Bumblebee is getting his own solo movie. It follows everyone’s favorite yellow Autobot defending humanity from the Decepticons in 1987. It’s going to be an exhilarating thrill-ride that also dives into Bumblebee’s history. He’s always been an important member of the Autobots and he forged a close bond with Sam Witwicky during Michael Bay’s Transformers. Luckily for Bee, even after he’s been in a fight his driving is perfect! But remember… your car doesn’t have Transformers technology, so don’t drink and drive.
The Animated Series
The Transformers animated series is a classic. Bumblebee is actually the second character to appear in the series during a mission to find new energy sources. After that, he and the rest of the Transformers are frozen for 4 million years after landing on Earth.
One of the key elements that influenced the live-action movies is Bumblebee’s connection with the Witwicky family on Earth. During one episode Bumblebee used his smaller size to help Sparkplug Witwicky by planting bombs to blow up a Decepticon mining base. After that, Bee formed a close friendship with Sparkplug’s son, Spike. Towards the end of the series Bumblebee was seriously injured by the Hate Plague, and was rebuilt as an entirely new hero; Goldbug. If you don’t drink and drive, you won’t need rebuilding…
The Comics
Did you know that Bumblebee was actually killed in the comics during a crossover with G.I. Joe? In G.I. Joe vs. The Transformers, Bee and the rest of the Autobots fight the Cobra terrorists when they attempt to convert the Transformers into weapons of mass destruction. Bee’s even sent back in time to the 1970s after an accident with the Spacebridge during the second crossover. And by the third series, Cobra were working with the Predacons. After Bee is hurt during a fight with Predaking, Serpentor executes him. Ouch.
But in The Transformers: Infiltration from IDW Publishing, Bumblebee is more reckless than previous versions. He’s even willing to let humans die if it means the mission succeeds. But when the base the Autobots are in is destroyed by Decepticons, Bumblebee willingly chooses to save their new friends. The series shows that no matter the timeline, Bumblebee will always be a hero. You, too, can be a hero. Don’t let your friends drive impaired.
Bumblebay
When Michael Bay brought the Transformers to life on the big screen back in 2007, Bumblebee was a key player in the fight against Megatron. Everyone’s favorite lovable yellow bot was first introduced as a rusty old ‘76 Chevrolet Camaro that seemed like it was destined for Sam Witwicky. Bee did this by breaking all the other cars in the lot… Guess he’s still got a mean streak! Luckily, the big bot upgraded his car form to the fifth generation Camaro, which is now instantly recognizable as Bumblebee. Don’t deny it, everyone thinks of Transformers when they see a Camaro! Anyway, Sam and Bee’s friendship is a vitally important point in the first three films until Shia LaBeouf left the franchise.
Bee wasn’t able to speak like the rest of the Autobots and Decepticons, instead using audio clips from songs, radio shows and movies. But his voice slowly comes back and by the time The Last Knight rolls around, Bumblebee’s able to speak to Optimus Prime. This revives the leader of the Autobots out of his brainwashing by Quintessa. It’s a huge moment for the two old friends. You shouldn’t need reviving like Optimus if you don’t drink and drive.
Bee Movie
Bumblebee’s next cinematic adventure takes place in 1987 after he’s tasked with defending humanity from the Decepticons. He befriends Charlie Watson, played by Hailee Steinfeld, after she finds him in a junkyard. Is that how he meets all his favorite new humans? There are better places to make friends, Bee. Anyway, this time around his car form is the classic Volkswagen Beetle, it’s cute.
Unfortunately for the new dynamic duo, the Decepticons have already convinced John Cena and Sector 7 that a war will spill over on Earth if Bumblebee isn’t captured and destroyed. We can all see you John, why can’t you see they’re all lying? Bumblebee and Charlie will have to fend off Decepticons and Sector 7 if they want to make it out alive.
Bumblebee rolls out on December 21.
FANDOM and NHTSA remind you that law enforcement are keeping people safe on the roads this holiday season. Drive sober or get pulled over.
