbie,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

With ‘Barbie’ having made more than $1.44 billion at the box office, Mattel is naturally eager to adapt other products. The current development slate includes ‘American Girl,’ a live-action ‘Barney’ movie with ‘Get Out’ star Daniel Kaluuya, the Vin Diesel-led ‘Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots,’ and Lena Dunham’s take on ‘Polly Pocket.’

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

(L to R) Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Todd Williamson/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.