Transformers 3’s Optimus, Bumblebee getting makeovers

From sci-fi wire, animation supervisor Scott Benza of Industrial Lights and Magic discusses changes to the CGI models for Optimus Prime and Bumblebee.

As the third Transformers movie gears up preproduction this month, we’ve learned that Optumus Prime and Bumblebee will get a makeover. (…more)

Transformers 3: “Less bedlam, more characters”

According to the MTV movie blog:

Last week, Michael Bay claimed he would not let his friends at Paramount down as they look forward to a 2011 release date for “Transformers 3.” Speaking to MTV’s Brian Jacks, Hasbro’s CEO talked about what Bay is planning to put returning stars (…more)

ROTF Nominated for a Saturn Award

The Saturn Awards – presented by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films – has seen fit to honor Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen with a nomination for Best Science Fiction Film of 2009.  It’s true. That’s ope of the top honors at the Saturn Awards. The winners will be announced at the 36th Annual Saturn Awards on June 24 in Burbank, California. You can read more about the Saturn Awards on the Academy’s website.

Transformers: War for Cybertron Trailer Released

The new Transformers: War for Cybertron video game trailer has been released. It’s 2:14 of cool, voiced mainly by Peter Cullen, Optimus Prime himself. Among characters revealed in the trailer are Bumblebee, Omega Supreme, and Trypticon – really, Trypticon. Whether these will all be playable characters or not is yet to be revealed, but the video looks snazzy enough to whet appetites. Check it out on IGN.

Interview with Simon Furman

A website called the Geek Syndicate has a short interview with Simon Furman, in which he discusses his work in comics, his involvement with and opinion of the live action films, and what Marvel characters he’d love to write.

TFW2005 Q & A with Andy Schmidt

IDW editor Andy Schmidt recently answered questions submitted by various members of the TFW2005 website. As you might expect, a number of questions focused on Continuum and the continuity problems that it had. (…more)

Official 2011

From the Michael Bay forums:

Well its official: We have a great Transformers 3 story. The release date is now July 1st 2011. Not 2012.

Today is Day One. This morning started with an ILM meeting for five hours (…more)

USA Today interviews Andy Schmidt

USA Today has posted an interview with IDW Publishing author and editor Andy Schmidt about Transformers, comics and his role with the upcoming  “Transformers: Continuum” story. In addition to the interview, USA Today also shows some sketches by Don Figueroa of Optimus Prime, Ironhide, Bumblebee and Jetfire as they will appear in the new Transformers ongoing series.

Revenge of the Fallen hits $400 million

Revenge of the Fallen has hit the $400 million mark domestically. In addition, the movie is estimated to have made $428 million overseas at this point, for a total take over over $800 millon. Despite the facts that critics almost all disliked it, and despite multiple fan complaints, the movie was certainly a success with the general moviegoing public.

See the figures here.

Revenge of the Fallen Concept art

A few creators behind the hit movie have updated their websites with art designs they had come up with. First, there is Ryan Church who designed several scenic aspects to the film that can be seen here. And then there is Josh Nizzi who also did some scene art but also created several robot designs which can be seen here.