Female Lead Hired For Transformers 7

Casting continues for Transformers 7.  Joining male lead Anthony Ramos (Hamilton) is Dominique Fishback (Judas and the Black Messiah) as the movie's female lead.  

The only real details we know besides the casting is that the film will be directed by Steven Caple Jr. (Creed II) based on a script by Joby Harold which is shooting for a June 24, 2022 release date so filming will start sometime this summer.

Optimus Prime Auto-Transforming and Programmable Robot Revealed

Today Hasbro revealed its next six months or so of releases across its line of products including Transformers. Besides revealing a detailed G1 inspired transforming Ark, they also revealed a working Optimus Prime robot that transforms, executes 25 voice commands, and can be programmed and controlled via a mobile app. The price is available for pre-order on HasbroPulse for $699. Currently there is no release date but considering multiple outlets got a chance to play with a working version, safe to assume it will be released sometime this year.

Soto Transformers Movie Separate from Bayverse

Its not clear yet if the Transformers 7 movie will continue the Bayverse/Bumblebee movie continuity but we now know the other live action will not.  In an interview on a spanish language podcast, the new minted Transformers director Angel Manuel Soto briefly committed on the role.  TFW2005 translated the relevant parts of the interview.

The director spoke of playing with Transformers as a child (born in 1983, that puts in the G1/G2 era).  He believes from his childhood experiences that humanizing the Transformers such as having them speak in natural way, helped people identify with them and love them and will use that approach for their personalities.  

He did not provide details on the story itself except to confirm its not of the Bayverse, it will not take place in the United States, it will not involve the military, and he is hoping he can film it in Puerto Rico. As for scope, it seems it will be a smaller affair (by Transformers standards) as the budget is described as being over 50 million but between Bumblebee movie, TF7 and simply improvements in VFX, its a good chance he can really effectively stretch those dollars.

Soto is also signed on to direct the DC Comics Blue Beetle movie so its unclear which is expected to come first. Normally Blue Beetle would be first, indicating his TF movie for a 2023 release at best.  However, WB's planning of DC movie properties can only be described as incompetent so may have to wait a year or so to know for sure on which will go before the cameras first.

Star Hired for Transformers 7

Transformers 7 has its star. Deadline is reporting that Anthony Ramos (Hamilton) has been cast as the male lead in the film.  The movie, currently rumored to be called Transformers: Beast Alliance, will be directed by Steven Caple Jr. (Creed II) based on a script by Joby Harold.  Collider describes the character as "a flawed and vulnerable hero who has made mistakes in his life and is eager to redeem himself with the help of Optimus Prime."

The actor is now participating in hiring his female lead, attempting to make sure they show on screen chemistry. Those hoping to avoid the romantic component of an action film will continue to be disappointed (reason: proven to help draw woman to male centric films). Rumored names on the short list are Kiki Layne (Coming 2 America) and Dominque Fishback (The Deuce).

Another rumor is TF7 will go before cameras this summer in Canada. Still feasible but considering the actor's role for "In the Heights" musical being released on June 11 means his time in May and June will mostly be spent promoting the movie in the US and around the world, its unlikely he will be available to film then so looking at a post July 4th date if rumor proves true.