Jennifer Lopez is bringing Bob the Builder to the big screen.
The singer and actress, 54, has been producing a film adaptation of the British animated construction worker with toymaker Mattel, which owns the brand, seeking to capitalize on the box office success of the Barbie film by putting more of its mascots into cinemas.
Bob – whose catchphrase is “Can we fix it?” – will be seen in the movie going to Puerto Rico for a huge construction job, according to producers, and will be voiced by the In the Heights star Anthony Ramos, 32.
The actor said in statement the movie contained an “important message” and that aspects of the film were inspired by his own life.
He added: “For years, Bob the Builder’s characters have inspired young people around the world. 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.
The film is being billed as a project that will address issues facing residents in Puerto Rico and dig “deeper” into “what it means to build.”
Lopez will produce the film with her company Nuyorican Productions.
A director is yet to be attached to the project, but the script will be written by Felipe Vargas, a Colombian filmmaker who recently made a short film about a shadowy monster stalking an orphanage.
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Lopez’s producing partner Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas said: “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. We can’t wait for new and existing fans to connect with these amazing characters.”
Bob the Builder was created by Keith Chapman and began in 1999, with the character voiced by Men Behaving Badly actor Neil Morrissey, 61, and also featuring his group of construction vehicles, including Scoop, Muck, Dizzy, Roley and Lofty.
The show’s theme song ‘Can We Fix It?’ became a chart hit and was the UK Christmas No 1 in 2000, and US toy titan Mattel bought the company that owned Bob the Builder in 2011 for $680 million.
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