Building Dreams in Puerto Rico: Jennifer Lopez and Anthony Ramos Team Up for ‘Bob The Builder’ Movie
At a time when audiences celebrate the outstanding achievements of stars of color in movies like “Barbie,” Jennifer Lopez and Anthony Ramos give us more reason to be proud of Latino talent. The Puerto Rican stars joined forces to bring the story of “Bob The Builder” to the big screen.
It is yet another production in a series of Matell films in development that includes “American Girl,” “Barney,” and “Polly Pocket,” according to “Variety.”
“Bob the Builder” goes to Puerto Rico
According to the official logline, audiences will see Bob as he “takes on issues affecting [Puerto Rico] 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.”
Lopez’s production company, Nuyorican Productions, teamed with Mattel Films and ShadowMachine to develop the feature. For his part, Anthony Ramos will voice the beloved character.
“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.
“For years, Bob the Builder’s characters have inspired young people around the world,” he said. “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. “
Hollywood is finally recognizing the importance of these stories to the Latino community
For Lopez and Ramos, the opportunity to tell the story of “Bob The Builder” goes beyond a children’s narrative. Ramos will also be on the production team alongside ShadowMachine’s Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico. Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina will produce for Lopez’s company, Nuyorican Productions.
“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,” Goldsmith-Thomas. “We can’t wait for new and existing fans to connect with these amazing characters.”
“Deadline” explained the popular TV series was created with “little builders,” preschool audience, in mind. “Bob The Builder” told stories that empowered children to work as a team with imagination, positivity, and the right tools. The show ran for 12 seasons, from 1999 to 2011. It also popularized a slogan close to the hearts of Latinos: “Can we fix it? Yes, we can!”
