Battle-Damaged Bumblebee, Wheelie, and Detroit Prep

A few new images from Transformers: The Last Knight to enjoy. The first comes from Tyrese Gibson who posted images (left) of battle-damaged Bumblebee. In addition the tfmovie snapchat continues to post stuff daily but yesterday was the first time something popped up that could be considered newsworthy as it posted an image (below) of Wheelie (alt mode RC truck) who was last seen with Brains crashing a Decepticon ship in Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

While filming in Arizona, prep continues in Detroit. Thanks to J. Barton we have pics from 151 West Fort Street of what looks like set prep. The Haddad truck was used for previous Transformers films in Chicago and the E7 on the cones tends to mark a Transformers set. Sadly the set is in the interior of the building (so private property) so no way to tell what it is for.

DOTM Children Books Reveal Spoilers

Two images from book removed due to DCMA request from whoever the publisher is. If they had contacted me directly could have learned what else they found questionable but I guess contacting me directly like an adult is beyond their capabilities.

Last week a leak of the comic book adaptation of Transformers: Dark of the Moon revealed major story spoilers from the moon that was significant enough to get Don Murphy to force all sites (including this one) to take them down. The info is significant enough that I don't recommend looking for it. Now this week it seems the childrens' book of "The Lost Autobot" and "Optimus Prime's Friends and Foes" is doing the same thing but not nearly at the same degree as Cth from TFW2005 reports (mirror). Thanks to Feris Othman for the link.

To start with what I don't consider spoilers (the name and alt mode of characters), the images do finally confirm beyond doubt that the alt mode of Wheeljack (aka "Einstein")is the blue Mercedes-Benz E550. A whole lot of hints up to now made it common knowledge but this is the first real piece f official anything that put it all together. This would mean that Wheeljack is the new BFF for Wheelie that Nelson mentioned.

SPOILER WARNING!

Hasbro Reveals Soundwave's Alt Mode

Remember almost a month ago when Michael Bay debunked a rumor that the new alt mode of Soundwave was not a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, saying "Mercedes would never let us make their car into a bad Decepticon. Car company's really frown on that - I can't say what the game company and comics do that's their own thing. They don't have the same constraints movies do. It's Carly's car." It is a very reasonable explanation that is backed up by Hasbro and Takara's recent history not only with the movies but with their non-movie toy lines. Well, the new update Hasbro has performed for Transformers.com to promote their Dark of the Moon toy line throws a bit of a monkey wrench into that explanation.

As the image shows, the bio section of the "Vector Sigma Database" for Soundwave specifically lists his vehicle mode as...a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. So Bay says he isn't an SLS, Hasbro does. Set reports indicate that Carly does drive a silver one but it seems that Soundwave will be keeping his trademark blue look. So does this mean there is another unseen SLS that was used for his scenes? Is Hasbro's information wrong (find that hard to believe)?

The website update also revealed a few additional character details. For a while the two Decepticon SUV's have been nicknamed "The Dreads" because of Chicago set references but never confirmed official. We since learned one of them is called Crankcase. Based on the Vector Sigma bios, we know may name what that nickname was referencing. One "Dread" is named Hatchet with a jet alt mode while another is called Crowbar with police car alt mode. The site shows their toy modes but not a look at their movie version so this could turn out to be a toy specific thing and not movie related. Also the bios give us a look at a robot dog called Steeljaw that is based on the G1 cassette character. Could this be Wheelie's new friend?

The bio for Megatron explains that he has an earth based alt mode to avoid detection from NEST (Networked Elements: Supporters and Transformers unit). The database also includes a clue about Shockwave and where he has been.

Cruelly efficient and unfeelingly logical, Shockwave came to Earth in search of the AllSpark shortly after Megatron. His cold devotion to logic and his peerless intellect, combined with his raw physical strength, make him one of the few Decepticons that can truly be called Megatron's rival. After decades of imprisonment underneath Chernobyl, Shockwave has begun to stir, awaiting his chance to escape his prison and avenge himself on his captors, his rivals and his enemies alike.

As usual we will find out in a few months. In the meantime, be sure to check out Transformers.com as Hasbro has added more than just a database. They are working on a movie-verse timeline, glossary, lots of toy images and it seems plans for games, video and much more.

DOTM Toys Linkfest with Wheelie

A bunch of galleries and news relating to the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line. New auctions have revealed a look at Shockwave, a test shot of Sentinel Prime, and Sideswipe. There are also galleries that show off the in package look at various characters and a close look at the Stealth Force line including possibly the first look at the new orange version of Wheelie. In the video department below is a review of the first figure released at retail from DOTM along with a look at part of Hasbro’s marketing campaign for the toy line.

Shockwave in Package
The images above of Shockwave comes from a Yahoo Japan auction who is the big bad of DOTM (besides Megatron). Still not sold on the tank mode but do like the robot mode.

Stealth Force Line Images
Hit the link to check out images of the new DOTM Stealth Force line. The line seems to be about a weapon mode for the TFs as panels and the like fold back to reveals a bunch of fire power. I don't think any of these have a robot mode. I have no idea if the orange buggy below is Wheelie but the orange color is very close to his Generation One counterpart.

Nelson Update on Twins (Updated)

Nelson, the admin of MB.com and general inside man on all things Michael Bay has posted a new update on the forums that says the Twins are not in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. I am guessing the post is a response to an IO9 article that inexplicably brought them up when posting about the Daytona 500 TV spot. Nelson wrote:

Just a little update:

1.- Michael is NOT directing a movie starring Taylor Lautner. It's a project Platinum Dunes might produce.

2.- And for the final time the Twins are not in this movie period - end of story.

PS. I will have the DOTM 1080p Daytona ad tomorrow night.

Tom Kenny Confirmed For Transformers 3

An article from Pop Eater has confirmed what most of assumed, that Tom Kenny would return to do voice work for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Kenny is the voice of SpongeBob Squarepants and performed the voice of Skids and Wheelie in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. It isn't know if he is reprising the roles of Skids and Wheelie or possibly doing additional voices, something that wouldn't be a stretch for the long time voice actor.

Kenny, who also did robot voice work for the previous 'Transformers,' acts as if he is afraid of famously fiery director Michael Bay. Sort of.

"He's been known to make grown men cry, and I don't want to be the next one," Kenny told us recently, when he had to hurry off the phone to resume 'Transformers 3' recording sessions with Bay.

Now, he says, "He's really great to me, but you know, people are like, 'What magic charm do you have that he's nice to you? What voodoo curse breaker?' My experiences of him have been uniformly positive."

Rollbar Out, Wheelie In for Transformers 3

Nelson, the MB.com admin, returns with more hints of information. This time it is news that the jeep Rollbar is not part of the Transformers 3 cast. The other is Wheelie will return.

In regards to Rollbar, Nelson posted on the MB.com forums, "It's actually not Rollbar or a TF to being with. This Jeep has nothing to do with the TF3 production as of this moment. A dedicated fan decided to try his luck at having his Jeep featured in TF3." He also reiterated the message with "It was a publicity stunt on behalf of the owner in which "reportedly" some set people fell for. It never made it into the set. Have you seen images of it being take off the flatbed and getting prepped? No. Have you notice that most of not all the videos have been mysteriously removed by the studio?" and then again just in case wasn't clear enough, "I've just received official re-confirmation that the Jeep is not in the movie." So just to be clear, Rollbar is not, nor ever was, in Transformers 3. As far as publicity stunts go, it was pretty darn successful but I not sure what was gained from it. At least it explains those odd model pics that were released around the same time.

With the removal of one potential Transformer comes the verification of another as Wheelie will make his return. Nelson posted, the "...silver Benz is a car that Carly drives, and no Jeep Rollbar. Wheelie (or Wheels like Bay likes to call him) is in." I wonder if they will bother explain why he abandoned his crush Mikeala.

Wheelie Scene in HD - "Your Worst Nightmare"

Below is the Wheelie scene once again. This time in hi-def with no subtitles. Thanks to NHLfan for the link.

Wheelie Clip


Update: Minor update, MichaelBay.com has also posted the clip and called it "Your Worst Nightmare".

Deluxe Wheelie Video Review

Peaugh has posted a video review for Deluxe Wheelie. As per his bio, he is a wimp that just does what he is told regardless of who so he has a faction changing gimmick (be interesting to know if it changes in the movie too).

Combined Optimus, Jetifre And Other Galleries

Yep, more toy galleries from the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toy line for your enjoyment (or not), all of them from the TFW2005 forums.

First up is the rather tiny picture to the left that shows off the combined mode of Leader class Optimus Prime and Jetfire that has been hinted at for awhile. Of note is the combined mode doesn't quite match the black-out preview pick from Jetfire's packaging. In addition, there is the image of Devastator and his six Constructicons, a contradiction of the seven that recent press articles indicated would comprise Devastator. It looks like we will have to wait on the leak of the toy packaging to finally clear this one up.

Next is a shot of Wheelie in his packaging via an eBay auction. We previously got a look at his card backing and bio. Nothing much to add, he is still as strange looking as you expect. Makes you wonder if Scapel and him will have a tussle (that would probably be amusing to watch).

More Transformer comparison photos. This time of the Takara version of Deluxe Sideways compared with the Hasbro version. Takara's version has a darker paint job that does look better. The full gallery is here. Deluxe Breakaway (still not confirmed if in movie) also gets a Takara vs. Hasbro treatment. Takara Breakaway is a brown color instead of Hasbro's tan. In this case I am not sure if it is an improvement or not. The Breakaway gallery is here.


Last is a small gallery (here) of the Transformers version of Jenga. As you can see, it is the classic game that when stacked for play forms the faction symbols. I like the touch of adding them to each block.

Thanks to Phil for the links.

Coloring Books Gives TF2 Spoilers?

Image scans of a Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen coloring book may provide a few spoilers for the movie. The various images suggests that Agent Simmons is critical in stopping Devastator, contradict Bay's recent statement of Megatron only appearing in flashback, Sam's dad is going to be less then pleased with what happens to his lawn, the sliver plays an important part in the story and retains the AllSpark's power, Wheelie's wandering loyalties (see bio) causes problems for Mikaela, and the Decepticon's go to Egypt to retrieve an "ancient machine" that is aimed at the Sun.

Below are a few pictures but the full gallery can be found here. Thanks to Chris for the link.

More Transformers 2 Toy Videos and Pics

Yep more toy related stuff. The first is a video that demostrates the Deluxe Class Wheelie toy from alt mode to robot and back. Next is an update to the Leader class Optimus Prime review video were they show off a few additional features and explore possibility of it combining with Jetfire (verdict: inconclusive). Last is a video that has nothing to do with the movie, a demo of Optimouse Prime.

In the pictures department, for a few images of the ROBO-Q class toys click here. Also click here to get a look I think is the Fast Action Battler version of Ratchet with army related paint job. Thanks to InvisibleMan for the link.

Deluxe Wheelie Toy Pictures

Yep, back to toy news. On the bright side, it’s a new toy with a good look at the Deluxe class of Wheelie, the RC truck. He is about as ugly as Frenzy was in the first movie. Below are a few pictures but the full gallery is here.

Leader Optimus Prime and Wheelie Pics

The toy pics and info keeps coming. Below are links of pictures of the latest.

First up is huge gallery of Leader Class Optimus Prime that is new and improved with huge amount of poseability and close resembles his CGI movie counterpart. The full gallery is from The Arker and mirrored at TFW2005. Thanks to wickedweeezl and Cenjor for the links.

While information remains light, Wheelie makes a brief appearance incorrectly transformed vehicle mode from Seibertron.com. Nothing special really, just a close-up of what we already saw from his toy card.

Finally, a little information on what the assortment cases for the toys may be from GoldenAgeToys via TFW2005. The descriptions from them is awkward so I put in parenthesis what character they were probably referring to when I could figure it out. In some cases not sure if they refer to new characters, re-releases or the person just didn't know what it was. Thanks to Cenjor for the links.

DELUXES:
Case 1: Green Eco Car (Skids), Desert Brawl, Truck Bot (Wheelie?), Street Motorcycle (Arcee?) and Smoke Screen (???)
Case 2: Cannon Bumblebee, Barricade, Wolf (???) and Eco Car Orange (Mudflap)
Case 3: Satellite (Soundwave) and Bumblebee
Case 4: Bumblebee, European Sports Car (Sideways), American Sports Car (Sideswipe), Bulldozer (Rampage) and New Jet (Breakaway)

VOYAGERS:
Case 1: Optimus Prime, Starscream, Red Excavator (Demolisher) and Ironhide
Case 2: Optimus Prime, Ironhide, Voyager Alien Form (The Fallen) and Autobot Ratchet

LEADERS:
Optimus Prime and Megatron

Wheelie Confirmed for Movie

While literally asleep at the wheel, TF08.net posted the card backing for the Deluxe toy of Wheelie. With this last piece of information, a few things have been verified. One is that there is a transformer whose alt mode is an RC Truck indicating that Bay and company are thinking more outside the box then in the past. Another is the call sheets from Bethlehem has now been 100% verified. Wheelie is the one that discovers Jetfire at the Smithsonian. Thanks to all the people that sent me the link and pictures.

As for the character description, its seems that this Wheelie might have the potential to as annoying as the G1 version:

Autobot Wheelie never really wanted to be a Decepticon. It's just that, when people start yelling at him, he tends to do whatever they say. He's easily startled, and simple to scare. His tiny size makes him an ideal spy and even though he doesn't like or agree with the Decepticons, they scare him so much he doesn't know what to do except obey.