Thomas the Tank Engine is back with a major makeover, and there’s a brand-new character for children to meet

Thomas & Friends has had a big refresh, with a new look, new character and new episodes coming to Milkshake! and Netflix.

Thomas the Tank Engine and friends new series artwork

Mattel

Published: September 21, 2026 at 12:39 PM

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Thomas the Tank Engine is getting a makeover for a whole new generation of little fans, and parents may spot a few familiar faces when the new adventures arrive.

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Mattel has relaunched Thomas & Friends with a fresh visual style, redesigned characters and a brand-new animated series, Thomas & Friends: Railway Stories.

The 30-minute special Really Helpful Engines is available to watch now on YouTube and will arrive on Netflix on 30 September 2026, with the full series coming in early 2027.

And there’s a new face joining Thomas, Percy and Rosie on the Island of Sodor, a crane truck called Deepak.

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Thomas the Tank Engine has a brand-new look

The new series marks a major refresh for the franchise as Thomas & Friends celebrates its 80-year legacy. The familiar engines have been given updated designs, while the new stories are still rooted in the railway adventures and friendships that have made Thomas a childhood favourite for generations.

The first special, Really Helpful Engines, introduces the refreshed world of Sodor and includes three new songs.

The stories will focus on themes including friendship, teamwork, caring and the importance of helping others, with Mattel describing the new series as a way of bringing the much-loved franchise to today's pre-school audience.

There's a new character for Thomas fans to meet

Thomas, Percy and Rosie are joined by Deepak, a new crane truck, in the new adventures.

The special follows the characters on a music-filled adventure centred around what it means to be a “helpful” engine, both through their actions and the way they work together.

Mattel's Executive Producer and SVP of Animation, Rob David, said: “For generations, Thomas & Friends has inspired children through timeless stories about friendship, teamwork and the importance of being a really helpful engine. With this new series and content special, we're honoring everything families have always loved about Thomas and we can't wait for fans old and new to climb aboard for a new era of adventures on the Island of Sodor.”

We can't wait for fans old and new to climb aboard for a new era of adventures on the Island of Sodor.

Rob David, Mattel's Executive Producer and SVP of Animation

Who is the new voice of Thomas?

There are some new voices behind the latest Thomas & Friends adventures too.

Hollywood actor Henry Golding is the English-language narrator of Really Helpful Engines, while actress Karla Souza provides the Spanish narration.

Golding, who starred in Crazy Rich Asians, said: “I feel so lucky to be the narrator of the new Thomas & Friends special, and I poured as much joy as possible into each episode. My favorite moment was seeing Thomas back on this adventure with his friends, exploring new places and iconic areas of Sodor. We're bringing new excitement to a franchise I grew up loving, and as someone who always identified with the character Henry, literally sharing his name, I'm incredibly proud to be part of this new chapter.”

The UK announcement from Mattel also confirms that 13-year-old Harry Sparkes from Harpenden, Hertfordshire, is making his professional voice-over debut as the new voice of Thomas.

When can children watch the new Thomas & Friends?

There’s not long to wait for the first adventure.

The full series is planned for YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime and free-to-air channels globally.

And Thomas fans can expect new toys too

The Thomas & Friends makeover isn't just happening on screen.

Mattel has launched a new toy range featuring its Easy Connect track system, with magnetic connectors designed to make it easier for young children to connect their trains.

The range includes motorised engines, larger-scale engines and 26 unique characters. Mattel says the design is intended to support independent play while reducing some of the frustration children can experience when connecting toys.

The new Thomas & Friends toys are available at retailers globally.

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For families who grew up with Thomas themselves, the new series offers a mix of familiar Sodor favourites and fresh characters, with a new generation of railway adventures now ready to roll.

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