More movie rumors (robot characters, alt modes etc.)

[Nevermore]

http://www.transformerslive.com/board/showthread.php?t=2783

Matches suprisingly with this:

http://www.joesightings.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2864

[Ops_was_a_truck]

Cool. I can't complain. They've got the most recognizable goodies & baddies in there.

[Fit For natalie]

I feel horrified.

[Brave Magnus]

-I just don't see BB as a Camaro. It's a good alt.mode but ....I don't know. Maybe it will be good. I better shut up.
-DEcepticon Vortex: is that the same from the Combaticons? A combiner already?
-Devastator as a tank? I have the feeling that this is a new bot. I hope it's a new bot.
-The Matrix = Energon Cube? :lol :lol :lol

[pinoy78]

Why oh why!?!?!?

[The Phazer]

Hmm. Hope this stuff isn't true.

Phazer

[Ops_was_a_truck]

See, I think a lot of these choices were based on two things -

1. Easily recognizable vehicle and robot modes, and
2. Who outsiders will acknowledge from nostalgia.

I mean, approach this from OUTSIDE the Transformers fandom entirely. Let's say that you were going to make a live-action movie about, I dunno...Evangelion, or Robotech, both of which had a pretty big main cast and a larger supporting cast. What primary characters do most people remember from that movie? Who of the support cast isn't necessary or worth writing into a film script? Who do the fans JUST LOVE, even if they haven't seen the show for a long-ass time?

I think the decisions they made were okay. I don't think they're GREAT decisions - I still hope we'll see a combiner in the film series at some point, and I was really hoping it'd be Devastator - but I'm not going to go all fanboy whine whine crycry on their decisions.

[Zzeezz]

Not liking the answers, but that's a personal opinion (other than "energon cube" which is quite rediculous no matter how you look at it.) I would have used more iconic characters for the Con's, but that's just me.

[Nevermore]

A lot of people still seem to be under the impression that the Transformers will be the main characters of the movie.

The Transformers will be like the aliens in ID4 or War of the Worlds.

[The Phazer]

See, I think a lot of these choices were based on two things -

1. Easily recognizable vehicle and robot modes, and
2. Who outsiders will acknowledge from nostalgia.

I mean, approach this from OUTSIDE the Transformers fandom entirely. Let's say that you were going to make a live-action movie about, I dunno...Evangelion, or Robotech, both of which had a pretty big main cast and a larger supporting cast. What primary characters do most people remember from that movie? Who of the support cast isn't necessary or worth writing into a film script? Who do the fans JUST LOVE, even if they haven't seen the show for a long-ass time?

I think the decisions they made were okay. I don't think they're GREAT decisions - I still hope we'll see a combiner in the film series at some point, and I was really hoping it'd be Devastator - but I'm not going to go all fanboy whine whine crycry on their decisions.

I'm thinking nostalgia filled outsiders will despise Devastator as a tank, myself.

Phazer

[Crimson87]

well at least they got the autobots right. but well.....

sigh.....

I could care less about brawl or vortex, or even scorpinok since they are minor characters and have correct transformations.

I just don't like the deveastator idea cause it ruins constructicon chances for later. Couldn't they have just made another random minion?

I also wish they would revitalize the seeker trio with this movie. I want skywarp, and thundercracker in it!

Finally, "the energon cube"? to replace the matrix? Sounds like a freaked out drink I'd order at a bar.
No, "The Matrix" was good enough. I just think they are having trademark issues. The community could come up with a better replacement name than that!




TILL ALL ARE ONE........

[Ra88]

Liking the most choices, except for Brawl, Devestator and the 'Energon Cube'. Those are just...Ugh...

[ILoveDinobot]

why the hell would bumblebee be a camaro? That is the most horrible idea ever he is a VW Beetle. I mean it has been a pretty popular car for years. (not one of my favorites) But he should definitely be a beetle.

[Sepultron]

Okay...

I'm trying to maintain an "let them just make the movie and it will be what it will be" attitude, but that info/rumor about Soundwave is bugging the livin' sh*t outta me.

[Nevermore]

why the hell would bumblebee be a camaro? That is the most horrible idea ever he is a VW Beetle. I mean it has been a pretty popular car for years. (not one of my favorites) But he should definitely be a beetle.

Apparently, the movie execs think that Jimbob McMoviegoer will believe the TF movie to be a Herbie rip-off if it features a VW Beetle.

[Pimpimus Prime]

A lot of people still seem to be under the impression that the Transformers will be the main characters of the movie.

The Transformers will be like the aliens in ID4 or War of the Worlds.

That's the impression I've gotten too. It makes you wonder why they made such a big deal about voice actors.

I think its pretty lame that they used Devastator already. I mean come on, Bonecrusher was a part of G1 Devastator. And why do we need another tank? Couldn't they come up with something else? :rolleyes2

[Fairy Princess]

why the hell would bumblebee be a camaro? That is the most horrible idea ever he is a VW Beetle. I mean it has been a pretty popular car for years. (not one of my favorites) But he should definitely be a beetle.


Convince VW of that and MAYBE you might see it. As it stands VW wants nothing to do with Transformers so you're S.O.L.

To be honest as long as the fight scenes, CGI and voices are great I won't care.

[Sol Fury]

Way I see it, it's not all that different to how the current lines pick from a pool of existing names for new or vaguely new characters, so if this is true I've no problems with it.

Only thing that bugs me, they say Prime is a Semi, but in the recent Bay interview, he confirmed Prime would be a Mac Truck. Perhaps this list is a prospective, pre-final list that still might change? After all, we're a ways from the premiere yet.

[Switchblade]

Wow, lotta interesting stuff there. I like a lot of it, but some of this stuff just isn't clicking with me. Devastator as an individual character, not a gestalt doesn't sit right with me. I know it's not G1, but I like the gestalt names being reserved for gestalts, especially since one of G1 Devy's limbs is also in the movie.

Bumblebee as a Camaro? Um... okay. I can probably live with it, provided his personality is still Bumblebee-ish. I don't want to see Hot Shot racing around with Bumblebee's name.

I'm hoping there are at least one or two more Autobots, as their side is looking pretty thin from here.

The Matrix being called the Energon Cube? Okay, that's just plain f'ing stupid. I don't care if it shares it's name with an overrated movie trilogy staring Keanu Reeves, it's still the freaking Matrix. And Energon Cubes are already established objects, to boot. This is like if they made the Superman movie and renamed Kryptonite as "Braniac". :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[artiepants]

nothing to complain about there except for renaming the Matrix, that's just stupid beyond stupid.
Edit: sounds like that may have been addressed allready. "The Energon Cube might already have been changed to a more fitting name. "

i'm trying hard to have NO expectations about the characters/vehicle modes ~ it's not G1, it's a new world based on it just like AEC...

any idea what this means? "Soundwave (bastard version - a.k.a Kennywave)"

[Cheebs]

I'm fine with everything except "Energon Cube" and Devastator. I don't even care that Devastator is a tank and not construction vehicles, I'm just put-off that he's an individual and not a combiner.

[Josh]

I'm fine with everything except "Energon Cube" and Devastator. I don't even care that Devastator is a tank and not construction vehicles, I'm just put-off that he's an individual and not a combiner.


ditto

[TriBlurr]

Bahahahahahaha!


I love it! (If True)

[Superion33]

The thing that bugs me the most is Nevermore's comments that the movie will make the Transformers out to be like the aliens in War of the Worlds or ID4. If they give the Transformers THAT little screen time I will be pissed. I don't care about humans in the movie. Who is going to care about humans? People will come to see this movie for the interactions between Transformers.

[TriBlurr]

EDIT: Nevermind

[SKowl]

The Autobot selection is right on. As for the Decepticons...

Devastator a tank? Sure, I'll buy it, but isn't Megatron also a tank? (C'mon, he HAS to be!) You can't have two tanks in the film!

Brawl a police car? That makes no sense. I'm a big fan of "thinking outside the box" for alt modes, but this doesn't work anyway you spin it.

Vortex? Right-frikkin'-on! I've wanted him to be in the film since DAY 1 (look up my old posts, you'll see!) I'm really happy about this!

Bumblebee a sedan? He shouldn't be in the movie, period.

Wonkimus_Major of the Don Board is right, Brawl should be the tank, not Devastator. And the police car should be Runamuck or Runabout.

Bonecrusher as a mine-clearing vehicle? Weird choice for an alt mode, but it may work in the context of the film. Optimistic about the idea.

And we still don't know what Soundwave is supposed to be! What does Kennywave and Bastardise version mean?

[Nevermore]

any idea what this means? "Soundwave (bastard version - a.k.a Kennywave)"

Tape player. Turns into a robot without mass-shifting. Made out of thin tinfoil in robot mode. Will get decapitated several times throughout the movie (hence "Kennywave").

I don't care about humans in the movie. Who is going to care about humans?

The 10+ million viewers who have never seen a single Transformers episode?

[Frognal]

Bad call on Devastator. Even the mainstream 20-30 year-olds will know that's not right.

And having combining characters (even if it's just a name) not be part of a gestalt sets a bad precedent.

Do hope they change the name from Energon Cube.

And I've already said my piece on the movie taking away the focus on the TFs themselves. (hint: I'm against it)

[NeilJam]

Way I see it, it's not all that different to how the current lines pick from a pool of existing names for new or vaguely new characters, so if this is true I've no problems with it.

Only thing that bugs me, they say Prime is a Semi, but in the recent Bay interview, he confirmed Prime would be a Mac Truck. Perhaps this list is a prospective, pre-final list that still might change? After all, we're a ways from the premiere yet.

To Americans, a Semi and a Mack truck are synonyms for Prime's orignal G1 alt mode.

I'm curious what you Englanders consider the difference to be.

[Dark_Convoy]

:eek: OMG!!! Bumblebee was a Camaro in that fanfic I was writing (he transformed like alt Deadend/Sunstreaker) -I wish I could find it, it seems to have gotten wiped out in the purge!:banghead:

I think I am going to like this movie, they don't have to look like the G1 bots as long as the "spirit" is still there. I also like the description of Megatron looking like he is "made of junk".

I'm starting to think I will need to go into this with an open mind to enjoy it, but it's sounding good so far!

[Nevermore]

Bad call on Devastator. Even the mainstream 20-30 year-olds will know that's not right.

You mean the people who think Devastator is "the tape guy" or "that dino dude"?

[Megatronwp38]

is nevermore the "snippy comment guy"? I think he is. I dont like the matrix being called an energon cube...the autobot matrix has been around a lot longer then the crappy matrix movies....you think hasbro would have had that term nailed down by now.

[Nitroquake]

What will be a good Earth Vehicle that Scorponok will be?

[Dark_Convoy]

...oh yeah, here comes the full on pre-movie bitch fest, I mean look, all you guys are getting pissed that Devastator is a tank and not a gestalt, and that Bonecrusher "OMG!!! ONE OF TEH LIMBS" is a separate character, but the thing is, it's pretty obvious that the movie IS NOT G1, it's just like RID, Armada, Energon, Cybertron, ect... it's a new continuity, these guys have the same name as some of the classic characters, but they are not them. They are new Transformers that have the same names (and in some cases I imagine) similar personalities as their G1 counterpart.

I mean, didn't a robot recently come out in Cybertron named Menasor (or maybe it's spelled different, but I imagine you pronounce it the same way), who is not a Gestalt like he was in G1 - it's pretty much the same thing, the movie is a new version of Transformers, just like RID and the AEC-verse, and I for one think it sounds incredibly cool so far, be positive, G1 will always be there in Comics, DVDs, and the Animated movie. This new movie does not change that - it's going to give us a new kick-ass version of the TFs - I and I bet the toys will be great!

[Ops_was_a_truck]

You mean the people who think Devastator is "the tape guy" or "that dino dude"?

Honestly, instead of a one-liner snip at each opinion that somebody shares, why don't you actually write up a legitimate counterpoint instead?

[artiepants]

I mean, didn't a robot recently come out in Cybertron named Menasor (or maybe it's spelled different, but I imagine you pronounce it the same way), who is not a Gestalt like he was in G1 - and Scavanger, and Swindle, etc...

the movie is a new version of Transformers, just like RID and the AEC-verse, and I for one think it sounds incredibly cool so far, be positive, Exactly.
G1 will always be there in Comics, DVDs, and the Animated movie.and an (apparently) Kick-Ass new toyline this fall, and Alternators is still ongoing...
it's going to give us a new kick-ass version of the TFs - I and I bet the toys will be great!man, i hope. I hope the designers go nuts. I've gotten a Transtech-esque vibe from some of the comments, that's a direction that'd make me happy (maybe Transtech meets RiD and Alts)

[Chrono Grimlock]

I think Devastator could still work. We know there's no combiners in this movie. And assuming it does well, is a set up for sequels. Well, at one point the Cons can have their asses handed to them, with most of them ruined and destroyed. And to keep Devastator functioning, his memory/personality is uploaded into 5 seperate bots, and when then join together, they form Devastator. eh eh eh? That's the worst idea ever. Assuming it pulls in sequel worthy money.

[Deadboy]

I think if all this is true, these guys are making the classic Hollywood mistake of taking a long-standing franchise with a large fandom and then not sticking to the concept.

I think a movie with human characters dealing with a robot invasion like ID4 could be pretty cool. But that's not Transformers. Transformers is about, well, the Transformers.

They're also making the mistake made so often where they feel that they should just change anything they please willy-nilly. It has been shown time and again that while this may make making the movie easier on them, it usually doesn't work with audiences. There's no reason why they can't stay true to the characters and concepts and still make a kickass movie that would appeal to the larger audience. Not doing so is just corner cutting and in the long run will be the difference between a good adaptation like Sin City, Spider-Man or X-Men and a bad one like Doom, Bloodrayne, or pretty much 95% of the other video game movies out there.

[Zero Prime]

I think they are good choices. I'm hoping we see some clips leaking out soon.

[Brodimus Prime]

I like BB as a Camero, seeing as how it is VERY unlikely we'll get him as Bug. Devestator as a tank? I'm just hoping this is false. There are so many tank TFs (or even non tank TFs that would work as tanks) that would've been better choices. I just don't want them doing what Hasbro has done since Armada: give a G1 name to a totally different character just because it might be cool.

Matrix as Creation Matrix, I can certainly live with. Nice nod to the old comics.

[Greyryder]

Weird. I'd have made Brawl the second tank, used a Stunticon name for the decpti-cop, and saved Devastator for the sequel, as a six member combiner.

The movie's a seperate entity from any other TF franchise, and I can accept it as that. The only things they could do to kill my interest would be to: kill Prime, hire Gary Chalk as Prime's VA, or tunr it into a slapstick comedy, like most of the recent movies based on pre-existing franchises.

[Superman_Alpha]

But he should definitely be a beetle.

Don has said quite specifically that even if VW was allowing Hasbro to make "war toys" out of their cars, they would never use the Beetle for Bumblebee because of Herbie the Love Bug.


Camaro was almost a definate to be in this movie anyway, because Chevy wants to get the car back in the spotlight since the brand is back next year. I'm sure they paid a lot of $$ to get the lead robot of the film too. I can deal with THIS http://www.williamsracing2002.com/rons_yellow_camaro.jpg as Bumbles in a heartbeat.

[DrGrim]

I'm happy with the list and all. Megatron, Soundwave, and Bumblebee I can handle the changes wtih. But with Swindle, Brawl, and ESPECIALLY Devastator, erg, not liking that at all. That knocks down the Combaticons and Constructicons. I was hoping in a sequel somewhere we would be able to get to see some Combiners, this destroys some of the better choices for that to happen. Looking forward to Scorponok though.
Oh yeah, and wasn't it said in the last Micheal Bay interview that Optimus would have a battle mask that would come up? Meaning it could come down to reveal his mouth? That sucks.

[Devastator001]

Interesting news. So far, there are more sources pointing to Scoropnok's appearance in the movie. I am going to wait for more confirmed reports before I jump for joy over his appearence in the movie. As for Devastator as a tank, I am a bit concerned. Although I flattered to hear Dev's in the movie; again, I am going to wait for more confirmation. If both Devastator and Megatron are going to be tanks in the movie, I have a feeling the movie execs and Hasbro will make Devastator a smaller tank compared to Megatron's. If this happens, Devastator will certainly lose the appeal of being a hulking machine to lay waste of everything in it's path. That's just me jumping the gun a bit.

[Mexi-Con]

I'm tempted to stop reading spoilers and scoops untill the damn thing is in the theaters.
Oh well. :rolleyes2

[butz]

Well, whatever. Energon cube is a silly name for the Matrix... In fact, I'd actually prefer it if they just left the Matrix out of the movie continuity altogether (regardless of what they'd call it)- way too likely it'll just come off looking hokey.
This is kinda hard to get excited about, at least until theres some real confirmation. If it turns out to be true, I just hope Devy doesn't wind up looking too much like Megs.

[Backpack]

TFTLAM= train wreck

[Crimson87]

Yah know when I first heard bumblebee was a camero, I was like "fine, don't really care."

But now I see a problem for those of us in the alternators line. The bumblebee and cliffjumper that we had pegged our hopes on being VW beetles in the alt line would only happen if Volks Wagon was in on this movie. Now that they are out. It means all hopes for them as toys in the alt line are gone.

My hopes were pending on Hasbro saying they were waiting on VW to cave. And Don Murphy saying they were interested in the movie.

So suddenly, I find myself being a massive bumblebee must be a beetle whiny fan boy for the movie...... Well, not really for the movie, but you get what I mean.

Its nice when someone's hopes and dreams are crushed by a movie rumor!

[Los]

I agreee with most of you.

With all the characters in the TF universe, why are they mixing names with different alt. modes? Why even use the name Devastator if there are no combiners?

Hopefully things will be rewritten so it works better for the die-hard Transformers fan and the Joe Moviegoer who actually watched Herbie Fully Loaded. Bumblebee a 70s sports car, WTF!

[Silver Bullit]

Hmm. Hope this stuff isn't true.

Phazer

Me too.
Skorponok is a minion?
Bumble is no longer a VW Bug?
Still don't get Soundwave.
Brawn is an Autobot, not a Decepticon regardless of whether he's a truck or police car.

Why not just bring in Lazerbeak and make him an Autobot video camera?

SB

[DWN013]

Surprised no one's mentioned this yet...

Am I the only one who sees "brawl = police car" and thinks there's a strong possibility that someone reading off a list actually said "prowl = police car" and the person reporting this accidentally heard "brawl" or something?

[Tenebrouser]

A lot of people still seem to be under the impression that the Transformers will be the main characters of the movie.

The Transformers will be like the aliens in ID4 or War of the Worlds.

Teasing the audience with brief glimpses of these characters will turn a lot of people off.

I don't expect the entire movie to be a robot display, but please, don't bore me with another "HULK" movie where we have to wait an hour to be underwhelmed by what we sat there for.

[llamatron]

People it's BRAWL not BRAWN, mmmk?

I guess they wanted a decepticon cop car (apparently he's used in a chase scene) and found the most fitting name. 'Cause when you think about, Brawl is a pretty good name for a 'con cop car.

Vortex is basically what Soundwave was going to be.

I'm kind of indifferent about all this. Not happy with 6 foot Soundwave/byte.

[UltimateMattX]

What in these rumors is getting people all riled up about the Transformers not being in the movie enough? Unless I'm missing something it just seems like a name list. Also, considering Bay's interview it seems like they're in the movie enough, at least fighting anyway.

Personally, I don't mind Devestator being one bot if he's bigger than everyone else and keeps some of his traditional look. If not I'd rather they not bother.

Also, if this movie has half the effort put into it as Hulk had I'll be impressed.

[SKowl]

Surprised no one's mentioned this yet...

Am I the only one who sees "brawl = police car" and thinks there's a strong possibility that someone reading off a list actually said "prowl = police car" and the person reporting this accidentally heard "brawl" or something?

Someone mentioned that over at Seibertron.com and I must say it's actually a very reasonable conclusion. Depending on how the "b" or "p" is looped, one could easily mistake one letter for the other (isn't a "b" nothing but an upside down "p")?

... and the "a" and "o" may be easily confused, if the letter was mishapened. I know my "a"s kinda look like "o"s sometimes and vice versa. Other than that, all the other letters are the same.

Wow, I can't believe I typed two whole paragraphs on that. :redface2:

[paskal]

Teasing the audience with brief glimpses of these characters will turn a lot of people off.

I don't expect the entire movie to be a robot display, but please, don't bore me with another "HULK" movie where we have to wait an hour to be underwhelmed by what we sat there for.

It won't be an hour, but it'll be a slow reveal.

Megatron won't be a tank.

Enough people have complained about tiny Soundwave that he probably won't be called Soundwave anymore.

I doubt they'll call it the Energon Cube in the final script.

Expect many characters' names to change, even the human ones that have been casted.

[transformers32]

Ok energon cubes who in the hell thought of that idea? And why on earth if the the movie is about transformers and called Transformers why are they not the main characters? I dont want to see humans running around trying to figure out what they are , I want to see transformers!!!!I think this is gonna be a bad movie and i was really looking forward to seeing this movie but who knows it might change up we still have over a year till it comes out.

[Greyryder]

*waits on name of matrix/energon cube/primary plot device to be renamed "omega lock"*

[Superman_Alpha]

TFTLAM= train wreck

I'll buy your theatre ticket then.

[The Madness]

......The 10+ million viewers who have never seen a single Transformers episode?

10+ Million, that's looking pretty optimistic......

[Shipwreck]

I didn't realize VW were such bitches.

[Spider Striker]

Not horrible. Not horrible at all. Though I do think they're missing a great opportunaty here. We got Brawl and Vortex (and did you guys mention Swindle? I missed him). Why not rename the Dev tank Onslaught? That way for teh sequel (if we get one), we can have Bruticus, which would make much more sense than Devestator. Military > construction

[Shin Densetsu]

A lot of people still seem to be under the impression that the Transformers will be the main characters of the movie.

The Transformers will be like the aliens in ID4 or War of the Worlds.


With that said, to me this movie has

SUCK WRITTEN ALL OVER IT.

I am just very cautiously pessimistic about this whole endeavor.


If anything at least we know the toys will probably kick arse.

[misterd]

If there had to be just five Autobots, I think these are the right five. With Decepticons, I don't think most of the characters really were defined well enough. Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave have always been the three "must haves", and they're here.

I'm fine with most of the changes. Given the infiltration angle, a Decepticon police car works for me. Brawl may be an odd choice, but he's not what I would consider one of the sacrosanct characters.

When I saw Brawl, Vortex and Bonecrusher, along with Devastator, I first hoped we'd see a small gestalt happening, but I guess not. I'm disappointed, but only slightly. New universe, new character, I'm moving on.

Ironhide as a pick up? Sounds perfect. Now make it old, beat up, and rusty, and that's precisely how I've pictured the perfect Ironhide.

Bumblebee not a VW? Understandable, if VW wouldn't give them the rights. Once that's out of their hands, I'm open to other alt modes. While there are certainly G1 'Bots I prefer, Bumblebee was always the human liason, and it wouldn't seem right to leave him out.


Now Soundwave... he IS about as sacrosanct a character as you can have. If this is a Tiny Soundwave.... yeesh. But part of me figures this is what happens when fans whine so much they force the filmmaker to change his plans. You want a tape deck? Here ya go! Shame is this happens just as Cybertron has convinced most fans that a non-tapedeck SW is perfectly doable.

[Boo]

I don't know. Devestator as a tank sounds alright, I suppose... but I always liked the idea of him being a construction vehicle used to destroy stuff. I can deal with him being an individual, though, either way.

And if they really have to have a Decepticon police car, Kickback is the only fitting name I can think of.

The rest... meh. I can live. But i really do hate the whole "lets pay a lot of money to get the license of this property then arbitrarily change a lot of what made it popular in the first place" thing that seems to be going on...

[Shin Densetsu]

I don't know. Devestator as a tank sounds alright, I suppose... but I always liked the idea of him being a construction vehicle used to destroy stuff. I can deal with him being an individual, though, either way.

And if they really have to have a Decepticon police car, Kickback is the only fitting name I can think of.

The rest... meh. I can live. But i really do hate the whole "lets pay a lot of money to get the license of this property then arbitrarily change a lot of what made it popular in the first place" thing that seems to be going on...


EXACTLY
That last paragraph is teh love man, its so true!

[Josh]

The rest... meh. I can live. But i really do hate the whole "lets pay a lot of money to get the license of this property then arbitrarily change a lot of what made it popular in the first place" thing that seems to be going on...


pff...no kidding man :banghead: :(

[Silver Bullit]

You want a tape deck? Here ya go! Shame is this happens just as Cybertron has convinced most fans that a non-tapedeck SW is perfectly doable.


That is, for those who can stomach Cybertron...

SB

[LoserBroadside]

Oi. OK, first off and mainly, I was really really REALLY hoping this movie would be old school (as in pre-movie) and ignore the whole Matrix thing. I always hated it as it change Optimus Prime from a smart and brave leader into a magical superhero. I mean, the chosen one simply couldn't loose! Even in death Prime basically killed Megatron. Dumb dumb dumb. Takes all the tension and character out of it.

So I assumed that the movie, being ya know, a peice of storytelling, would ignore that trap.

I certainly didn't think they'd feel so strongly about keeping it that they'd contort it into an awkwardly named "Energon Cube of Leadership."

LEAVE IT OUT! OPTIMUS PRIME IS NOT SUPERMAN! OPTIMUS PRIME IS NOT JESUS! OPTIMUS PRIME IS A SOLDIER!


-LB is very very passionate about good storytelling.

[Golden Age]

...

[Hiro Prime]

Ok... I'll bite and say that this is all on the level and these are the final players chosen for the movie. For those intrested, here's what I think. (what I think being in the [ ] brackets.)

AUTOBOTS

Optimus Prime (semi) [As expected, should look good despite the whole battle mask thing.]

Ratchet (ambulance, not an emergency vehicle or firetruck) [The fans win one as we get the alt mode we want for the good doc.]

Ironhide (pickup truck) [No problem since it'll make him bigger than the others, save for OP, and he's been a truck before. It works.]

Jazz (sports car) [Good choice for the movie if they stick with his G1 personallity.]

Bumblebee (Chevrolet Camaro, possibly a '70s/'80s model) [Now this is intresting, if the movie really is about a boy buying his first car, this would make sense. As for him changing from an old to new model car, that's very different. It sound like Hasbro wants to make a crapload of Bumblebee toys to me. If it's stupid that TF's can mass shift, how is this more believeable?]

DECEPTICONS

Megatron (tank, presumably) [As expected.]

Starscream (F-22) [Again, as expected and a good choice.]

Vortex (helicopter) [After hearing that Soundwave wasn't going to be a copter but a copter was going to be in the movie, this just made sense. Another good choice.]

Soundwave (bastard version - a.k.a Kennywave) [This gets a BIG WTF! I thought this was a joke the first time I read it. This is even more stupid than the changing car models at will. They've taken a beloved character, one of the top 5 G1 bots and just made a joke out of it. Hasbro is going to get ALOT of crap if Soundwave is in the movie like this.] :Gouki:

Scorponok (minion) [It works for the scene it's suppose to be in and sets the stage for a big metal T-Rex for a sequel if made.]

Brawl (police car) [I like the concept of the character but think they could have choosen a better name IMO. Tho I think most fans, who don't visit fan boards will be confused since just about every Police Car TF has been called Prowl and been a good guy. (excluding Beast Wars)]

Devestator (tank) [Meh. It's a workable name for the character. I'd of went with Bludgeon or even Demolisher but I'm not writing the film.]

Bonecrusher (Mine clearing vehicle) [Another meh. Hasbro's used Constructicon names for various other characters over the years so I don't care anymore. And if we already have a Devastator, then the likelyhood of a combiner has already been pitched out a window so there's no use crying over it.]

All in all, it's a little better than I thought we would see for characters in the movie. Since this is an establishing film for a new audience, I like the idea of a small cast to start with. There will be plenty of time later for more characters in sequels if this film takes off at the box office.

So like it or not, if this is our cast of bots, then I say we got better than we could have gotten. (that is except for Soundwave.) :puke:

[Josh]

which makes ya kinda wonder

how much pull does Hasbro even HAVE on this movie?

we've heard Bay say before that the designs wont be blocky and that Hasbro is gonna *have* to make their toys according to whatever designs Bay & co. come up with

sounds kinda iffy to me really...especially with all this "devastator is a single character who turns into a tank and soundwave is a 6 foot TF-midget"

:\

[Sledgehammer]

Taking it all with a large pinch of salt...one the size of Gibraltar...

[Lord Of Tetris]

I'm very sorry guys, I really am, but I don't think this movie is going to be any good. This seems like "Doom," or "Resident Evil" or "Catwoman."

Take a property. Make a movie. These two don't necessarily have a correlation.

You could've easily had Doom and Resident Evil switch their names with each other and it would've worked. This just doesn't seem like Transformers. It seems like a mix of War of the Worlds, Knight Rider, and Stealth.

[godsenddeath]

The Matrix is supposedly being called the Energon Cube...



***Shakes fist at a certain film***

That one really annoys me. It's probably true as well.

[Feralstorm]

There's the old saying - "I like to keep an open mind, but not so open my brain falls out."

Assuming for the moment this info is close to true, it's pretty obvious that this is all going to be as much of a reboot/reimagining as any TF cartoon from RiD forward. I expect change of course, but there seem to be enough wierd liberties going on that potentially take this film anywhere from casual nostalgia to total WTF territory.

In any case, it'll be hard for me to stay away from a Transformers movie, even if it's craptasticness has been proven as a factual constant. Still, a few things that would make me happier are the following:

Bumblebee: - I can understand nor being able to use a VW alt-mode, (the 'Herbie' stuff doesn't give the audience enough credit IMO, however) but a Camaro, especially a time-morphing one (betcher ass that's a product placement deelie there) seems out of place for the 'bee. A small hatchback seems a good candidate to me, whether it be an old Civic or Hyundai Excel or Ford Festiva or something more modern, it would portray the 'style' of the character Volkswagon-free.

"Brawl" - possible Prowl confusions aside for the moment, a 'con police car has possibilities, story-wise. I think there should be better names available though. Dip into the Stunticon or Micromaster pool if you have to.

I can see we want a wider variety of military vehicles than the old G1 "Jets and household objects". I'd go with the others that have the idea that since so many Combaticon names and/or forms are being used anyway, to make the most of it. I'm not saying we need a combiner in the film. (after all, assuming we follow typical blockbuster film style, 99.9% of Decepticons will be dead at the end of this film anyway) I'd lose the Devastator name until a combiner is cleared for a sequel or some such.

Scorponok - whatever - too obscure for the casual IMO.

"Kennywave" - the whole 'tinfoil-bot' concept will have to be really cool to not be really stupid. I can see why people are balking at the Soundwave name being attached to this thing. If the concept is a given, one possibility would be to make him/it Rumble or Frenzy instead. The sense of scale might fit a little better, as well as any comedy a malleable 'bot might produce.

"Energon Matrix Cube Whatever" - it depends on what role it actually plays in the film, I guess. I remember early words about the robots looking for it, having been lost on Earth for some reason. If it's just a goal object to be retrieved, they can call it pretty much whatever they want.

I hope I like the final result more than I seem to now, if only because the movie has a distinct likelyhood of steering the direction of TF mainlines for up to the next few years after the fact.

(Anyone get the feeling the "G1 Classics" line was made largely to take the edge off all the people who were expecting "G1-ness" out of the movie and its toys? :) )

[PopCulturePooka]

Hahaha whiny fanboys.

I think this sounds pretty f**king cool myself. Its a bit different. Something new. So they changed around the alt modes and names of some Cons that will likely do about as much as Toad and Sabertooth did in the X-men movie?

Cry more.

If, IF, Nevermores thing about ID4 is true (I doubt it personally) that may suck.

But this?
This is cool.

The Autobots fit well, given the limitation on Bumblebee and whats known story wise. Lets see, he is being sold on a used car lot, by a dodgy car salesmen, to a teen boy.

How many teen boys would buy a yellow beetle?

Brawl as a cop car? Pretty cool sounding if they play his character up as some 'corrupt thug cop'.

Devestator as a tank? You mean a vehicle associated with destruction and devestation has a name that evokes visions of destruction and devestation?
AWW HELL NAH! So it aint so!

Only thing that worries me is Soundwave. Of all the cons non fans remember its him, most peers I talk to speak fondly of 'that evil tape dude'. If they make him comedy relief that will confuse people.

But the rest?

Its cool.

QQ noobs. LOL!

[The Phazer]

You mean the people who think Devastator is "the tape guy" or "that dino dude"?

Honestly, I think you're just plain wrong if you don't think Devastator has the same mainstream recognisability as Prime/Starscream/Megs et al.

Phazer

[PopCulturePooka]

Honestly, I think you're just plain wrong if you don't think Devastator has the same mainstream recognisability as Prime/Starscream/Megs et al.

Phazer
The image does, the idea does...
The name? Not really.

[Thundercrackah]

Just a few things that seem to have been missed :

Bumblebee is supposedly mute and only communicates through songs he plays through his radio.

Transformers arrive on earth in comets as big mounds of nanomachines which scan for alt modes upon arrival.

This midget version of Soundwave IS NOT Soundwave anymore. They've changed it's name to Soundbyte.

And for you fanboys with doubts, this has all come from the same people who told us the information you're already discussing here.

[Ra88]

Just a few things that seem to have been missed :

Bumblebee is supposedly mute and only communicates through songs he plays through his radio.

Transformers arrive on earth in comets as big mounds of nanomachines which scan for alt modes upon arrival.

This midget version of Soundwave IS NOT Soundwave anymore. They've changed it's name to Soundbyte.

And for you fanboys with doubts, this has all come from the same people who told us the information you're already discussing here.

The other ideas are cool, but the first has GOT to go. That's 'Love Bug' territory IMO.

[Nevermore]

Honestly, I think you're just plain wrong if you don't think Devastator has the same mainstream recognisability as Prime/Starscream/Megs et al.

Ask any "mainstream" guy which Transformers he remembers.

"Sure! There was Ocktimus Prime, the red truck!

And then there was that tiny yellow dude! What was his name, Beetlejuice or something!

And the tape deck! Man, that guy was badass! I think his name was Subwave.

And that giant green guy! What did they call him, Ravage or something!"

[Nevermore]

http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/viewtopic.php?p=1446374#1446374

This list is correct.

"Kennywave" is a term coined at DM.net to describe a 6 foot tall Soundwave that transforms into a sound device (without mass shifting), and who get's his head kicked off by a teenage girl.

"Kennywave" will be changed to something more aptly named, now it seems.
And Soundwave will get an offscreen mention to seperate the characters.

Soundwave will be reserved for the 2nd movie due to the uprising, to accomodate the fans while having limited means to alter the script and line-up.

The characters will not look (a lot) like their G1 counterparts.
Expect them to be hommages at most.

[Superman_Alpha]

Hahaha whiny fanboys.

Most of the fan whining and the "OMF this is gonna suxxors" nonsense is about stuff that probably isn't even true, which just makes me laugh all the harder.

[toma]

Tape player. Turns into a robot without mass-shifting. Made out of thin tinfoil in robot mode. Will get decapitated several times throughout the movie (hence "Kennywave").



The 10+ million viewers who have never seen a single Transformers episode?
what?!

[Ra88]

http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/viewtopic.php?p=1446374#1446374

Much better, IMO.

And now that I calmed down a bit about Devastator and Brawl, it really makes sense. Devastator is a great name for a tank Decepticon, and Brawl fits a corrupt cop as well (though I hope it's Prowl, and that he'll join the Autobots at the end of the movie).

[Thundershot]

Wasn't it said a while back that the Matrix in the movie is completely unrelated to the Matrix of G1?

The only thing said so far that really bothers me is Bumblebee not talking...

[Switchblade]

The more I think about it, the more excited I'm getting over the concept of Brawl. I think a Con police car could be a very cool character.:thumb

[NIDARAM12]

I always wondered how a Transformer could be named Bonecrusher when there are no bones on Cybertron

[Powerlinx Kupp]

well wouldn't swindle have equally fit the name of a corrupt cop?

Heck, give all the Combaticons alt modes from defensor. It will make an autobot repaint easier.

[Soundwave3k]

Hmmm, interesting rumors to say the least. Although as far as Bumblebee changing from an old to new car is concerned, could it be that he'll be an old Carmero the kid buys and is later re-formatted into a new car? Or does it explicitly say he'll go back and forth (which could be cool if done right)?

I didn't read the Bumblebee part anywhere but as part of posts - could someone tell me where it was written?

[Zzeezz]

I don't have any problem with the cop car being a decepticon. It could be a good character concept if done right. Brawl just doesn't seem to fit for me. The same with Devastator. The name just doesn't seem to fit for one robot.

[Crobot91]

So much speculation based on rumours... you gotta love it :rolleyes2 .

I think you folks are getting too worked up over a rumour. Personally, I have no problem with the movie moving away from the G1 continuity (I wasn't terribly upset when the X-Men movie came out and how it changed the X-Men continuity).

For all the TF old-schoolers, quit whining and grab a DVD of the '86 movie and watch it for the 100th time (and repeat every line in the movie while you're at it, just too impress yourself of course!).

Me, I'm up for new concepts...

[Wheels]

Hmmm, interesting rumors to say the least. Although as far as Bumblebee changing from an old to new car is concerned, could it be that he'll be an old Carmero the kid buys and is later re-formatted into a new car? Or does it explicitly say he'll go back and forth (which could be cool if done right)?

I didn't read the Bumblebee part anywhere but as part of posts - could someone tell me where it was written?
My thoughts exactly! :thumb
'Cept the part about switching back and forth. :redface2:

And the news about mini Soundwave's name changing to Soundbyte, is cool by me. And I'm more than welcome to the idea of this little guy taking BW Waspinator's role. Though he'd have to lose a lot more then his head. In fact, this could be who Waspy was before BW. :D

All the rest heard so far, I'm cool with. :cool:

'Cept the latest news about BB can only talk in songs. If they're going that route, change his name to Hot Shot, and I can live with it. Other wise :puke:

Dispite all that's going on, I'm really trying to be optimistic and open minded for this movie, even though I'm an anal-retentive G1'er.

[SAJse]

well wouldn't swindle have equally fit the name of a corrupt cop?
Eggshactly

You then free up Brawl for his original form, and Bonecrusher doesn't really pose a problem because the Constructicons had an extra guy anyway.
Dispite all that's going on, I'm really trying to be optimistic and open minded for this movie, even though I'm an anal-retentive G1'er.
True. It's not all about the Kennywave...

[IACON]

The way I see it:

AUTOBOTS

Optimus Prime (semi) :thumb
Ratchet (ambulance, ) :thumb
Ironhide (pickup truck) - WTF :stick:
Jazz (sports car) - depends which sport car :redface2:
Bumblebee (Chevrolet Camaro, possibly a '70s/'80s model) - WTF - He is a VW bug

DECEPTICONS

Megatron (tank, presumably) - WTF :stick: - Gun...
Starscream (F-22) - WTF :stick: Should be F-15
Vortex (helicopter) - :thumb
Soundwave (bastard version - a.k.a Kennywave) huh?!?
Scorponok (minion) - ok......
Brawl (police car) - did Prowl switched sides ?!? :stick:
Devestator (tank) - Oh please....:stick:
Bonecrusher (Mine clearing vehicle) - meh...:rolleyes2

Unless these rumors are fake (and I really hope they are), and they don't cast the original v.a's, I think that there are very slim chances that I am gonna watch this movie

Don't ruin Transformers, like Frakes killed Thunderbirds

[Twin Twist]

What this thread needs is more over-reaction from people who can't let G1 be what happened 20 years ago, and everything new be just that. New.

[artiepants]

Just a few things that seem to have been missed :

Bumblebee is supposedly mute and only communicates through songs he plays through his radio.That'as just idiotic. beyond words. i thought they wanted to AVOID love bug comparisons.

Transformers arrive on earth in comets as big mounds of nanomachines which scan for alt modes upon arrival.makes sense to me, i like it.

This midget version of Soundwave IS NOT Soundwave anymore. They've changed it's name to Soundbyte. meh. not bad. not great.


this is starting to feel like things are drifting dangerously into adaptation of license that has little to do with actual proprty territory... (as in Catwoman...)

[IACON]

What this thread needs is more over-reaction from people who can't let G1 be what happened 20 years ago, and everything new be just that. New.

And what is wrong with what happened 20 years ago ?!? I think that the movie would be much great if Bay would have made it look like it all happens in 1984, with the transformers in the way they were in the g1 cartoon series. And he has no problem reconstructing the visuals for that - look at the way he reconstructed Pearl Harbour.

[artiepants]

Honestly, I think you're just plain wrong if you don't think Devastator has the same mainstream recognisability as Prime/Starscream/Megs et al.

Phazer

The image does, the idea does...
The name? Not really.
i gotta agree with Pooka ~ i'd say in my experience Devvy's remembered VISUALLY as opposed to by name: most people i end up talking to about these things (which is a lot since a lot of Parties and BBQs end up @ my house and inevitably someone walks into my office and sees my display shelf) people remember Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, Soundwave and Starscream by name (and maybe one or 2 more that were there favorites, although sometimes they don't even remember those names) ~ after that it turns into "oh, all those construction vehicles who turn into a giant purple and green robot" territory...

[Windcharger]

old news :rolleyes2

[artiepants]

And what is wrong with what happened 20 years ago ?!? with what happened in the comics 20 years ago or what happened on the cartoon 20 years ago?

The thing ya'll have to remember is that these are new creative people working on a new interpretation of Transformers. and I'm fine with that. i just hope they get the 'spirit' of it. More X-men, more Spider-man, less Batman and Robin, less Catwoman...

[Mongoose Fire]

if this news is true (which i'm not too sure about) then it doesn't sound too bad at the minute actually - a 'con police car could be a cool character and using the devastator name as a tank sounds like a good idea (just as long as its a huge tank :D)

[IACON]

with what happened in the comics 20 years ago or what happened on the cartoon 20 years ago?

The thing ya'll have to remember is that these are new creative people working on a new interpretation of Transformers. and I'm fine with that. i just hope they get the 'spirit' of it. More X-men, more Spider-man, less Batman and Robin, less Catwoman...


I meant what happened in the cartoons 20 years ago.
Catwoman ?!? :puke:

[Nevermore]

And what is wrong with what happened 20 years ago ?!? I think that the movie would be much great if Bay would have made it look like it all happens in 1984, with the transformers in the way they were in the g1 cartoon series. And he has no problem reconstructing the visuals for that - look at the way he reconstructed Pearl Harbour.

*sigh*

http://www.transformerslive.com/board/showthread.php?t=2113

Why is the film not set in the 80s?

I wish I didnt have to answer this question:

1) Setting a film in a particular decade dates a film before its time. Spider-Man/ X-Men dont say they are set in the 60s for exactly the same reason. This is a sci-fi film, not a costume drama. (C)

2) It adds unnecessary costs to any production as you have to enssure that no items appear on screen that did not exist in the 80's - this means dressing all external sets quite heavily. (C)

[Switchblade]

And what is wrong with what happened 20 years ago ?!? I think that the movie would be much great if Bay would have made it look like it all happens in 1984, with the transformers in the way they were in the g1 cartoon series. And he has no problem reconstructing the visuals for that - look at the way he reconstructed Pearl Harbour.
If you want to watch the old cartoon, watch the old cartoon. The rest of us are going to go see the new movie.

[IACON]

If you want to watch the old cartoon, watch the old cartoon. The rest of us are going to go see the new movie.

Enjoy!

[Laser_Optimus]

And what is wrong with what happened 20 years ago ?!? I think that the movie would be much great if Bay would have made it look like it all happens in 1984, with the transformers in the way they were in the g1 cartoon series. And he has no problem reconstructing the visuals for that - look at the way he reconstructed Pearl Harbour.

Nothing is wrong with what happened twenty years ago. However, there's something wrong with a fanbase that can't look past their own personal bias of what something should be and feel that the only "correct" version is their version.

As for me. Most of this news is meh to me. I don't really care all that much as long as we get a good flick that makes enough money to make more movies possible and get us a shit load of cool toys... maybe even a TV series or two tied into it. Even if they, OMG, have to change a few things to make it appeal to people whom are actually going to pay this movie's bill... and I'm sorry to say fanboys... it isn't us. It's all the people whom faguely remember the cartoons and/or comics from their youth and the people whom might have never even heard about TFs in their entire life... yeah, people like that exist.

Optimus Prime will be Optimus Prime... faceplate or not... as long as he exemplifies what it means to be Optimus Prime I don't really care too much about that. And that's kind of my point. I don't want this movie to be a rehash of G1. Know why? The fanbase is the only ones that would go see the movie. And if you guys think the TF fanbase is slim now... let's see them release a movie that's entirely based off of the original G1 and is a carbon copy of the original MTMTE three parter... perhaps even one that picks up after the shit that was the Rebirth miniseries and watch them alienate all the BW, RID and AEC generations because of a horrid choice. Yeah, that'd make millions...

[artiepants]

I meant what happened in the cartoons 20 years ago.
but i like the comics better. IT HAS TO BE LIKE THE COMICS WERE 20 YEARS AGO!!!

do you get where i'm going with this? TF has no 'definative version' BW and the DW G1 both 'amalgamated' aspects of the 'toon and the comic ~ RiD and AEC are entirely new 'Universes' f you will, and this movie will continue tha ttrend...

[IACON]

I do get you guys. My only fear that we'll end up with a movie that be a flop and make a 'bad' name to tf. we all have noticed the re-makes that Hollywood had been releasing throught the past couple of years. Not to mention the rumors about Jim Carrey being cast for playing Col. Steve Asutin - The bionic man.
When Thunderbirds were in the making I was happy. When I heard that Jonathan Frakes is gonna direct it, I was thrilled. When the script and design leaked to the internet, I was upset cause Frakes tried to bring Thunderbirds to our current time and guess what - We ended up with a fu&ked up movie.
I don't want to see this happens to Tf. Spielberg and Bay are a good choice to do the movie. I understand the fact that 20 years had passed. I understand that they need to bring the Tf's up to our time, just like the binaltech toys. But it would be much more right amd make sense to make this film set in 1984.

[Superman_Alpha]

And what is wrong with what happened 20 years ago ?!? .

It's hard to translate well, and most likely no one but a handful of fans want it. despite the obvious fact that properly translated adaptions (Spidey, X-Men) did FAR better box office than adaptions that just changed things because they thought new ideas had to be vbetter (Catwoman, any of the 80s/90s Batman movies) You'd think they would try to translate the original series as much as possible just to be safe. but Hollywood rarely works that way. Just hope for a good story in & of itself.


i will add tho, if Peter gets the role of Prime, he does have a long standing habit of making script changes if he feels lines given to him don't feel like something Prime would say. the writers of the movie are huge fanboys and probably won't care, but Bay might not like that.

[Superman_Alpha]

If you want to watch the old cartoon, watch the old cartoon. The rest of us are going to go see the new movie.

what's wrong with someone wanting to see the original series translated into live action tho? you guys ridicule that opinion with snotty remarks, but you never address WHY it's such a bad opinion to have. convince them with logic and not sarcasm.

[Twin Twist]

the past isn't kewl enough for some people. new always equals better. even when it's a bad idea. because change is da bomb, yo. :rolleyes2

For clarification:

There is nothing wrong with 20 years ago. Comics. Toys. Cartoon. Love it all. But there is also absoloutely nothing wrong with change either.

X-Men in black leather? WTF? Oops. It worked.

Spider-Man with organic web-shooters? WTF? Oops. It worked.

Beast Wars. Beast Machines. Armada. Energon. Cybertron. All excellent, innovative, entertaining (depending on which media you're referring to, not just the toys).

20 years ago is 20 years ago. Because it worked then doesn't mean it works now. G1 is great. I don't think anyone will disagree. But to keep the franchise fresh, to keep it going, things have got to change. Things always change. And for Hollywood to make what *they* think is viable, what they think will work, we're going to have to take a few things on the chin and be patient and see what works and what doesn't.

Simply plugging ones ears and screaming "La la la not G1 I hate it!" doesn't accomplish anything, especially given the fact that this stuff IS CURRENTLY ONLY RUMOUR.

I hope that helps you.

[Dys]

I really have tried to be optimistic about the movie, I know it's not going to be g1 the movie, but really... If you're going to ignore and write off as stupid almost everything from a franchise, why bother even getting the license? Sizeshifting is stupid, blocky robot designs are bad, but tinfoil robots, liquid metal and a mute who can only communicate through music aren't at all silly? Good grief... This wouldn't happen if Transformers were a Marvel franchise.

[Brandon]

Eh, I'm game for some new concepts.

[Dark_Convoy]

Bumblebee is supposedly mute and only communicates through songs he plays through his radio.

That's the dumbest thing I have ever heard, I really hope it's not true.

I was really positive about this movie until I read that, can anyone confirm this?

[Superion33]

I really could care less what Bumblebee is or that Devastator is a single robot. I don't care that they are taking possible the third most coolest Decepticon and making him "Kenny-esque". Well, actually that does bug me.

What really bugs me is this idea to focus the movie on the humans instead of the Transformers. I don't want the Transformers to get screen time like some weird Bahamut summon spell in Final Fantasy that looks cool but has no real development of Bahamut.

If I wanted to see robots taking over the world from a human perspective, I would have gone to see I, Robot. This is Transformers! They should get 80% of the screen time. The people who go to this movie will be Transformers buffs, not joe and jane off the street who have no clue about Transformers.

Also, what sets Transformers apart from other robots is that they transform/are in disguise! Thats what makes them sooo cool. I'd hate it if the robots were in robot mode or ALT mode more often than the other. They need to Transform and Transform often.

[fosterlager]

Feh. If Bay think the toys will change based on his veto, he's wrong.

That bring said, if the toys do suck, that would be worse for me than a bad movie.

[snowman]

In the end I just hope they don`t end up screwing the movie up and make TF`s look bad. Maybe they should have just stuck to anime, wich is really good these day`s.

[Cheetatron]

I cant say I terribly mind most of the rumored changes, but I would rather not hear any plot devices that were refered to as energon.

[wheeljack01]

Bumble being a Carmaro!? Are they serious?

[UltimateMattX]

Does anyone consider Bumblebee may just be damaged to start the movie and he would talk through his radio until he's repaired? That doesn't sound so bad.

[butz]

The Bumblebee talking out of his radio bit sounds pretty stupid- I'd rather him just not talk at all if they're gonna do that. Here's hoping that rumor turns out to be false.
I'm also really hoping Nevermore's comment about the TFs appearing as much as the aliens in ID4 is crap too. For me, the appeal of seeing a Transformers movie (or a Transformers anything, for that matter) is to actually see the Transformers.
And while I don't think anyone should be getting their panties in a bunch about rumors that could just as easily
be wrong, I think the people criticizing others for "speculating based on rumors" need to wise up. All we really have so far are rumors, and this is a discussion board (this particular forum of it being specifically for the discussion of news and RUMORS); it should go without saying that fans are going to start speculating on any little tidbit they get, regardless of whether its confirmed truth or just a slim possiblity. If it bothers you that much we're discussing something that might not even happen, then just read the news/uncomfirmed rumors, and ignore the rest of the thread.

[fosterlager]

insightful comments about avoiding panties bunching up
I'm with you. At the end, it's all about the toys for me. I just remind myself, I put up with the Armada cartoon. Even if every stupid rumor in this thread comes to unholy fruition, this too shall pass.

[paskal]

The people who go to this movie will be Transformers buffs, not joe and jane off the street who have no clue about Transformers.

If this is truly your belief then you're going to be sorely disappointed.

Do you think the Spiderman movies made 300 mil on the backs of Spiderman buffs?

If they were gearing the movie for Transformers buffs, it would be a huge disaster financially and lose upwards of 100 million dollars.

This is going to be a huge summer blockbuster movie with enough human starpower, action, stuff blowing up and cool CGI to get the average joe to buy a ticket.

[fosterlager]

I would NOT go see this movie in a theater full of Transfans. No. Way. In. Hell.

[Voiceroy]

I've decided I'm not going to read any more TF movie threads until after the movie hits theaters. I don't want rumors, or speculation about rumors, or even speculation on details from official sources.

I want to go into that theater next year with no preconcieved notions or prior knowledge and finally experience seeing my childhood favorite toys and TV show in a live-action movie--something I've hoped for since the 80's.

And that's all I have to say about that.

[butz]

I've decided I'm not going to read any more TF movie threads until after the movie hits theaters. I don't want rumors, or speculation about rumors, or even speculation on details from official sources.

I want to go into that theater next year with no preconcieved notions or prior knowledge and finally experience seeing my childhood favorite toys and TV show in a live-action movie--something I've hoped for since the 80's.

And that's all I have to say about that.

I'd like to do that, but my curiosity is always going to get the better of me. Plus, I find these kind of discussions too fun to ignore. Oh well. plenty of other movies I can go see with a clean slate.

[Wheels]

I've decided I'm not going to read any more TF movie threads until after the movie hits theaters. I don't want rumors, or speculation about rumors, or even speculation on details from official sources.

I want to go into that theater next year with no preconcieved notions or prior knowledge and finally experience seeing my childhood favorite toys and TV show in a live-action movie--something I've hoped for since the 80's.

And that's all I have to say about that.
Yeah, I think I'm gonna do the same myself.

I mean I never looked up info for all the other remakes, X-Men, Spiderman, Batman, Superman, Dare Devil, Hulk, King Kong, Resident Evil....er actually no I looked up info on that last one....etc.

Point is, that some times I was disapointed, but for the most, I enjoyed them, because I simply entered without any prior knowledge and took in all the changes with in the context of the movie as I was watching it all for the first time.

An example of one only thing I griped about at first, was Spidey's natural webbing, but I warmed up real fast to that new idea. And now makes even more sense then that of the supernerd superscience web shooters back in the comics.

[Subotnik]

These changes sound awesome! I can't wait to see Megatron as the pink bicycle of an eight year old girl, handlebar streamers flying and bell furiously ringing as he chases after Prime!!! They could even let Kennywave sit in the basket!!!!

[LoserBroadside]

I would NOT go see this movie in a theater full of Transfans. No. Way. In. Hell.

What about a theatre full of LoserBroadsides? All of us thinking that we're funnier than we probably are and making snarky coments during the trailers..

Actually, I think it might then be ethical to yell "fire!"



-LB is really very talented. Won't you call today?

[Crimson87]

I really think that most of the Marvel Movies have done very good for their adaptations. The took some one else's vision, and kept it that way.

Transformers seems like it will not be told that way.

Transformers is going to be told from the human perspective. Thats like saying spiderman was told from the daily bugles perspective, or X-men was told from the militaries or government's perspective.

Changing suits of disguise to fit the film doesn't bother me. Modernize the disguise. F-15 to F-22 and so on. The X-men had to have new suits, who wanted spandex anyways?
.... I know some of you would have for mrs. grey, or miss monroe.... HEHE me too

Changing charcter and essence of charcter does bother me. (Ratchet firetruck fiasco anyone?) Saying devestator is a single tank because he looks cool, is like saying Wolverine should have grown spikes out of his back to match his claws...... because it looks cool!

What it boils down too its that they need to take the vision that was transformers and keep it. Mythologies, ideologies, characters, concepts, compassion, emotions. These should not be touched, there is more than enough there already for a blockbuster!

The bots have feelings too!

[Silver Bullit]

But i really do hate the whole "lets pay a lot of money to get the license of this property then arbitrarily change a lot of what made it popular in the first place" thing that seems to be going on...

Same here. Doesn't really make sense to me.
But then again, I'm just another "fanboy"... and you know what a bad word "fanboy" is.

I just have to shake my head at those who will accept any old thing... especially from Hollywood- an industry that is constantly wondering why their box office keeps dwindling.

Whatever...:banghead:

SB

[Silver Bullit]

If they were gearing the movie for Transformers buffs, it would be a huge disaster financially and lose upwards of 100 million dollars.



I've been waiting for this stupid comment to be made.

Basically, you're saying this:

"New potential fans and theater-goers will be put off by an already established canon and be so pissed that the franchise isn't re-invented that they won't watch the movie"

Now lets wake up. How on earth will someone new to the franchise know any better? They won't!

Here's a thought: instead of making a movie that will appeal to some people (that will piss off a bunch of others) why not make one that appeals to everyone?

SB

[Silver Bullit]

I've decided I'm not going to read any more TF movie threads until after the movie hits theaters. I don't want rumors, or speculation about rumors, or even speculation on details from official sources.

I want to go into that theater next year with no preconcieved notions or prior knowledge and finally experience seeing my childhood favorite toys and TV show in a live-action movie--something I've hoped for since the 80's.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Hee-hee... and then all new fights will break out between the fanboys who dislike this and dislike that, and those who eat and drink Armada, energon, Cybertron, etc. vogorously defend it.

If the movie is a hit, the fan boys will be pissed that G1 has taken another hit. If the film tanks, the defenders will be pissed and blame the fanboys.

SB

[Feralstorm]

I would NOT go see this movie in a theater full of Transfans. No. Way. In. Hell.

Years back I went to see Star Trek 6 on opening night (the movie I went to see was not playing at the theater I went to), which meant there was a preponderance of Trek fans in the full house. It was an interesting, and a little scary, experience to have the crowd cheering and booing opening credits. :)

Like I've said before, I'll be at the theater for the TF movie once regardless of what I think of it, in part because I want to give it a chance, and I'd like to have my prejudices and preferences not cloud my enjoyment of the film, even though they probably will. The movie will stand or fall on its story (and effects), because we already know unanimous acceptance or hatred by the trans-fan community has little to no impact on whether this movie will be successful or not - but making a dumbassed film can easily make all the difference.

[Angelophile1]

As for me. Most of this news is meh to me. I don't really care all that much as long as we get a good flick that makes enough money to make more movies possible and get us a shit load of cool toys... maybe even a TV series or two tied into it. Even if they, OMG, have to change a few things to make it appeal to people whom are actually going to pay this movie's bill...

So, no faceplate Prime or changing the names does that how exactly?

Answer - it doesn't. It makes no odds to most non fans. They won't care. It's not about improvements to have the name Brawl instead of Runamuck or something. You're NOT gonna drag a load more people into the theaters because the tank is called Devestator not Brawl. It's not going to turn people of apart from hardcore fans, but neither is it gonna turn anyone ON.

And if change isn't an improvement, why make the change?

[Angelophile1]

I've been waiting for this stupid comment to be made.

Basically, you're saying this:

"New potential fans and theater-goers will be put off by an already established canon and be so pissed that the franchise isn't re-invented that they won't watch the movie"

Now lets wake up. How on earth will someone new to the franchise know any better? They won't!

Here's a thought: instead of making a movie that will appeal to some people (that will piss off a bunch of others) why not make one that appeals to everyone?

SB

Quoted for truth.

[Ra88]

So, no faceplate Prime or changing the names does that how exactly?

Answer - it doesn't. It makes no odds to most non fans. They won't care. It's not about improvements to have the name Brawl instead of Runamuck or something. You're NOT gonna drag a load more people into the theaters because the tank is called Devestator not Brawl. It's not going to turn people of apart from hardcore fans, but neither is it gonna turn anyone ON.

And if change isn't an improvement, why make the change?

The only danger I see is with Optimus Prime. I mean, he's the face of Transformers. Even JoeMcMoviegoër who saw it in his youth and is going to see it for nostalgia will probably remember that Prime was red, in any case. I'm not bothered by the faceplate thing, but his colors is one of the things that people remember most.

[Laser_Optimus]

And if change isn't an improvement, why make the change?

So, who's to say that it is or isn't yet? Not a one of us on this board or the whole of the internet have any idea what any of these characters are going to look like or what this movie is going to be like with the exception of these rumors. Unconfirmed rumors at that. And while I'm all for the discussion of rumors... I think deciding that the movie will be a box office bomb because of rumored changes (that don't even honestly sound bad... except the "kennywave" thing).

Point being, let's just wait and see on opening day what the movie is like. If it's a legitament f-up than let the fans rage (especially if it's like Catwoman).

[Superman_Alpha]

Hmmm, interesting rumors to say the least. Although as far as Bumblebee changing from an old to new car is concerned, could it be that he'll be an old Carmero the kid buys and is later re-formatted into a new car? Or does it explicitly say he'll go back and forth (which could be cool if done right)?


That info is bullshit. This was just some fanboy jerking off by posting rumors. There's really no way that they would have Bumbles going from an old Camero to the new one. If for no other reason than the new one was pushed back to summer of '08, and they won't even having a final prototype ready for filming this summer, much less will they want to buy product placement a full year before the car's actual release.

[Los]

What is so frustrasting is that we have this information given to us and yet so many things could change when filming actually starts.

For all we know the scripts details given to us are WIP because the writers still do not know what they can or cannot do. They could just be naming a character Devastor because they are waiting to get the name Shockwave approved. Just because people working on the film are giving us tidbits, doesn't mean that they are divulging everything they know.

[Squall42080]

We really shouldn't care what the names are...

It doesn't matter...we are all going to go see the movie. Optimus Prime is at leats going to be a truck, but is going to have a supermode...which is a give-in, t

There will probably be smaller "mini-con" type robots involved. That shouldn't be a surpise to anyone.

This movie is not for us...as much as we want it to be. I respect where Transformers came from (G1) just as much as the next G1 fan-boy, but this movie is for the kids, and the kids that are going to grow up t maintan the fandom for years to come.

The names we have been given at least make some sense.

Devastator as a tank! Awesome, I'll buy 10. Devastator is too cool a name not to use. Me personally...I'm sick of the bright green repaints of every construction vehicle made. Its time to throw some new toys, with awesome names out there.

If you want G1, get the classics line, (which I will also be doing) but lets not say that the movie characetr "Devastator" is not going to be cool because he is not a construction vehicle thats bright flourescent green.

Me personally...I don't even think they will wind up naming the character Devstator...you know they are going to want a combiner in the sequel. Do you want it to be Devastator? I wouldn't mind...

I personally don't want any G1 combiner...let them think of someone knew so we get a new combiner, with a new character/characters. The toys are the possibilities here...

[mattjy]

I'm quite happy with all of it. Although I really liked the idea of the original transformers line-up basically being good cars (hence AUTObots) vs. evil planes and was a bit disaapointed to see that there is only one plane in teh decepticons, but I guess the idea is to make all the characters as indvidual as possible, and the seekers were all exactly the same in form apart from colour. Quite like teh idea of Skorponok being a minion. The idea of a robot transforming into a robotic animal always seemed a bit odd to me. I mean if the point of transformation in disguise then a robotic scorpion (or dinosaur or giant insect) is hardly going to acheive that. If it's true that the minions are 'part' of Soundwave, then that's very simialr to him having cassettes, especially if they are mute like they were in teh cartoon, they could be seen to be 'remote control' extensions of Soundwave. Presonally I'd prefer him to be some kind of surveillence vehical or even soemthign like his machine wars alt mode rather than a giant ipod or something. Again, what's teh poitn of having such a conspicuous disguise???

The 'no mass-shifting' thing I guess must add a few limitations to which characters can be used. Astrotrain couldn't be done, nor somone like Motormaster whose feet would technically bee the same size as optimus Prime's whole body! I think this is a good reason for there not being any gestalts full stop; the Constructicons vehicle modes would be very different sizes if done to scale and would make it difficult to put them togther convincingly (or think of Defensor made up of a motorbike, car, ambulance and helicopter which are all teh same size and a fire truck that's bigger than the helicopter, not really realistic, and what works in cartoon isn't going to be so convincing in live action).

Anyway, just some thoughts really, just trying to think along the lines of the film makers and maybe coem up with some potential reasons why thigns can't be exactly like G1.

I haven't bought any of the toys since G1 but if the movie toys have the sleek look that the CGI characters are described as having then i may have to get some of them. I just hope they don't have arbitary size classes for them like they have in the more recent lines and try to have the vehicle modes roughly in proportion to each other.

[paskal]

Optimus Prime has no super mode, there will be no mini-cons, and the movie is not for little kids, it's for everyone.

And unless they get VW & convince the higher-ups that it won't make the movie seem like a Herbie rip, Bumblebee will be a Camaro.

[Dio]

Regarding the rumor about Bumblebee communicating only via radio... perhaps that's only his initial means of communicating with Sam, before the "giant robot" side of him is discovered? I could see him trying to keep his identity a secret, but at the same time trying to lead Sam in a particular direction (say to safety from a Decepticon in pursuit or something), and that may only be a small part of the overall movie as a sort of introductory humor moment, you know, when he realizes "something funny's going on with that car I bought."

My hopes, anyway.