Writers, Director Hired for New Transformers Animated Movie

Hey, no time no read. But then been long time since actual movies news for Transformers. That has finally changed as Deadline reports that Hasbro's studio eOne along with Paramount are working on an animated movie. The movie will be based on a script from Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari (Ant-Man and the Wasp) with Josh Cooley (Toy Story 4) as director. No details on plot except "resolves around the relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron." The film will not be part of any of the current live-action movies continuity, be it the Bay-verse or maybe/maybe part of Bay-verse Bumblebee movie. It does seem that maybe, just maybe, another one of those writer room concepts from years ago might be used.

It seems the sudden renewed interest in an animated movie is due to any live action film being years away and possibly more until Hollywood sorts out they will restart production considering most films involve hundreds of people working together and often without being able to follow social distance rules. An animated movie, for all its complexity, is sit down at a desk type work that can follow social distance rules or at least be outsourced overseas where how the rules are handled will not be considered a Hasbro/Paramount issue.

I wonder how much the IDW comics will come into play in developing the story. Wish I could remember the exact story arcs (I want to say the Autocracy Trilogy but not sure) got into the origin of then Orion Pax and Megatron's relationship. In the comics it started as friendship built on political agreement over the current government heavy handed leadership failing the people. Orion believed in using the system to fix things from within while Megatron was becoming increasingly more aggressive in believing how change need to be forced. The resulting fall out of Megatron's tactics severed the relationship and directly led to the "Great War" that eventually destroyed Cybertron and the Transformers landing on Earth. Another version of the story is being told in the IDW relaunch currently being published but exactly where its going is muddy on a good day so that seems less likely to be a source of inspiration for any movie. Whether they use IDW as inspiration or not, can't beat the potential drama of friends becoming bitter enemies on each side of a civil war that decimates a planet. Which isn't exactly kid friendly (and never forget the movies are about selling toys) so... yeah not holding my breath on that version being told but fingers crossed.

Transformers 5 Megatron Image and Hot Rod Article

In this week's Entertainment Weekly there is an article with new image covering the cinematic history of Hot Rod. So as a result its a short article. However it does provide a few new story tidbits (relevant parts below). In addition, a twitter user posted a good look at Megatron in what seems to be a meeting with humans.

Alongside Mark Wahlberg’s salt-of-the-earth mechanic, Anthony Hopkins is joining the cast as Sir Edmund Burton, an astronomer who — with the help of Hot Rod — has tracked these long-forgotten connections to another scholar, Oxford professor of English literature Viviane Wembly (Laura Haddock, who played Star-Lord’s mother in Guardians of the Galaxy).

She has no idea she harbors a genetic secret that could destroy (or save) the world. “[The humans] are empowered in a way that is very different than we’ve experienced before and honestly, it’s not easy figuring out how to empower the six foot human versus the 35- or 45-foot robot,” says producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura.

Hot Rod has secretly been serving as her protector in the guise of her father’s 1963 Citroën DS.

“It’s a rickety old thing, but she can’t part with it because she adores it,” Haddock says of the vintage vehicle. “This car has actually been put there to watch her and feedback information to Anthony Hopkins’s character about what she’s up to and her life. So yeah, she gets kind of taken [by surprise] in a really funny, dramatic way by this Hot Rod.”

So far, the new robot doesn’t have an actor attached. “It’s still in the works,” di Bonaventura says. ...We’re trying to make our cast as international as we can,” di Bonaventura says. “We think it’s fun for the characters, it’s fun for the series, it’s fun for the fans in the different countries. So a lot of the robots are not being voiced or we’re just in the process of casting them now.”

First Look at The Last Knight Art

Thanks to Arun09345 on Instagram, we now have the first look at some of the Transformers: The Last Knight art that will likely be used for the toy line and other tie-in products over the next year. Prime and Megatron definitely have that knight armor look to their design while Bumblebee remains more or less the same. Below are pics of the three but reast of the TF related images can be found on Instagram or mirroed at TFormers.

Megatron's Robot Mode Revealed

MichaelBay.com has posted the new look of Megatron. Last seen as the seed for Galvatron, it looks like they merged some of that modes characteristics, the previous faces of Megatron, along with the knight look that Optimus favors to form this new design. Note, just like Prime, he seems to have a look for with or without his face mask.

New Face for Megatron

In a new Instagram post, Michael Bay introduced the new face of Megatron saying "It's starting. This week production. Megatron is back. #transformers #decepticons#". I guess this is the thing that was "coming" from the image posted last week.

It's starting. This week production. Megatron is back. #transformers #decepticons#

A video posted by Michael Bay (@michaelbay) on May 31, 2016 at 9:59am PDT

Transformers 4 Prop Reveals Potential Story Spoiler

After learning one of the potential title for a future Transformers 4 tie-in video game as "Megatron Returns", a new imaged spotted by TFW2005's Evac167 has revealed the head of Megatron prop. Its unknown where the picture was taken (I assume Chicago) but the prop looks about like how Megatron's head looked like after all the damage it suffered in Transformers 2 and 3. No clue how this prop may tie into the movie but I would not be surprised if Megatron gets resurrected in some form or fashion yet again. Which for movies is kind of odd but kind of a norm for the character in the comics.

Linkfest - Lots of Reviews

This round of links on the latest in Transformers toys both official and not is just full of reviews. We reviews of Beast Hunters toys, latest MP release, and 3rd party upcoming releases like Tetra Squadron, not STunticons, and more. Also have reviews of past releases like a 30 year old Gobot gestault and God Ginrai. Not reviews include a look at the lastest addition to the Super GT line, encore Fortress Maximus, a new Megatron statue and Transformers Go comparisons.

Super GT Galleries - GTR Maximus | GTR Megatron
Takara has released a few more official images of their successors to the Binal-Tech line for Super GT racing. Four molds now are planned with Optimus Prime (GTR-01), Saber (GTR-02), Megatron (GTR-03) and now Maximus (GTR-04). I think its the same mold but with color differences and different heads molds for each character but not 100% on that. The average price of each is around $120 each with the first two coming out in the next month or so.

Transformers Linkfest - Micro Change

Another year, another linkfest. This one covers a fairly wide range of Transformers news. To start, a walk down memory lane with a look at some of the very first Transformer toys including a line of gun robots. Also news on the return of TF cartoons, more 3rd party toy galleries and a tease of a new Transformers comic. Also there are videos of Kre-O stop motion, Oscar trailer with Transformers cast members and 5 toy reviews of a 3rd party add-on, 4 G1 inspired 3rd party toys and TF Prime toy.

Micro Change Gun Robots and Micro Change Italy
It turns out that Megatron was not the only Transformer to have a gun alt mode back in the G1 era. Takara actually had an entire line of Diaclone (TFs) based on real guns. The link above gives you a little background with a whole lot of images of the various Gun Robos that were produced. Sadly various toy laws make it difficult to re-create this line as I am such a sucker for TFs that are based on actual real world objects. The other link is a kind of part 2 as it expands to other "Micro Change" (aka TFs) that was released in Italy around the same time, most of which should be very familiar to fans.

Transformers: Prime Season 2 Starts February 18th
The Hub has revealed that Transformers: Prime and Transformers: Rescue Bots return on February 18th. Rescue Bots will air at Noon EST while Prime is at 8:30pm EST. No idea how many consecutive new episodes will follow.

Concept Art for Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Updated)

Transformers: Dark of the Moon concept artists Josh Nizzi, Joel Chang and Warren Manser have each posted concept art from the movie on their websites. Among the interesting tidbits it reveals is the near use of Steeljaw (called Warpath) and that Shockwave and Soundwave probably had other Decepticon codenames to prevent the leaking of details about the characters assuming the art didn't leak. Shockwave was being called Blitzwing while Soundwave was being called Breakdown but the artwork makes it very clear who they were going to be. Driller was being called Colossus but I am betting Marvel owns that name so couldn't get it cleared. Of the group, I think Nizzi's art is my favorite. If a Transformers 4 (reboot or continuation) is made and only one of this team can be brought back, I hope it is Josh Nizzi as he has shown the most command of Transformers design over the years. Below are sample of my more favorite pieces but make sure to hit the links for much more art.
Update: Aaron Sims, another DOTM concept artist, has now posted his TF3 work online.

Dark of the Moon Linkfest

Transformers: Dark of the Moon is now less than a week away from release. Thursday will mark the world premiere in Moscow even it seems Michael Bay and company already really premiered it in Rio de Janeiro and other places, but just didn't throw a party for it like they are in Moscow. In case this is another chance to get caught up on Dark of the Moon related stuff.

Takara Heat Scramble Booster Pack Art
Heat Scramble is apparently a collectible card game that Takara makes for the Japan market. For our purposes it is mostly just a great way to look at unique artwork inspired by all three Transformers movies.

Diecast Transformers Vehicles Coming
Full Metal Hero is reporting that Tomica (part of Takara-Tomy) is planning to release a die cast vehicle line around the movie version of Transformers. Think of them as (probably) higher quality matchbox cars. This is for the Japan market only.

New 15s Spot Featuring Megatron (Updated)

A new fifteen second TV spot for Transformers: Dark of the Moon aired on MTV today. The spot shows a good look at Megatron in robot mode with his battle scarred face. No HD version currently available. Update: From the comments, a higher quality version.

Rosie and Megatron Set Video

Thanks to @thesamnickelson, below is video that was filmed during a closed set in Chicago last summer. This apparently took place off of the main public filming locations as I know I never heard anything about it. The scene shows Michael Bay giving directions to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as she stands on top of a blue object. Typically those blue objects get replaced with Transformer parts in post-production but are necessary for when the actors are physically "touching" a pure CGI creation like a robot Transformer, in this case Megatron. As the recent TV spot hints at, Carly and Megatron have a conversation in a scene that Sam describes as when "Carly persuades Megatron to rise and fight again." At the end, when someone suddenly starts waving their hand for no apparent reason? That is them wanting Sam to get out of the scene.

New Dark of the Moon TV Spot with Megatron

A fourth TV spot has debuted this weekend for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. This one finally offers a look at the new Megatron, along with quick glimpse of Sideswipe. (via TFW2005, thanks to Sahara for the link.)

Asian DOTM Toy Site Launch and Other Toy Links

The official release of the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line is just days away, at least in the United States. Depending on where you live it may have already arrived. Here is more links to galleries and reviews of upcoming DOTM products including the first look at the full body of the reformatted Megatron. But first the links start a website that is perfect for putting together your toy wish list.

Dark of the Moon Toys R Us WebsiteThe Asian side of Toys R Us has launched their website to support the upcoming worldwide launch of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line. The Toys R Us website covers China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan but they are using the Hasbro packaging so the information applies to North America and Europe. The region is getting the toys a few days earlier than the US with China starting today and the other countries tomorrow.

The main value of the website is in the Product section that provides a breakdown of the Wave 1 toys by class with in and out of package images for each toy along the toy bio. Very useful for creating that wish list. The site also has a Character section with the CGI headshots, bio and tech specs for each character that will be available in the toy line at launch. Thanks to Feris Othman for the link.

Dark of the Moon Comic Adaptation Preview Reveals Story Spoilers (Updated)

Per the request of Transformers: Dark of the Moon producer Don Murphy, the copyrighted images and spoilers have been removed. Due to the content of the comments, they have been cut off.

Amazon.com has posted a preview of the official comic book adaptation of Transformers: Dark of the Moon scheduled for release on May 25th. If you click the cover or "Search inside this book" you get about the first seven and last seven pages of the trade. A system error revealed more pages than intended leading to major story points being revealed.

I don't consider characters and alt modes to be spoilers. So knowing that, I will reveal that the leaked images did confirm that Soundwave's alt mode is the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as indicated by the game image. Also Wheeljack is a confirmed Autobot in the movie but I saw only has his name being said. Did not see his robot mode or vehicle mode to confirm if "Einstein", the blue 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550.

It should be noted that adaptations usually work from a final movie script along with designs and storyboards offered by production. However, as Sir Peter Jackson points out, there are three phases to a script - writing it, filming it and editing it. As a result what the comic shows for a scene and what the movie shows may not be the same. Certain elements like the major plot points, characters, etc tend to stay static due to cost but the specific details can easily change (scenes, characters, etc being left on cutting room floor).

If you wish to seek out the spoilers, that is up to you. Be warned the pages did reveal major plot and character developments in the story. If you are even a little bit sensitive about spoilers it is advised to not seek out that information.

DOTM Cyberverse Prime, Megatron and Roadbuster Review

Three new video reviews from the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line for your entertainment. The first two are from Peaugh as he reviews Cyberverse Optimus Prime with Armored Weapons Platform and Cyberverse Megatron with Blastwave Weapons Base. The last review is from Kapow Toys of the green Wrecker deluxe Roadbuster. I dig the small Cyberverse toys that make use of both faction leader's trailers. If the price is right (around deluxe price) then I figure it will be an easy buy when they are released. Roadbuster is pretty cool too. If a NASCAR and TF fan, pretty much an insta buy and for the rest of us, its just good enough to consider the pruchase.

More DOTM Toys Linkfest with Laserbeak

The Transformers: Dark of the Moon leaks seem to continue at a brisk fest. I already have enough from today alone to bring another link fest of sorts with images of upcoming releases both official and unofficial. The galleries include possible first look at the toy for Laserbeak, Nitro Bumblebee, Mudflap and in package look at various leader, voyager and deluxe class figures. Thanks to Foxtail and Sahara for links.

Deluxe Nitro Bumblebee? (x6, rest at link)
A leaked toy list indicated that Bumblebee might have more than one deluxe release for Dark of the Moon. As the images show, it seems it is more than just a repaint but not sure if that means the transformation is different. (via Allspark)


DOTM Laserbeak? (x2, below)
While unconfirmed, it is possible that TaoBao has the first look at the toy version of Laserbeak that was spotted in the Transformers Super Bowl commercial. It is about deluxe size like from the toy list but I can't figure out what the alt mode is. The G1 counterpart's alt mode was a cassette so obviously that is out. (via AllSpark)

Five-Ton Megatron Tank

The pictures of this 5 ton fan re-creation of Megatron's movie version tank alt mode pretty much speak for themselves. Below are a few sample pics but the rest can be found at Chinese language site ZCool or here for English translation. A mirror of the pics is also at Bleeding Cool.

Dear Friends Happy New Year!

The first year the legendary Iron Steel Sculpture: Transformers Megatron in tank available, and now pictures dedicated to everyone, I hope my friends for their valuable comments.

Process was full of twists and turns, the light tank track on the teeth, before and after no fewer than ten times to modify the program. Anyway, finally get rid of this monster, weighing almost 5 tons. Several aspects are split, however, today this baby out of the studio, a dozen people was not ready to spend an afternoon.

In fact, some parts can be refined, it can be done more refined, but experts of the supplier of many supporting a holiday, employees have to return home New Year, plus find a suitable material, so it feels out of less desirable.

Eight Dark of the Moon Toy Reviews

It seems that Transformers reviewer Peaugh has scored the mother lode of leaked toys from the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line as he has posted eight video reviews for the upcoming line. The reviews include a look at the Voyager Optimus Prime, Megatron and Shockwave along with reviews of the new Human Alliance "basic" class and three deluxe toys. It seems the H.A. basic class is a scout sized toy with tiny action figure that are sort of triple changers with a weapon mode that some voyager class figures can hold. For those wondering why Shockwave has a hose, it is likely a homage to the Generation One figure as he had a hose too but then it was for the practical purpose of getting power to the lights. Below are embeds or hit the links for all the reviews.

Deluxe Skids | Deluxe Crankcase/Dread | Deluxe Green Wrecker | H.A. Sandstorm | H.A. Whirl |
Voy. Optimus Prime | Voy. Shockwave | Voy. Megatron

Official Images of Sentinel Prime, The Ark, and Toy Fair

In a run up to the beginning of the New York Toy Fair 2011 being held this weekend, Hasbro has released official images of three new Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys to Entertainment Weekly. The images prove officially what we all suspected. Sentinel Prime alt mode is the red fire truck, Megatron's new alt mode is worn down tanker truck and the crashed ship on the moon seen in the teaser trailer is The Ark. The Ark is not a Transformer but a kids playset while Sentinel is Leader class (not voyager as first thought) and Megs is voyager class. The pics also verify with the distinct bearded robot is the one discovered on the Ark by the Apollo 11 crew. Makes you wonder what other movie theories might be verified during the Toy Fair. Thanks to Udana for the link.

Speaking of, Hasbro's CEO Brian Goldner gave a presentation that involved Transformers. No movie details were revealed but he did say that the Dark of the Moon video game is going to be a prequel to the movie rather than a direct adaptation as was done for previous movie games. He also said on Monday, Michael Bay would be on hand to show more footage from the film. The slideshow presentation showed off the official logos of MechTech, Cyberverse, and Robot Heroes lines along with a look at the rendered Bumblebee. Thanks to KRandTFfan for the link.