I haven't been even remotely excited about the prospect of a new Transformers movie in over 10 years. The first entry in the Hasbro-based franchise, directed by Michael "Blow Shit Up" Bay, made good use of Shia LaBeouf's onscreen charm (a charm which ultimately propped up the franchise until his departure ahead of Age of Extinction) and ultimately made everyone involved a great deal of money. Future installments, however, quickly descended into very bad territory.
With this year's spinoff Bumblebee, course correction finally feels imminent. The film—technically a prequel—is directed by Kubo and the Two Strings' Travis Knight from a script by Christina Hodson and Kelly Fremon Craig. Set in the late 1980s, Bumblebee gives our title character an origin story with help from star Hailee Steinfeld (Edge of Seventeen) and a supporting cast that includes Pamela Adlon, John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., and John Ortiz.
Directing this story, Knight said when premiering the first trailer back in June, reminded him of all the time he spent as a child with Hasbro march. "When I was a kid, I spent hours playing with Transformers toys and making up stories about these amazing characters, so it's been an incredible adventure to come to set every day to tell the story of who Bumblebee is and why we love him," he said.
"We had the best time making this movie and I am so excited for you guys to see it in theaters this Christmas," Steinfeld added.
Bumblebee arrives Dec. 21. Catch the latest trailer for the Bay-produced film up top.
