To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

​Parents Don’t Like Thomas The Tank Engine’s ‘Awful’ New Makeover

​Parents Don’t Like Thomas The Tank Engine’s ‘Awful’ New Makeover

Parents expressed their frustration after a trailer for a new Thomas The Tank Engine film was posted online

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

A new-look Thomas the Tank Engine has been slammed by parents after leaving kids 'disappointed' by the 'awful' new makeover - with some saying their children were even tearing up over the transformation.

A trailer for new Thomas film Race For The Sodor Cup was posted on the popular children's franchise's official Facebook page, with a caption reading: "Race for the Sodor Cup⁠ with Thomas & Friends in an all-action movie adventure, full of racing, teamwork and fun for all the family!"

But many people weren't feeling too excited for Thomas and co's latest outing, with some saying the kids' film looked like it had been re-worked 'for babies'.

Mattel

One parent commented on Facebook: "Just asked my 6 year old daughter who grew up watching Thomas, almost cried and said she hates it.

"Looks like we'll be watching the older ones we've bought. Let's just hope they don't go and butcher Thomas Land at Drayton Manor as well..."

Another said: "My 5 1/2 year old was looking forward to seeing Thomas at the cinema but after seeing this clip doesn't want to go now as he says it looks like it's for babies and I agree."

Mattel

A third wrote: "Just show[ed] it to my son. He's so disappointed with the change and voices. He said it's not Thomas any more & doesn't like it."

Another added: "This is terrible. The animation, the voice acting. There's a lot of confused kids (and adults!) out there questioning who decided this would be better than what we already had? Goodbye Thomas."

One other person, meanwhile, fumed that 'trains can't jump'... clearly forgetting that they also can't talk.

An older version of Thomas.
Mattel Television

The film - which is part of the franchise's All Engines Go reboot series - is due to be released in cinemas on 17 September, with a synopsis for the plot saying: "Super-fast Kana is convinced that her speed is all she needs to win the Race for the Sodor Cup, a competition that draws engines from all over the world.

"However, when a racing practice gone wrong causes her partner, Kenji, to get hurt, Kana ends up paired with Thomas.

"Kana and Thomas will discover that it takes teamwork to become the best racers they can be, but is it enough to defeat the international champions and win the Sodor Cup?"

Mattel

A spokesperson for Mattel told LADbible: "Updates introduced through Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go are targeted towards the next generation of fans - kids age 2-4 years, and their parents.

"Thomas & Friends is, at its core, about the importance of friendship, and we will continue to stay true to Thomas' ethos and heritage while bringing the franchise to life creatively in new ways for today's kids.

"Research with parents and kids informed key updates to the show, on everything from story structure to pacing to personality of characters.

"These insights, plus input from in-house early childhood development experts, have shaped the new series into a reflection of what kids and parents want to see on screen today.

"In focus groups, we have observed children being extremely engaged in the new content - leaning in closer to the screen and dancing to the music.

"This was balanced with retaining key elements of what make the world Thomas & Friends so special for kids, such an emphasis on friendship and teamwork - and always a bit of cheekiness."

Featured Image Credit: Mattel

Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film