Mattel, a leading toy company, is launching its first animated theatrical movie, Bob the Builder. The film features Anthony Ramos, known from In the Heights, voicing the main character, Roberto “Bob.” Set in Puerto Rico, Bob embarks on a significant construction job, exploring Caribbean-Latin culture and discovering the deeper essence of building.
Colombian-American writer Felipe Vargas is co-creating the story with Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico from ShadowMachine Animation Studio.
Following the success of the ‘Barbie’ movie by Warner Bros, which grossed over $1.4 billion, Mattel has announced several film and TV projects. These include the Netflix series Masters of the Universe: Revolution and a live-action film, Polly Pocket, directed by Lena Dunham.
Mattel Films is expanding its portfolio, developing movies based on American Girl, Hot Wheels, Magic Ball, Barney, and more.
The ‘Bob the Builder’ movie draws inspiration from the early 2000s British children’s series by Keith Chapman, known for ‘PAW Patrol.’ This series, featuring the titular contractor and friends, enjoyed 12 seasons of success.
In 2011, Mattel acquired Hit Entertainment, gaining rights to Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends, and other preschool properties for $680 million.
Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films, expressed enthusiasm about introducing Bob the Builder to new generations. This movie joins the ‘Barbie’ film, which portrayed the iconic doll grappling with an existential crisis.
