From MadeForMums · · 1m 30s
Thomas the Tank Engine gets a major makeover
The beloved children's franchise returns with a fresh look, new character, and star-studded voice cast.
In brief
The beloved children's franchise returns with a fresh look, new character, and star-studded voice cast. Thomas & Friends is being relaunched with updated character designs, new stories, and a new crane truck character called Deepak, arriving on Netflix and other platforms starting September 2026. Originally reported…
Thomas gets a complete refresh
Mattel has relaunched Thomas & Friends with updated character designs and a brand-new animated series called Railway Stories to celebrate the franchise's 80-year legacy.
Meet Deepak the crane truck
A new character called Deepak, a crane truck, joins Thomas, Percy and Rosie on the Island of Sodor in the refreshed adventures.
Henry Golding narrates the special
Hollywood actor Henry Golding, who starred in Crazy Rich Asians, is the English-language narrator for Really Helpful Engines, the first special.
“I feel so lucky to be the narrator of the new Thomas & Friends special.”
Young voice actor debuts as Thomas
Thirteen-year-old Harry Sparkes from Harpenden, Hertfordshire, is making his professional voice-over debut as the new voice of Thomas.
Really Helpful Engines launches now
The 30-minute special Really Helpful Engines is available on YouTube now and arrives on Netflix on September 30, 2026, with the full series coming in early 2027.
New toy range features magnetic tracks
Mattel has launched a new toy range with an Easy Connect track system using magnetic connectors to help young children connect trains more easily.
Series coming to multiple platforms
Thomas & Friends: Railway Stories will arrive on Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Channel 5's Milkshake in the UK, and free-to-air channels globally in early 2027.
What it means
Thomas & Friends is being relaunched with updated character designs, new stories, and a new crane truck character called Deepak, arriving on Netflix and other platforms starting September 2026.
