The most recent set photograph from theBumblebeespin-off movie features a first look at the return of the Autobot’s 1980s roots. The last photo from the set was a glimpse atHailee Steinfeld’s Charlie Watsoncharacter wearing a Motorhead t-shirt to coincide with the 80s setting. While the last handful ofTransformersmovies have been met with overwhelmingly negative reviews over the years, theBumblebeespin-off is looking to set itself apart from the bloat and excess from the Michael Bay directed franchise as director Travis Knight bringsBumblebeeback to his heyday.
Transformers producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura recently talked about theBumblebeespin-off taking place in the 1980s, while also teasing that the Autobot might return to its glory days as a VW Bug and now we have proof. The picture comes to us viaKathy Applebaum’s Instagrampage and it features two yellow VW Bugs on the set ofBumblebeein Sausalito, California. The picture doesn’t give anything away, but it does confirm Bonaventura’s teasing from a few months back. No high-powered muscle cars and Mountain Dew will be needed for this version ofBumblebee.
Lorenzo di Bonaventura was hinting that theBumblebee movie will go back to capture the original classic Transformers spiritand taking place in the 1980s is the perfect way to do so. That original spirit has been severely missing from the recentTransformersmovies that seem to have lost the plot and been crushed under the weight of explosions and crazy budgets. Plus, if you haven’t noticed, the 80s are back with the popularity of Netflix’sStranger Thingsand the upcoming Steven Spielberg directedReady Player Oneto name a few. TakingBumblebeeback to the 80s is a wise choice that may end up winning over skeptics of theTransformer franchise.
Bumblebeewill be different not only because of the1980s setting, but will also be made with a lot smaller of a budget than what the bloated Michael Bay movies were made for, which is certainly a good thing. A more restrained approach will no doubt help the movie focus on characters and the story instead of relying on special effects and explosions to carry the movie along. The story of theBumblebeemovie revolves around the relationship between the Autobot and Steinfeld’s character, so a more restrained approach makes sense, even with a smaller budget.
TheBumblebeemovie is currently filming in Northern California and has a release date of December 21st, 2018 after getting pushed back from a June 2018 release. Travis Knight, who made his directorial debut last year withKubo and the Two Strings, will make his live-action debut withBumblebee. The movie is set to make a return to form for theTransformersfranchise while creating something new and fresh that can stand on its own.Bumblebeeshould have no problem toppingTransformers: The Last Knightat the box office, which was a series low point for the franchise. You can check out the picture from the set below. Only time will tell how soon we get to see co-starJohn Cenaon set.
