Mattel Unveils Animated ‘Bob the Builder’ Movie Starring Anthony Ramos
Toy giant Mattel is set to bring the beloved character “Bob the Builder” to the big screen in its first animated theatrical movie. Renowned actor Anthony Ramos, known for his role in “In the Heights,” lends his voice to the titular character, now named Roberto, as he embarks on a construction adventure in Puerto Rico. The film promises to delve into various issues across the island, offering a unique perspective on construction and introducing audiences to the vibrant Caribbean-Latin culture. Following the success of Mattel’s “Barbie” movie, which grossed over $1.4 billion at the box office, the toy company continues to expand its cinematic endeavors. “Bob the Builder” joins a slate of upcoming projects by Mattel Films, including the Netflix animated series “Masters of the Universe: Revolution” centered on the iconic “He-Man” franchise. Additionally, a live-action “Polly Pocket” film, directed by Lena Dunham, is in the works, drawing inspiration from the popular 1980s dolls. Mattel Films is not stopping there, as they are actively developing projects based on other well-known toy lines such as American Girl, Hot Wheels, Magic Ball, Barney, and more. The move into filmmaking reflects Mattel’s commitment to leveraging its diverse portfolio of iconic brands to captivate audiences across different media. The “Bob the Builder” movie is a nostalgic nod to the early 2000s British animated children’s series, created by Keith Chapman. The TV show, spanning 12 seasons, featured the lovable contractor and his friends. Mattel acquired the rights to “Bob the Builder” and other preschool properties when it purchased Hit Entertainment in 2011 for $680 million. Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films, expressed hopes that the animated movie would introduce the beloved character to new audiences, cementing Mattel’s position as a key player in the entertainment industry.