Bumblebee: A Bond Between Man and Machine

“Bumblebee” is the first spin-off in the “Transformers” franchise to come to the big screen

PARAMOUNT PICTURES

By Jessica Eusebio, Entertainment Editor

Before the Camaro, there was the yellow Volkswagen.

Despite the unsatisfactory reviews of the recent “Transformers” movies, the robots in disguise are returning to the big screen—without Director Michael Bay.

Now directed by Travis Knight, who is known for his works on “Kubo and the Two Strings” and “Paranorman,” “Bumblebee” is an upcoming sci-fi action prequel that will premiere in theaters on Dec. 21.

Taking place in 1987, 20 years before the events of the first “Transformers” film, “Bumblebee” is an Autobot war refugee and takes shelter in a junkyard of a small California town. An 18-year-old named Charlie takes him in and discovers there is more than meets the eye to her new yellow Volkswagen. As they build a close bond, Bumblebee and Charlie are hunted by the government and caught in the midst of a Decepticon invasion.

The official trailer showcases other iconic characters, including Shockwave, Soundwave, Ravage, Blitzwing, Shatter, Dropkick and Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots. These characters are displayed in their original “Transformers: Generation One” designs, offering audiences with 80’s nostalgia. There is also a shot of Cybertron, the Transformers’ home world.

“Bumblebee” stars Hailee Steinfeld as Charlie, Angela Bassett as Shatter, Justin Theroux as Dropkick, John Cena as Agent Burns, John Ortiz as Agent Powell and Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime.