Mattel Films to Work on ‘Bob the Builder’ Animated Movie

Mattel Films, ShadowMachine, Nuyorican Productions and actor, Anthony Ramos, have announced plans to develop an animated, feature-length film based on Bob the Builder, the long-running animated children’s series.

The film will star Ramos (“Hamilton,” “In the Heights”), who also produces alongside Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico of the Academy Award-winning animation and production studio, ShadowMachine (Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio,” “BoJack Horseman”).

Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina for Nuyorican Productions (“The Mother,” “Shotgun Wedding,” “Hustlers,” “Marry Me”) have also joined to co-produce. Felipe Vargas (“Rosario,” “Loteria”) is attached to write. “Bob the Builder” is overseen by Kevin McKeon, Ivan Sanchez and Arturo Thur De Koós for Mattel and Natalie Haack Flores for Nuyorican.

When Roberto (“Bob”) travels to the enchanting Island of Puerto Rico for a major construction job, 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.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with our brilliant partners, Anthony Ramos, Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Benny Medina, Alex Bulkley, Corey Campodonico and Felipe Vargas on ‘Bob the Builder,’ our first animated theatrical film,” says Robbie Brenner, president, Mattel Films. “Pairing Anthony and Felipe’s genius vision for the story with ShadowMachine and Nuyorican’s artisan approach will capture this beloved character in a manner that audiences who grew up with Bob will recognize, and all-new audiences will enjoy.”

“For years, ‘Bob the Builder’s’ characters have inspired young people around the world,” says Ramos. “I’m proud to partner with Mattel Films, ShadowMachine, Nuyorican Productions and Felipe Vargas to bring this important message to the big screen, adding elements of life that are inspired by my own. 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!”

“Jennifer, Benny and I are elated to be partnering with the visionaries at Mattel Films along with Anthony Ramos, Felipe Vargas and ShadowMachine to bring ‘Bob the Builder’ back to the screen,” says Goldsmith-Thomas. “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, and we can’t wait for new and existing fans to connect with these amazing characters.” 

 “Mattel Films’ creatively innovative, artist-first storytelling sensibilities align perfectly with our own at ShadowMachine,” say Bulkley and Campodonico in a joint statement. “We are excited to join forces with them, Anthony Ramos, Felipe Vargas and Nuyorican in crafting an entertaining film for the big screen and bringing to life an all-new chapter in the legacy of ‘Bob the Builder.’” 

“Bob the Builder” joins other Mattel Films in development, including American Girl and many more. Mattel Films is also developing Christmas Balloon, a holiday family drama based on new IP.

Mattel Films’ first theatrical release, “Barbie,” was released worldwide in July 2023 by Warner Bros. Pictures.