Jennifer Lopez's 'Bob the Builder' animation film to be set in Puerto Rico

The Caribbean island of Puerto Rico is about to get some hot screen time among young audiences.

Latina pop star Jennifer Lopez is producing Mattel Films new animated production of Bob the Builder. The on-screen construction worker is set to be the star of Lopez’s film starring “In the Heights” actor Anthony Ramos as the voiceover for the character.

“Bob the Builder” has run about 250 episodes since its debut in 1999. The British cartoon, created by Keith Chapman for HIT Entertainment and Hot Animation features the adventures of a young general contractor who helps build and repair different houses and buildings with his partner Wendy and their come to life tractors and work vehicles.

In a nod to her Puerto Rican heritage, Bronx native J. Lo is taking the British repair lad from his usual digs in England to her ancestral homeland in the tropics, according to a report published by the film’s official logline, which says Bob will encounter a major construction project on the island as he “takes on issues affecting the island 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.”

The Latina superstar has not yet announced who will be the director of the animated film, but she has contracted Felipe Vargas to write the screenplay.

“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, according to a recent report published by Variety magazine.

For his part, Ramos, who, like Lopez, is also a New York native of Puerto Rican descent, said that “Bob the Builder” carries an “important message” for young people about positivity and motivation.

“For years, Bob the Builder’s characters have inspired young people around the world,” he explained. “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. Can we fix it? Yes, we can!”

That sentiment was echoed by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, one of Lopez’s co-producers.

“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,” she said. “We can’t wait for new and existing fans to connect with these amazing characters.” 

“Bob the Builder” comes after Mattel’s first film release “Barbie,” which was distributed by Warner Bros. and has so far grossed $1.4 billion globally.

The film, starring heartthrob Ryan Gosling as Ken and blonde, and blue eyed stunner Margot Robbie as Barbie, won eight Oscar nominations, including best picture.