The chirpy construction worker, who debuted 25 years ago on CBBC, will be the inspiration behind an animated feature about a Latino construction worker voiced by Anthony Ramos.

In something of a spin on the original series, the film’s plot will see Roberto (AKA Bob) travel to Puerto Rico for a major construction job, where he “takes on issues affecting the island and digs deeper into what it means to build”.

His journey will reportedly “celebrate the vibrant and colourful textures of the Caribbean Latin nations and their people”. A director has not yet been named, but the screenplay will be written by Felipe Vargas, whose most recent film was a body horror short set in an orphanage plagued by a shadowy fairy who collects more than just the children’s teeth.

Anthony Ramos, whose credits include the stage and big screen versions of In the Heights, will voice the lead.

“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 recognise, and all-new audiences will enjoy,” said Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films.

Ramos, who is producing alongside Lopez, added that elements of the film were inspired by his own life, and paid tribute to the character’s positive reinforcement catchphrase.

He said: “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. Can we fix it? Yes, we can!”