Travis Knight’s Bumblebee buzzes its way into Comic Con

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

With Michael Bay’s run of TRANSFORMERS movies presumably in the rear view, it’s time for fans of the robots in disguise to buckle up, keep their eyes on the road, and enjoy the cool and refreshing breeze that looks to be director Travis Knight’s BUMBLEBEE. The upcoming feature finds the fan-favorite VW Beetle on the run in the year 1987. While seeking refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. After applying some good old fashioned elbow grease, Charlie gets Bumblebee up and running again. Before long, the two form an unlikely bond before being thrust into a run for their lives from a group of Decepticon hunters.

Our own Paul Shirey was lucky enough to attend Universal's panel for BUMBLEBEE this evening at San Diego Comic-Con, and he's been tweeting out news and reactions to all the latest details about the upcoming film.

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The panel began with a performance by Stan Bush of his 1987 hit "You've Got the Touch" from TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE:

Stan Bush just live performed “You’ve got the touch” with some snazzy 80’s graphics #Bumblebee #sdcc pic.twitter.com/CNfzYa4XER

— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) July 21, 2018

Next, director Travis Knight took to the stage to talk about the film.

Knight says he wanted to make sure that we could always see who was who onscreen, likely a response to the common complaint in Bay’s films that you never could. #SDCC #Bumblebee

— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) July 21, 2018

In effect, it’s an origin story – Knight on #Bumblebee #SDCC

— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) July 21, 2018

Knight then confirmed that yes, we will be visiting Cybertron at some point in the movie."It is awesome," Knight added.

Hailee Steinfeld and Jorge Lendeborg Jr. then took to the stage.

Travis Knight @HaileeSteinfeld and Jorge Lendeborg Jr. at the #hallh panel for #BumbleBee pic.twitter.com/TBU89a3rMQ

— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) July 21, 2018

Oh, cool! Knight's version of the Decepticons are "triple changers," meaning that they can transform into more than one vehicle, of course.

These Decepticons are referred to as “triple changers” and can be robots, muscle cars or aircraft #BumbleBee #sdcc pic.twitter.com/Xr6Dbxb1bF

— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) July 21, 2018

Oh … oh my. I'm not sure how you all are going to react to this next bit of info. As a matter of fact, I think I'll let Paul be the bearer of bad news. Mwuahaha!

 

Travis Knight just broke hearts and revealed that the jet in the trailer that looks like Starscream is NOT Starscream. It’s a character named Blitzwing. #HallH #SDCC

— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) July 21, 2018

Yeah, sorry folks, no Starscream this time around. Personally, I'm still holding out hope for Soundwave to be mentioned, though I won't be holding my breath. However, who's to say that the movie doesn't do exceedingly well, resulting in Knight being asked to helm a sequel? Maybe then Starscream will be a part of the action? My fingers are officially crossed.

To cap off the BUMBLEBEE showcase, Paramount treated fans to an extended trailer and sizzle reel with clips for the upcoming film.

Just saw an extended trailer and sizzle reel with clips, etc. Lots of action and heartfelt scenes with #Bumblebee and Hailee Steinfeld. Also got a glimpse at a hologram version of Optimus Prime that looks VERY G1 in style. #SDCC

— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) July 21, 2018

#Bumblebee looks good. It looks fun. It looks like an easy-to-digest little flick (with a few big explosions) and I think it’ll be the palate cleanser for the franchise we’ve needed since…Revenge of the Fallen #SDCC

— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) July 21, 2018

Of course, no panel would be complete without some burning questions from the audience.

Someone just asked Cena if he’s going to be in any more movies after #Bumblebee and I feel like some of these people are just trolling us all.

— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) July 21, 2018

John Cena is stealing the panel, which is no fault of his own. All the attention gravitates to him and he knows how to ham the room. He’s a blast to watch and just keeps getting better (also, watch Blockers, it’s great). #Bumblebee #SDCC

— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) July 21, 2018

Shortly thereafter, Peter Cullen took to the stage and began answering questions while using his Optimus Prime voice!

Peter Cullen shows up and is doing full Optimus Prime voice to ask a question. So cool. #BumbleBee #sdcc pic.twitter.com/BwH2AYwXRa

— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) July 21, 2018

Among other departures from Bay’s sputtering cinematic run featuring Hasbro’s pride and joy, Knight aims to present his Transformer characters with more personality than what's been offered in the past. Furthermore, BUMBLEBEE looks to be minimizing the rock-em-sock-em and explosion overload nature of previous films in the TRANSFORMERS franchise with the interest of depicting a more personal and heartfelt journey. In the lead up to the film, many have made comparisons between BUMBLEBEE and Brad Bird’s underappreciated cult animated classic, THE IRON GIANT. Provided that both films share even a few similarities, we could be gearing up for a reboot that helps put the TRANSFORMERS brand back on the road to success.

With a screenplay written by Christina Hodson, BUMBLEBEE will star Hailee Steinfeld, Pamela Adlon, Justin Theroux, John Cena, Angela Bassett and Peter Cullen as the voice of Optimus Prime. Let us know if you're excited for this bold new direction that the TRANSFORMERS franchise is set to embark upon in the comments section below.

BUMBLEBEE will buzz into theaters on December 21st.