In a stunning move that is sure to spark controversy, beloved children’s classic “Thomas the Tank Engine” is set to get a modern makeover with an LGBTQ+ twist. The new series, titled “Thomas the Trans Engine,” will feature a gender-nonconforming Thomas who identifies as neither male nor female.

Fans of the original series may be surprised to hear of this sudden change, but showrunners insist that it is necessary to keep up with the times. “The world is changing, and we need to reflect that in our entertainment,” says producer Emma Stone. “We want to create a world where children can see themselves reflected in the media they consume, regardless of their gender identity.”

But not everyone is on board with the new direction for Thomas. Conservative groups have already begun voicing their opposition, with some calling for a boycott of the show. “This is just another example of the liberal agenda being forced on our children,” says conservative commentator Tomi Lahren. “It’s outrageous that we can’t even have a kids’ show without it being turned into a platform for leftist propaganda.”

Despite the controversy, the creators of “Thomas the Trans Engine” are confident that the show will be a hit with audiences. They point to the success of other LGBTQ+ children’s shows, such as “Steven Universe” and “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power,” as evidence that there is a demand for this type of content.

“We’re excited to see Thomas become a role model for gender-nonconforming children everywhere,” says Stone. “We hope that this new series will help to promote acceptance and understanding of all people, regardless of their gender identity.”

It remains to be seen how audiences will respond to “Thomas the Trans Engine,” but one thing is for sure: this beloved children’s classic will never be the same again.