‘Transformers’ is back: Discover more about the new animated series
For those of you who are more into Optimus Prime than Amazon Prime, do we have some exciting news for you!
Nickelodeon studios & Hasboro’s Entertainment One have announced that an all new animated Transformers television series is officially in the works, and will feature some brand new characters, as well as some beloved ones from the Transformers universe.
Set to feature over twenty-five half-hour episodes, this new Transformers series will follow a brand new breed of Transformers, taking refuge amongst the stars as they try to find their place among the Autobots, Decepticons, and even the human race. The show will premiere exclusively on Nickelodeon . . . but will it be any good? Let’s dive into the quick history of Transformers as we learn more about this upcoming animated series.
OG Transformers
The Transformers was originally an animated TV series that ran for four seasons from 1884-1987 in syndication, and were based on the toys of giant robots who are capable of – spoiler alert – transforming. This series, which had a total of ninety-eight episodes, was capped off with 1986 animated feature film, The Transformers: The Movie.
The series featured the voice talents of Frank Welker, Peter Cullen, Christopher Collins, & Corey Burton. The 1986 animated film was directed by Nelson Shin, who’s known for his work on The Simpsons & Batman: The Animated Series.
The series, as well as the 1986 film still has a cult following to this day, primarily for nostalgia purposes pertaining to the memories of growing up watching the series while playing with the actual toys at the same time. You felt as if you were part of the great war for Cybertron, teaming up with the Autobots in an effort to defeat the evil Megatron and the Decepticons.
Michael Bay franchise
While most like to s#!+ all over the Michael Bay directed films, many forget just how great that first 2007 live-action Transformers film was, which even brought back the voice talents of some of the 1980s cast. The first film, simply titled Transformers, starred Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, John Turturro, & Jon Voight.
It was an action-packed summer blockbuster that offered all the spectacle many felt as children when watching the original animated series. However, this live-action series hit its apex after the first film, as Michael Bay stretched his luck a bit too far with the following four sequels. Even the talents of nameworthy actors such as Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Hopkins, & John Goodman couldn’t save these sequels.
Luckily, a franchise prequel-reboot called BumbleBee starring Hailee Steinfeld & John Cena came out in 2018, which offered fans of Transformers a fresh set of directorial eyes for this once beloved property. The film, which received much praise, was helmed by Travis Knight, son of Nike co-founder Phil Knight as well as director of Kubo & the Two Strings.
New animated series
Potentially a case of “striking while the iron is hot”, both Nickelodeon & Entertainment One are pressing ahead on reviving all the classic feels of the original animated Transformers series with a new twist. This show will join an animated slate of several beloved properties, including Star Trek: prodigy, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, & Spongebob Squarepants.
Ramsey Naito, the President of Nickelodeon Animation, said the following about the project:
“As soon as I read the creative concept, which at its core is about family, I knew we absolutely had to tell this story with our good friends at eOne & Hasbro. The series will tell a reimagined story featuring both original characters & fan-favorites for a whole new generation of kids & families.”
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How excited are you about a new animated Transformers series? What is your favorite of the Michael Bay Transformers films? Comment below and let us know your thoughts.
