2017 is coming to a close, which means it’s time to start looking towards big films headed our way next year. One of those isBumblebee, Paramount’s first spinoff of theTransformersfranchise, and the first image from the new movie has landed online. Paramount tapped LAIKA CEO andKubo and the Two StringsdirectorTravis Knightto make his live-action directing debut on the pic, which findsHailee Steinfeldtaking on the lead human role.
But as you may see in this first look image, there’s one major difference from theTransformersmovies:Bumblebeeis a period piece. The film is set in the 1980s and is said to be more in line with a coming-of-age/teen movie, with Bumblebee featuring as one of the only major Transformers in the film. That’s a change of pace from the nonsensical action ofMichael Bay’s five (!)Transformersfilms, and it’ll be interesting to see how audiences respond.
This summer’sThe Last Knightwas a bona fide box office disaster compared to previous installments in the franchise, grossing only $130 million domestically versusAge of Extinction’s $245 million take. Worldwide it was the lowest-grossing film in the franchise, bringing in a whopping $500 million less thanAge of Extinction, and even grossing $100 million less than the firstTransformersmovie a decade ago. That is a massive, massive failure.
WillBumblebeeshow the way forward for the franchise? It’s certainly possible, and getting a new filmmaker in the mix was certainly a step in the right direction.We recently spoke with Steinfeld, who teased a more character-driven film:
“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 thatTransformersfans love and will see in the movie… 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.”
Check out Charlie Watson and Bumblebee in the firstBumblebeeimage below. Scripted byChristina Hodson(Unforgettable), the film also starsJohn CenaandPamela Adlonand opens in theaters on July 06, 2025.
Here’s the official synopsis forBumblebee:
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.
