Thomas the Tank Engine is given some multicultural friends

Ashima is one of 14 engines to join Thomas in a new film for release this Summer
Ashima is one of 14 engines to join Thomas in a new film for release this Summer

Thomas’s friends are finally getting a little more diverse.

Since its creation in 1946 by British clergyman Wilbert Audry, Thomas the Tank Engine has charmed generations of children, imparting gentle wisdom while keeping alive the romantic nostalgia of British railways. But now, in an attempt to bring the Island of Sodor into the 21st century, owners Mattel have announced that the sleepy setting is to be shaken up by an influx of foreign characters.

In a nod to cultural diversity in modern life, Thomas is to make 14 new friends, many of which hail from non-Western countries and four of which are female. These characters will be sold as toys and appear in a movie called The Great Race, which will begin a staggered worldwide release in August. Vincent D’Alleva, who oversees the Thomas franchise for Mattel, told the Times that the movie was made with this summer’s Olympic Games in mind and that it will feature competitors from different countries coming together to “help [Thomas] understand that there is a bigger world out there.”

However, the announcement of the new cast has led to fears that the ambience of the programme could be lost. There are also worries about cultural stereotyping.

Raul of Brazil is described as “feisty”, “strong” and “agile” while Yong Bao of China is “driven to achieve” and “make progress”. Ashima of India is “happy to help out” while Carlos of Mexico is “proud” and “always wearing a smile” as well as having the type of eyebrows last seen on Frida Khalo.

Raul of Brazil
Raul of Brazil

Tracey Van Slyke, a researcher in social justice and pop culture, has previously accused the programme of sending out “pretty twisted, anachronistic messages” because the engines are forced to perform tasks “dictated by their imperious, little white boss”. She said of the new characters: “I applaud the idea, but am concerned about execution. There is a danger in reducing very complex countries and peoples to singular characteristics. If the trains are only defined by cultural stereotypes, the result will be a calculated, and destructive, nod to diversity and inclusivity.”

There are also fears that the traditional feel of the programme could be lost. Psychologist Dr Aric Signman said one of the attractions of the show was its slow-pace and small cast. “Children do not benefit from a lot of variety,” he said. “If there are going to be a lot of new characters then it will be more difficult for children to invest in the narrative and to feel connected.”

Yong Bao of China
Yong Bao of China

Awdry, a vicar in the parish of St Nicholas, in Kings Norton, Birmingham, wrote his first story about an anthropomorphised train in 1942 for his son Christopher who was ill with measles. The following year, having written two further stories, he was encouraged by his wife, Margaret, to send them to publishers. The resulting book, The Three Railway Engines, was published on May 12, 1945, and was an instant success.

Awdry, who died in 1997, wrote 26 Railway books and saw his creation become one of the world’s most successful children’s brands.

Veronica Chambers, his daughter, said: “I think [Mattel] have tried to expand Thomas cultural outlook.” Asked if her father would have approved, she added: “What he would have been pleased about was to think that Thomas is still bringing such joy and pleasure to grown-ups all over the world. And in everything Mattel have done they have strictly adhered to the right railway practice. All the new characters, introduced are based as far as possible on actual locomotives.”

Carlos of Mexico
Carlos of Mexico