Can you change it, yes you can.
British TV icon Bob the Builder is at the center of an unlikely culture war after being transformed into a social justice warrior for a new big-budget animated film by Jennifer Lopez.
The move by toy giant Mattel, which owns the rights to the character and wants to capitalize on the success of Greta Gerwig's Barbie, calls for the character to be called Roberto and for the action to take place on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico.
But the decision to reinvent the children's television favorite has caused uproar.
One fan wrote on the website X, formerly known as Twitter: “The woke mob got the Bob the Builder.”
The original Bob the Builder character (archive image). The move will feature the character Roberto and the action on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico
Mattel, which is co-producing the film with singer Jennifer Lopez's production company, hopes the new film will build on the success of its Barbie film, which grossed more than $1 billion at the international box office (stock image)
Another fan complained: “What kind of business does a British builder have in Puerto Rico? That's not my Bob the Builder.”
Frank Furedi, professor emeritus of sociology at Kent University, also advocated for Bob to become a social justice warrior.
He said: “According to the film's producers, Bob the Builder now carries 'an important message' and Bob is becoming an icon for empowerment.” Bob the Builder is not only an entertaining story for children, but has also become a media outlet of identity politics.”
Last night Keith Chapman, who created the character before the rights were sold, welcomed the film and the cast but said he hoped the character would be referred to as Bob in the film.
Mr Chapman, who lives in Monaco, said: “I don't want to see Roberto in the title of the film. “If I get a chance to talk to them, which I probably will in the next few years as the situation develops, I will raising the concerns of everyone in the UK.
“We should try to listen to the Bob recovery brigade.” Many of these new parents grew up with Bob the Builder. For them it almost means leaving our Bob alone. Don't mess with Bob.'
American actor Anthony Ramos, who is himself of Puerto Rican descent. will the character speak in the new film (file photo)
In a statement announcing the new film, the producers said: “When Roberto “Bob” travels to the enchanting island of Puerto Rico for a major construction job, he addresses the issues affecting the island and delves deeper into the meaning of construction a.”
American actor Anthony Ramos, who is himself of Puerto Rican descent. the character will speak in the new film.
The star said he was proud that the film would “add elements of life inspired by my own.”
Mattel, which is co-producing the film with singer Jennifer Lopez's production company, hopes the new film will build on the success of its Barbie film, which grossed more than $1 billion at the international box office.
Neil Morrissey, who played Bob in the TV series, was unavailable for comment last night.