Mattel has debuted the new specialThomas & Friends: The Mystery of Lookout Mountain, now streaming globally on Netflix. The special is the first to feature the autistic character Bruno the Brake Car, who wasformally introduced to the franchiseby appearing in the seriesThomas & Friends: All Engines Golast fall. Bruno’s appearance in the new movie comes after the character has received praise for its representation and efforts to bring awareness to autism. The release ofThomas & Friends: The Mystery of Lookout Mountaincoincides with April’s Autism Acceptance Month.
“We are excited to bring the fun and excitement ofThomas & Friends: The Mystery of Lookout Mountainto fans, as the special marks Bruno’s first appearance in aThomas & Friendsmovie,” Fred Soulie, Senior VP and General Manager at Mattel Television, says in a statement. “By further acquainting audiences with the pun-loving red brake car, we hope the special will make a positive impact on children and parents during Autism Acceptance Month.”
Nelvana President Pam Westman adds, “It’s been full steam ahead ever since we partnered with Mattel to produce the reimagined 2D animatedThomas & Friendsseries, and we’ve received spectacular feedback on the fun storylines and physical comedy. Bruno the Brake Car is such an important character, and we’re proud of the warm reception he has received. This special allows us to emphasize the significance of this loving character, not only within this franchise but throughout children’s programming globally.”
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Bruno the Brake Car was developed in collaboration with trusted organizations and advisors such as The Autism Self Advocacy Network, Easterseals Southern California, Aaron Likens, and Daniel Share-Strom. Autistic actor Chuck Smith provides the voice of Bruno in the U.S.
“The most important aspect of Bruno’s development was getting autistic input throughout the process of creating the character and his interactions with his world,” ASAN Director Zoe Gross said when the character was first announced. “It was great to be able to contribute to that as part of a team of consultants from ASAN. Autistic people have been involved in all aspects of creating Bruno, from us as consultants to writers on the show and Bruno’s voice actor—this makes Bruno ring true as an autistic character. I hope that Bruno will provide viewers with meaningful examples of inclusion in everyday life.”
In the new special, “Thomas, Bruno, and the rest of the gang journey under waterfalls into unknown tunnels and through the Crystal Caverns in a quest to find the truth, ultimately coming face-to-face with a mythical Mine Monster.”
The new animated special is co-produced by Mattel Television and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana. Soulie executive produces with Mattel Television’s Christopher Keenan alongside Colin Bohm, Doug Murphy, and Westman for Nelvana.
Thomas & Friends: The Mystery of Lookout Mountainis available tostreamglobally onNetflix.
