Amazon MGM Studios has won the bidding battle to bring Bob the Builder back to the screen, beating competitors like Netflix and DreamWorks Animation in a deal that Deadline reports is almost finalised.

The new animated movie will be produced by Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions, collaborating with ShadowMachine, known for their work on Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. Taking on the lead role is Twisters actor Anthony Ramos, who will not only voice Bob but also serve as a producer, helping shape the film’s distinctively Puerto Rican setting and cultural focus. Apart from producing, Lopez is reportedly in talks to have a voice role.

Ramos, whose production input has been central to the film, envisioned Bob the Builder in Puerto Rico, celebrating the endurance and pride of the Latino community. This reimagined Bob, named Roberto, will rally his community with the phrase “Si se puede” — a Spanish equivalent to “Yes, we can!”

Adapted by Felipe Vargas (known for short films thus far), the story positions Roberto as a construction hero tackling major projects across the island, blending local colour, traditions, and challenges with the beloved builder’s knack for teamwork and perseverance. The storyline follows Roberto as he arrives in Puerto Rico for a transformative construction job, diving into issues that matter to the local community and exploring the deeper meaning behind building — both structurally and socially.

Adding to the production team are ShadowMachine’s Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico, alongside Nuyorican producers Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, and Benny Medina. Mattel representatives Kevin McKeon, Ivan Sanchez, and Arturo Thur De Koós will oversee the project, with Nuyorican’s Natalie Haack Flores also involved.

Originally designed as a children’s television series that ran from 1999 to 2011, Bob the Builder engaged young audiences with messages of teamwork, creativity, and positivity, led by the beloved catchphrase, “Can we fix it? Yes, we can!”

Lopez continues to maintain a strong presence in the streaming world, with multiple projects on Prime Video, including the ongoing This Is Me…Now docuseries, and her latest film Unstoppable, which premiered at TIFF and lands on Prime in January.

Here’s the Bob the Builder ear worm that is the classic theme song…