John Ortiz to Star in Transformers Universe: Bumblebee
Sunday, October 29th, 2017 5:58PM CDT
Categories: Movie Related News, People NewsPosted by: Va'al Views: 23,597
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EXCLUSIVE: Actor John Ortiz has landed two roles. He’ll first join Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena in Paramount’s Bumblebee, the first spinoff of the Transformers franchise. The pic, which will bow in theaters Dec. 21, 2018, has Travis Knight directing from a script by Christina Hodson.
It’s set in 1987, where Bumblebee, who is refuged in a junkyard, is discovered and revived by Charlie (Steinfeld) who, on the cusp of turning 18, is trying to find her place in the world. Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, Michael Bay, and Steven Spielberg are producing with Hasbro’s Brian Goldner and Stephen Davis.
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Posted by TulioDude on October 29th, 2017 @ 10:33pm CDT
Posted by Saminus9000 on October 29th, 2017 @ 10:46pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on November 11th, 2017 @ 9:02pm CST
Speaking of which, this wrap up party gives us our very first look at Bumblebee's face in the film which shows differences from the other iterations we have seen. It was shown in the title card which shows the logo and also finally announces the actual name of the film, Bumblebee: The Movie. As said, the face on the title card is similar to what we would expect from a Bumblebee face but the head crest is significantly different from before, with a shape mimicking the front of a Volkswagen Beetle, the alt mode Bumblebee will have in the film.
The logo was then reposted on twitter through various users. You can check out the title card below, enjoy!



Posted by LevelRage on November 11th, 2017 @ 9:27pm CST
Posted by TulioDude on November 11th, 2017 @ 9:55pm CST
Part of me feels that Bumblebee the Movie is not the final title though.
Posted by Stuartmaximus on November 12th, 2017 @ 3:52am CST
Posted by Brokebot on November 12th, 2017 @ 7:52pm CST

Posted by Seibertron on November 12th, 2017 @ 10:47pm CST
Brokebot wrote:Yeah. Pass. I'm pretty much over the Bayformers universe. I felt like someone owed me an apology after the last movie, I just wasn't sure who. I have no doubt this one will be just as nonsensical.
Even though Michael Bay is NOT directing the Bumblebee movie?
Posted by Brokebot on November 13th, 2017 @ 6:12am CST
Seibertron wrote:Brokebot wrote:Yeah. Pass. I'm pretty much over the Bayformers universe. I felt like someone owed me an apology after the last movie, I just wasn't sure who. I have no doubt this one will be just as nonsensical.
Even though Michael Bay is NOT directing the Bumblebee movie?
It's still the Bayformers universe, so there really no reason to expect anything more than a new flavor of explosion porn.
Second verse, same as the first.
Posted by Stuartmaximus on November 13th, 2017 @ 6:15am CST
but saying that...i'm trying to remain optimistic with this one

Posted by Sabrblade on November 13th, 2017 @ 7:11am CST
I take it you never saw Kubo and the Two Strings.Brokebot wrote:Seibertron wrote:Brokebot wrote:Yeah. Pass. I'm pretty much over the Bayformers universe. I felt like someone owed me an apology after the last movie, I just wasn't sure who. I have no doubt this one will be just as nonsensical.
Even though Michael Bay is NOT directing the Bumblebee movie?
It's still the Bayformers universe, so there really no reason to expect anything more than a new flavor of explosion porn.
Second verse, same as the first.
Posted by Stuartmaximus on November 13th, 2017 @ 7:34am CST

Posted by Brokebot on November 13th, 2017 @ 8:03am CST
What do they transform into?
Posted by Stuartmaximus on November 13th, 2017 @ 8:09am CST
Posted by Sabrblade on November 13th, 2017 @ 8:29am CST
A fantastically-directed movie.Brokebot wrote:I take it you never saw Kubo and the Two Strings.
What do they transform into?
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 13th, 2017 @ 10:49am CST
I'm interested to see where this one goes. TLK was definitely a let down the more I watched it and thought on it, but I'm hopeful maybe this movie can help pull it back
Posted by TulioDude on November 23rd, 2017 @ 9:06pm CST

Posted by Va'al on December 12th, 2017 @ 1:24am CST
While perhaps the most notable snippet from the piece, which you can read in full here, is a hint at this being a whole new franchise (read: series of movies, probably trilogy), there are some interesting nuggets throughout about both Steinfeld and director Travis Knight, some of which are copied below!
“It's very character-driven and storyline-driven, which is good. I think will be interesting to see it play out because you still get the action and the Transformers themselves. There's a whole lot in it for the Transformers fans that I think they'll love, but it's definitely about storyline and characters.”
[...]
“It was definitely a process. With his background in animation, he was able to see, visually, a final product. It was nice to have somebody that could verbally translate what that was. But it was difficult. It was hard, I think, for both of us to sort of maneuver,” she explained. “Not only was this something completely new to me but it was something completely new to him and a different, you know, a different way. It was definitely a work in progress but I think we got a good thing going and hopefully, we'll see what happens.”
Posted by VikingsBlade247 on December 12th, 2017 @ 9:19am CST


Posted by Tyrannacon on December 12th, 2017 @ 3:34pm CST
"It's a bit of a different role," the Ferdinand star and WWE legend told Digital Spy. "I don't wanna confirm a Cena heel-turn, because it's not a full-blown deal like that, but it's damn sure close!" Cena describing the film as "a wonderful reboot of the franchise". Cena added that "It was awesome to be involved with that franchise, and a pleasure to be asked to be part of the movie, but I took the part because it was a challenge for me," he reiterated. "It's something that I haven't been able to showcase, and that I wanted to."
The Bumblebee spin-off film is coming to theaters December 21, 2018. Be sure to mark your calendars if you are interested in it!
Posted by Microraptor on December 12th, 2017 @ 4:38pm CST
Posted by Sabrblade on December 12th, 2017 @ 5:09pm CST
His character's last name is Burns.Microraptor wrote:Calling it now: He's related to Simmons.
Posted by Octobotimus on December 12th, 2017 @ 6:04pm CST
Posted by TulioDude on December 12th, 2017 @ 6:19pm CST
Octobotimus wrote:the real question..... why the hell is it taking a year after filming to release it? like, its a much lower budget so its not as large of a scale..... and they finished filming.... so how the frick is a full year needed?
Bexause they have to finish post-production(animating the robots,make sure the sound is fine and thr scenes are sharp)
Most movies nowdays,fo through a similar process.
Posted by Octobotimus on December 12th, 2017 @ 6:21pm CST
Posted by Burn on December 12th, 2017 @ 9:28pm CST
Octobotimus wrote:i know that, yet from what i remember the other Tf films came out way earlier after filming than a year.....
I would imagine it's because there's too much earlier in the year to compete against.
At least December, it's only opening against Aquaman.
Posted by WreckerJack on December 13th, 2017 @ 12:10am CST
BAH GAWD that Decepticon had a family dammit!
Posted by King Kuuga on December 13th, 2017 @ 6:29am CST
Octobotimus wrote:the real question..... why the hell is it taking a year after filming to release it? like, its a much lower budget so its not as large of a scale..... and they finished filming.... so how the frick is a full year needed?
That's normal for these big budget blockbusters. Post production takes about a year. But also, they bookmark a certain weekend that they consider ideal for their release, and they need time to market that weekend and the film in advance of the release. At a certain point it doesn't matter how soon before the release date the movie is finished editing, the date is set and it's a waiting game.
Posted by Chibi Starscream on December 13th, 2017 @ 6:31am CST
Posted by Rated X on December 13th, 2017 @ 8:20am CST
Chibi Starscream wrote:Thank goodness I'm getting a movie theater built in my neighborhood! I've been theaterically starved since 2015. The last movie I saw in a theater was Jurassic World. Now this theater should be open in time to see Jurassic World 2. Lmao.
People on here talk about not having a TRU close to them....but a movie theater? Im so curious, I gotta ask, where do you live?
On topic, Cena better do at least one wrestling move in the movie or we riot!
Posted by Chibi Starscream on December 13th, 2017 @ 10:14am CST
Rated X wrote:Chibi Starscream wrote:Thank goodness I'm getting a movie theater built in my neighborhood! I've been theaterically starved since 2015. The last movie I saw in a theater was Jurassic World. Now this theater should be open in time to see Jurassic World 2. Lmao.
People on here talk about not having a TRU close to them....but a movie theater? Im so curious, I gotta ask, where do you live?
On topic, Cena better do at least one wrestling move in the movie or we riot!
A small town in Texas. And yah, John Cena gotta do it!
Posted by Rated X on December 13th, 2017 @ 3:28pm CST
Chibi Starscream wrote:Rated X wrote:Chibi Starscream wrote:Thank goodness I'm getting a movie theater built in my neighborhood! I've been theaterically starved since 2015. The last movie I saw in a theater was Jurassic World. Now this theater should be open in time to see Jurassic World 2. Lmao.
People on here talk about not having a TRU close to them....but a movie theater? Im so curious, I gotta ask, where do you live?
On topic, Cena better do at least one wrestling move in the movie or we riot!
A small town in Texas. And yah, John Cena gotta do it!
Gotcha. Im in Miami so im not really used to the small town life. Honestly only seen towns like that in the movies. But yeah maybe well be lucky and get a "you cant see me" hand swipe outta Cena in the movie. But Vince probably has trademark on that so probably not. John Cena is actually very fortunate to be one of the few wrestlers to be marketed with his real name. That means he can ride off of WWE fame in non wrestling ventures without having to pay Vince a dime. Notice how Duane Johnson movies never say "The Rock" in the posters.
Posted by Va'al on December 17th, 2017 @ 1:42pm CST
She also mentions how much she enjoyed working with the director, and the challenge of working with characters that are not present on the screen pre-production, and the influence of the music of the 1980s - as seen in the first image shared by her featuring Motorhead, plus the thrill of being the first to share the first image from the set way back when. Find out more below!
Posted by Va'al on December 21st, 2017 @ 5:42am CST
What is that like going to this huge, big budget…
Steinfeld: It’s not even that. Going from a movie being one of ten females, one of a million cast members to like me and a tennis ball on a stick was quite a shock, but one of the challenges I was willing to accept. It was really incredible. I worked with Travis Knight, who directed [Bumblebee]. It was interesting – with his background in animation, he had a clear end result visually what this film could be. It was nice to have someone who had that because I could use my imagination until the end of the day but it could be something completely different than what they’re thinking. He created these pre-viz for every action sequence that involves the Transformers. I could see it out. He was amazing and the whole experience was really cool. I can’t wait to see it.
How does it compare to other Transformers movies?
Steinfeld: It takes place in the 80s, of course. And it’s very character and storyline driven, which is a bit different, but it still has the elements that Transformers fans love and will see in the movie.
Who do you play?
Steinfeld: I play a character named Charlie Watson, who is a mechanic. She’s in high school… [She’s] incredibly unique and strong and has – something I love about her is that a lot of people tend to underestimate her knowledge and she continuously proves herself and what she knows and creates this incredible relationship with this Transformer.
Is it similar to the relationship Shia LaBeouf had with Bumblebee in Transformers?
Steinfeld: It is in that Bumblebee is the same. He is who he is – that lovable, gentle giant who truly cares. I’m somebody who makes this discovery and is looking for someone to listen to me and to love me and to hear me and that happens to be where he fills the gap.
Posted by TulioDude on December 21st, 2017 @ 10:08am CST
Posted by Bronzewolf on December 22nd, 2017 @ 1:22pm CST

Just recieved my wrap gift from the crew at #bumblebee thanks guys.
Posted by Regimus Prime on December 22nd, 2017 @ 6:00pm CST

Posted by LevelRage on December 22nd, 2017 @ 6:59pm CST
Posted by Bronzewolf on December 24th, 2017 @ 2:19am CST
I wanted to approach this massive, expansive franchise and really focus in on a tiny corner of the canvas. Everything I've tried to do at Laika, searching for an artful blend of darkness and light, intensity and warmth, humour and heart, I wanted to bring to the Transformers franchise
...
At its core it's just a beautiful love story between two broken souls who find each other and heal each other," he adds. "I grew up loving those classic Spielbergian Amblin films. And we're trying to evoke that kind of emotion in this movie, fusing a rich coming-of-age story with some sci-fi insanity.
You can also find that new image below, featuring the film's lead actress Hailee Steinfeld and the film's lead and titular robot below! This is one of the first official images we've received showing off Bumblebee's new old alt mode, returning to the Volkswagen Beetle for the first time since the G1 cartoon. Check it out below!

Posted by ImAWalkingCorpse on December 24th, 2017 @ 3:26am CST
Posted by Agent 53 on December 24th, 2017 @ 3:51am CST
Posted by YRQRM0 on December 24th, 2017 @ 10:57am CST
Posted by ebonyleopard on December 24th, 2017 @ 4:04pm CST

Posted by Torneira on December 26th, 2017 @ 7:05am CST

Bee even got that eyelooking windshield from Cars

Well, there goes VW statement that they would not have their brand/cars to be associated with war machines.

Posted by Va'al on December 30th, 2017 @ 2:49am CST
We have full synopsis, a repeat of the image with the Volkswagen car mode that Bumblebee will take in the movie alongside Hailee Steinfeld, and a couple more credits about the production team. Take a look below, and join the discussion in the Energon Pub!
On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds 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. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug.
BUMBLEBEE is produced by “TRANSFORMERS” franchise veterans Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Michael Bay, along with executive producers Steven Spielberg, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. Chris Brigham (“ARGO,” “INCEPTION”) will also executive produce. The screenplay is written by Christina Hodson (“UNFORGETTABLE”).
Directed by Travis Knight (“KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS,” “CORALINE”), the film stars Hailee Steinfeld (“EDGE OF SEVENTEEN”), Pamela Adlon (“BETTER THINGS,””LOUIE”), John Cena (“DADDY’S HOME 2,” “TRAINWRECK”), Stephen Schneider (Comedy Central’s “BROAD CITY”), Jorge Lendeborg Jr. (“SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING”), Jason Drucker (“DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL”), Kenneth Choi (“AMERICAN CRIME STORY”), Ricardo Hoyos (“DEGRASSI: NEXT CLASS”), Abby Quinn (“LANDLINE,” “THE SISTERHOOD OF THE NIGHT”), Rachel Crow (“DEIDRA & LANEY ROB A TRAIN”), and Grace Dzienny (“ZOO”).
BUMBLEBEE WILL BE RELEASED IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE ON DECEMBER 21, 2018
#BumblebeeMovie
Hailee Steinfeld in BUMBLEBEE, from Paramount Pictures.
Photo Credit: Jaimie Trueblood
© 2018 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. HASBRO, TRANSFORMERS, and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro. © 2018 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.
Posted by Sabrblade on December 30th, 2017 @ 8:16am CST
Not that I object to that. Just sayin'.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on December 30th, 2017 @ 9:16am CST

Posted by -Kanrabat- on December 30th, 2017 @ 9:17am CST
Sabrblade wrote:So this is basically another Herbie movie plot.
Not that I object to that. Just sayin'.
TF 2007 was pretty much "Herbie" itself.
Posted by hausjam on December 30th, 2017 @ 11:50am CST
Posted by zko on December 30th, 2017 @ 12:33pm CST
Maybe we'll get a leader VW bug Bee.