A reimagining of the classic Thomas & Friends franchise is due to arrive on UK screens in November.
Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go will debut on Channel 5’s Milkshake on Monday 8 November featuring a new storytelling approach, 2D animation and a collection of new characters aimed at inspiring today’s audiences.
Produced by Mattel Television – in partnership with Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana Studio – Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go is only the fourth major revamp ever for the famous children’s animated show in its 75-year history.
Highlights of the new show include a greater range of character expressiveness, more physical comedy and music, plus the core characters are now kids themselves and voice by British child actors.
It incorporates 26 social-emotional, cognitive and physical life lessons throughout the series such as friendship, taking turns, teamwork, self-help and empathy.
While Thomas remains the hero of the series, four additional engines make up the core cast of characters – Thomas’ best friend Percy, the well travelled Nia, Diesel and Kana, a new electric high-speed rail train.
“Thomas & Friends has 92% brand awareness in the UK, so we are looking forward to exciting our Thomas fans new and old with all the fun and adventure of the show’s new approach,” commented Kelly Philp, director of marketing at Mattel UK. “The singable songs and endless laughs have already tested well with our preschool audience and Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go will be a great tool for parents and caregivers too, due to the integrated life lessons and values that are incorporated within the content.”
In the UK, the series will be preceded by a new 60-minute movie – Thomas & Friends: Race for the Sodor Cup – showing at Vue and Odeon cinemas from Friday 17 September. This will be the first time that children and parents can see the new look and feel of Thomas & Friends before it hits TV screens later in the year.
