Thomas the Tank Engine has defined generations of childhood since he chugged onto TV screens in the 1980s after being brought to life as a children's book.
But despite still proving hugely popular today it appears the character's latest remake for his upcoming movie, Race For The Sodor Cup, may have run out of steam.
Scores of parents have vented over the latest make-over of the iconic blue engine - even branding it "menacing" and too "frightening" for kids.
The new 2D makeover of Thomas has wiped his trademark cheeky-face and swapped it for a 'menacing' cartoon creation which has has even left kids in tears.
Parents of children who watch the much-loved character have now vented on a Thomas & Friends Facebook group about the new-look engine and his new found identity.
One parent told how their kids did not recognise Thomas and brandished the new engine a 'thug'.
A mum raged: “Why have they made him look like Dennis the Menace? It’s frightening. My five-year-old son is so upset.”
Another added: “My six-year-old daughter almost cried. She hates it.”
A third fumed: “My Thomas-obsessed three-year-old said ‘That’s not Thomas!’”
Although fans of Thomas were left reeling by the new-look, there's further sad news for the engine's chums Edwards and Henry who have retired from service and have been replaced by newcomers Nia and Rebbeca.
Thomas first appeared in Rev Wilbert Awdry’s books The Railway Series in 1946.
He made his small screen appearance in 1984 with Liverpool legend Ringo Starr narrating the tales on the island of Sodor.
US toy giant Mattel, which bought Thomas’s owner for £500million in 2011, has masterminded the controversial makeover, turning the characters into kids.
The revamp, the fourth in the franchise’s 75-year history, reportedly aims to appeal to “contemporary audiences’ sensibilities while maintaining Thomas’s core message about 'the value of friendship'.
Mattel spokesperson explained: "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.
He added: "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.”
But fans will be able to make their own mind up when Thomas chugs into the big screen with Race For The Sodor Cup out next Friday.
Meanwhile the new TV series featuring the remodelled engines, Thomas And Friends: All Engines Go, produced by Mattel Television in partnership with Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana Studio, will arrive on Channel 5 Milkshake! on Monday November 8.
According to the creators, the episodes will incorporate 26 “social-emotional, cognitive, and physical life lessons” including friendship, teamwork and self-help.
