‘Transformers 5: The Last Knight’ and ‘Transformers Animated 30th Anniversary’ Release Dates and News

Aug 09, 2016 10:40 AM EDT

Transformers is one toy that was an animated series, and now is a live action movie series from Michael Bay, which has spawned even more toys.  This circle of robotic life just keeps spinning, as there has been some shots from the newest offering in the live-action franchise of Transformers 5: The Last Knight. Some of these shots hearken back to the original animated movie of Transformers, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a celebratory Blu-Ray.  The re-release of the animated feature might be more than just a celebrating of three decades of the fan-favorite animated film, but there might be some tie-ins with Transformers 5: The Last Knight

According to Movie News Guide, director Michael Bay has been deliberately leaking tidbits from the film, in the form of what the characters look like.  For example, the character of Drift will have new disguise as a Mercedes-AMG GT-R, and a brand new character named Lone Siniper will be  a Chevrolet Corvette Z06. 

There is also a revelation of a new character to the live-action franchise, who really is from the old animated franchise.  Granted, he wasn't one of the original Transformers, but he was introduced in the Transformers animated film when it was released in 1986. 

Okay, this is where spoilers are beginning.  So I would suggest waiting until September until the release date of the Blu-ray steelbook, where you can see who Hot Rod is. 

For those who don't mind spoilers, or who already know the story about Hot Rod, he is a character who is essentially a new recruit in the animated Transformers universe of 2006 (this was the future thirty years ago).  The Decepticons invaded Autobot City and Optimus Prime was killed by Megatron, who also perished in the epic final stand. 

Optimus Prime lived long enough to pass on the Autobot matrix of leadership, and for a while, it was taken by UltraMagnus.  Megatron was then rebuilt as Galvatron by the planet eating Transformer known as Unicron.  Galvatron then faced off with UltraMagnus and took the Autobot matrix of leadership, and then Hot Rod fought with Galvatron and took the matrix of leadership as the appointed new leader of Autobots, Rodimus Prime. 

That is just a quite summary of the 1986 Transformers movie, which wasn't really well-received in theaters 30 years ago, but it has since become a classic.  So, is Transformers 5:  The Last Knight going to follow the basic plotline of the animated movie and the audience see certain things in live-action form? 

Yes, it would be interesting if the film does kill off Optimus Prime, and then see if Hot Rod takes over.  In all honesty, I remember watching this film back when I was in high school, and I thought the movie was a hidden gem.  However, it changed the way the animated series went, which eventually led to its inevitable cancellation in the long run. 

However, there are plans for a few more Transformers movies, not to mention its place in a connected universe with other Hasbro toys.  I have previously written about that ROM Spaceknight could be The Last Knight, but perhaps Hot Rod or Optimus Prime will be The Last Knight.  We will find out next year on June 23. 2017 when Transformers 5: The Last Knight hits its release date.