Transformers producer updates on upcoming Cybertron/Optimus Prime movies

I certainly never expected it, but it appears as though the sixth film in the TRANSFORMERS franchise has become the most popular by far. BUMBLEBEE is currently sitting at 93% at Rotten Tomatoes (if you take stock in that sort of thing) which is definitely a good place to be if Paramount wants to keep this franchise truckin' along, and you know damn well that they do. BUMBLEBEE screenwriter Christina Hodson is hoping that a BUMBLEBEE sequel is in the cards, telling Metro that she's very interested in returning and that she knows what she wants to do with it, and franchise producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura chimed in about the future of the TRANSFORMERS series as well.

"We actually have an animated movie in the works that will tell the whole Cybertron mythology. The fans will love that," diBonaventura teased, adding that they're also "trying to figure out an [Optimus Prime solo movie]." However, the producer explained that crafting a film around Optimus Prime is a little tricky.

It will be hard with Optimus, he is always right, very stoic and is a man of few words … It is kind of like saying, ‘Lets do a movie about Obi-Wan Kenobi?’ But how much is there to say about Obi-Wan? It is not so easy.

Count me down as someone who'd love an Obi-Wan Kenobi movie, but I do understand what he's saying. Lorenzo di Bonaventura is no stranger to huge franchises, but believes he knows the secret to crafting ones which last. "I have been very fortunate, I was involved with Harry Potter, The Matrix, Lethal Weapons, they’ve all turned into franchises," di Bonaventura. "The best ones, when you start out assuming a franchise you are in deep trouble. You better make a damn good movie and don’t think of the rest of it. With the first Transformers we had no idea where we were gonna go. Nor did we presume we were gonna go somewhere. I think when you presume there is a certain arrogance that comes out in the film."

Our own Chris Bumbray was among those who quite enjoyed BUMBLEBEE, a minor miracle considering that he hasn't liked any of Michael Bay's TRANSFORMERS movies, and praised star Hailee Steinfeld in particular, saying that the "role seems tailor made for her, and she’s by far the least obtrusive, most likable human character we’ve ever had in a Transformers movie" in his review.

The official synopsis for BUMBLEBEE:

On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug.

BUMBLEBEE is now playing in theaters.