Jennifer Lopez has some exciting plans up her sleeve – she’s bringing the beloved children’s character Bob the Builder to Puerto Rico in a film she’s co-producing. In this new take, the familiar construction figure will be known as “Roberto.”
Following the recent success of the Barbie film, another iconic Mattel character is set to make a splash on the big screen, infused with a Caribbean twist. Hamilton star Anthony Ramos will be the voice behind Roberto/Bob, famous for the evergreen catchphrase, “Can we fix it? Yes, we can!”
The film’s goal is to explore the concept of building on a deeper level and showcase the vibrant cultures of Caribbean Latin nations, as per Mattel’s statement.
Bob the Builder, known for its cheerful construction worker, originally debuted on BBC TV in 1999, running for an impressive 12 series. Neil Morrissey initially voiced the character, gaining global popularity on channels like Nick Jr and PBS Kids. The UK version underwent a makeover in 2015, with Lee Ingleby taking over the voice role.
In this cinematic venture, Anthony Ramos, serving as both the voice actor and co-producer, expressed his pride in infusing elements from his own life into the film. He described it as a narrative about friends working together, celebrating a beautiful shared home, and illustrating how love can overcome any obstacle.
This move to bring beloved children’s characters to the big screen follows the massive success of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, dominating the box office in 2023 and earning numerous award nominations.
The trend continues with upcoming films like Polly Pocket, directed by Lena Dunham and starring Lily Collins, and an “adult” version of Barney the Dinosaur, produced by Daniel Kaluuya, exploring millennial angst. Mattel’s film lineup also includes Hot Wheels, produced by JJ Abrams, along with Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, and Thomas & Friends. Excitement is high for these reinventions of classic toys on the silver screen.
