Hasbro Greenlights Updated TF-Origins Animated Film?

Next Spring has Yet ANOTHER Transformers Film, Aiming for release Around July 19, 2024 and directed by Josh Cooley (Toy Story 4). Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, One Of The Producers on MANY Transformers Films Since Bay First Took The Helm, Spoke with Collider about This New Origin Story? Providing Additional Information Around It's Various Plotpoints. The Key🔑Takeaways from THIS Interview with di Bonaventura is the Film is Set ENTIRELY on Cybertron, Will Explore the "Origin Story of Warrior; Megatronus, Archivist; #OrionPax; His Friends: Dion (UltraMagnus), KUP (Sentinel) & Girlfriend; Elita-One. Explaining How Orions Admiration Torwards Megatronus, Led To Their Friendship, Orion & His Friends Reformatting...Along with The Rise Of Megatron. He ALSO Described Their "Origin Stories Being Similar To ALL Transformers Torwards That Of Society Itself, Along with What Broke it Apart." The Story is such that they can do a "Natural Trilogy" If The 1st Film is successful enough. As for Why An animated movie, he said " If you tried to make this live-action, it would probably be a billion-dollar movie or something." The key quote on story is below. "You're Going To See ALOT Of Societal Origins and What Broke It Apart. The Analogy FOR ME is A Bit Like #Krypton When You Saw The Planet Falling Apart, and all that. We're not there for a short time, we're there the entire time of the movie, we're on Cybertron, but we are in the challenge that, if you know the lore, they begin to question the hierarchy of how their society has gotten stratified, and how the common man doesn't have the voice, entirely, that they want to have. We're following very true to the origin story of it, and so it's really fun, too, because I've gotten to see some of it – it's not fully executed by any stretch of the imagination, but hearing Optimus and Megatron not as who we know them as, which we see their maturation in this experience. So, in a sense, you're hearing a different character because you're hearing them before they have matured." Until this movie, the only place you could really get an origin story for Autobots vs Decepticons (called the Great War) that has been central to the franchise is the IDW comics books. Even then, that origin is so spread out, told in bits and pieces over the years that is difficult to have a cohesive story. The origin was also restarted when IDW relaunched the comics franchise in 2019. I tried to write a summary but its pretty complicated. The very short version is the planet's Autobot leadership became corrupted by the upper class and through some events declared planetwide martial law. Orion Pax and Megatron worked together to eventually overthrow it as the abuses mounted. As a result of all the Autobot corruption he had to wade through (including killing two Primes), Megatron decided only he should lead the planet instead of Optimus Prime, who was anointed as leader by the true Matrix of Leadership. I suspect a movie version will cut through the complexity and focus on the rise of Megatron and reluctant leader Orion Pax who joins his cause against the corrupt government with difference in leadership styles and morality playing a huge part in how they eventually become enemies. Update: Collider posted a little bit more of their interview with Di Bonaventura where he revealed, "I'm not sure if I'm supposed to divulge it, but I'm going to. ILM is doing the animation." Industrial Light & Magic got its start on the Star Wars films and is more or less responsible for nearly every single visual effects breakthrough used in movies (including the previous Transformers films) so what they do with Transformers should be amazing. As far as quality, I believe the last animated film they did was Rango which they won an Oscar for.

New Voltron TV and Robot Toys in 2011

World Events Productions (WEP), a leader in animated television production, and Classic Media, a global media company with a portfolio of some of the world’s top family entertainment brands, today announced the relaunch of the iconic Voltron™ brand for a new generation of fans in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the original Voltron series, which first aired on television during the 1984-1985 television year. Effective immediately, Classic Media is to helm international distribution and worldwide merchandising and licensing for Voltron.

As the first step in reintroducing the Voltron brand to fans, an all-new animated television series is being created. The series, Voltron Force, is the first original franchise-related television content in 10 years and is scheduled to debut on Nicktoons in 2011, with WEP and Classic Media producing along with leading Hollywood production company Kickstart Productions (Wanted, Wolverine and the X-Men).

Voltron, the original robot-action series, is the story of five space explorers who pilot incredible robotic lions that combine to form Voltron, an invincible guardian sworn to defend the universe. Voltron Force will follow a group of new recruits on their once-in-a-lifetime chance to battle alongside the original group of heroes led by Commander Keith in the Black Lion and Allura in the Blue Lion. The new series will consist of 26 half-hour episodes of 2D and CGI animation and will have all the thrilling excitement of robot lions in action, combined with compelling storylines and the dynamic, relatable characters that made the original series so popular. Voltron Force promises to be an excellent co-viewing opportunity where lifelong Voltron fans can now share the experience with their own children.

In addition, Mattel is developing a new line of Voltron toys for fans of all ages. Mattel’s toy offerings will appeal to adults who grew up with the popular ‘80s series, as well as a new generation of fans that Voltron Force will create.

“I am thrilled to partner with Classic Media as we introduce Voltron to a new generation of fans,” said Ted Koplar, President, WEP. “Classic Media’s exceptional brand management capability will play an integral role in the highly-anticipated relaunch of this classic property.” Koplar continued, “Voltron’s legacy of innovative and iconic toys is in great hands with Mattel, whose vision promises to re-imagine and re-invigorate Voltron toys like never before.”

“We are delighted to be a strategic partner of WEP’s on the revival of such an iconic brand as Voltron and greatly look forward to working with Kickstart Productions in bringing this new animation series to all of our key international partners across broadcast and home entertainment,” said Chloe van den Berg, EVP, International, Classic Media.

“Classic Media is excited to partner with WEP and Kickstart Productions to reintroduce Voltron to the next generation of fans,” said Nicole Blake, EVP, Global Marketing & Consumer Products, Classic Media. “With a renewed emphasis on building a global consumer products program and its intrinsic transformation play pattern, anchored by Mattel as master toy partner, Voltron is poised to regain its position as a top kids property.”