Movie Chronicles » Transformers & Robot modes

New red-faced robot, “Einstein”-bot is Mercedes called Q, Nascars called “Wreckers”

FofR — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:22:29 +0000

Wreckers

Until now, the weaponized Nascars have been dubbed stunticons, omnibots and rallybots, all three names have been rejected by MichaelBay.com’s Nelson. Nelson has since confirmed that they are actually called Wreckers. Wikipedia provides some background on the characters:

The Wreckers are a sub-team of Autobots in the fictional Transformers Universe, functioning essentially as a commando unit.

Red Faced

Filming last week on Michigan Avenue, Chicago, the Transformers 3 crew were using more cardboard head cut outs. This time, lowfatoreo’s YouTube video has highlighted a new character, red faced and angry looking this could be the robot mode of the Ferrari, Rollbar or a Wrecker, my personal guess is that it’s the red Wrecker. Hat tip to Transformers Live for picking this one out.

Einstein, Mercedes

Until now it’s been presumed that the Mercedes was the latest incarnation of Jolt, however Nelson has dispelled these rumors on the official Michael Bay site, pointing out instead that the Mercedes E550 is the alt mode of the Einstein lookalike robot, that is called Q (“like in James Bond”).

New Transformer “Rollbar”, Megatron and filming at Wacker Drive

FofR — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:25:49 +0000

Transformers 3 production has continued working in Chicago, moving their sets to Wacker Drive. Scenes have included a seemingly heroic moment for Patrick Dempsey, as Shia and Rosie sit amongst the rubble.

On set, a new red 4x4 truck has also been spotted, glowing and undamaged, it stood out prominently from the miscellaneous burnt out cars. This has now been confirmed as Rollbar — his name is spelled out on the vehicle and he sports the autobot logo. Rollbar doesn’t have a big personality within the Transformers franchise (or much of anything beyond being many different toys), with this character Bay is free to recreate as he pleases.

Add to all this, the cardboard head of Megatron has been thrown into the mix.

Rollbar

The folks over at TFW2005 investigated the T B logo on the back and found that it stands for “Tommy Built”, the jeep wasn’t originally built for the movie and a clip on YouTube showed it with a mounted machine gun on the rear, Paramount pictures have sinced removed the video.

Megatron

This one was picked up by Transformers Live:

Wacker Drive

The full picture set is available from The Chive

Shockwave spotted on set during Chicago filming

FofR — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:02:42 +0000

More of those cardboard cut-out heads, as opposed to a 20ft robot. One diligent snapper (mtoeset via TLAMB) caught an image of what is presumably Shockwave’s head (being a cyclops and all, with a slight purple tinge), next to Soundwave. Still no hints at his alt mode.

via Transformers Live

Day 5, Chicago — Explosions and autobot heads

FofR — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:28:46 +0000

The most interesting aspect of Day 5’s filming was the photo of an autobot’s head, a grey haired character sporting spectacles and standing next to Bumblebee. These cards are used to aid the actors with line of sight, etc. Who is this new autobot? What is his alt mode? The head of Soundwave was also spotted (PixelRally got the shot), confirming his role in the movie.

The day also featured a base jump from Trump Tower and scenes below, much of which has been captured on film. Then of course there are explosions, wouldn’t be a Bay film without them. Cars flipping, Bumblebee skidding around, parachuters flying in. The video playlist below has over 15 videos from the day’s shoot:

Day 4, Chicago — Datsun and autobots

FofR — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:52:08 +0000

Filming continued on Saturday, and the ’72 Datsun sporting Bumblebee colouring was spotted alongside Shia and Rosie in Chicago, probably continuing from the scene in Milwaukee. The autobots were also out in full colors and a truck sporting the word “NEST” has shown up, sparking rumors that it’s a mobile HQ unit.

Awesome Transformers 2 concept art from Ben Procter

FofR — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:43:04 +0000

Transformers 2 art work from Ben Proctor reveals the robots that made the cut, and more interestingly, those that didn’t. Stealth boats, nuclear subs that take down aircraft carriers and alternative constructicons. We also get a look at the inner workings of many decepticons, including eye details on The Fallen, an early Devastator design and pretender Alice, tongue and all.

Transformers 2 TV Spot 20 — Sideswipe transformation

FofR — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:12:56 +0000

This TV Spot contains some spoilers as to one character’s destiny — however it also introduces Sideswipe, showing his transformation from the Corvette and his slip and slide technique in full. Embedding on the video is disabled, but you can catch it in HD on YouTube.

Transformers 2 stills released including Optimus Prime and the Sphinx

FofR — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:06:23 +0000

A set of new images has recently been released to the press, here’s a quick run down of them from a variety of sources. Prime standing in front of the Sphinx looks awesome, as do the twins covered in sand whilst looking aghast.

From USA Today

From GM’s Autobot’s site

Even more Transformers 2 TV Spots, “Ancient Power”, “Everything”, “Bumblebee”

FofR — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:27:16 +0000

Ancient Power

I’d consider this one a bit spoilerish. Sideswipe attacking Sideways quite viciously, “they’ve been here a long time”, Megatron on the pyramids.

Everything

Little new snippet of The Fallen in this one. “Don’t freak out!”

Bumblebee

Lots more of Devastator’s transformation.

Three more Transformers 2 TV Spots — HD Kitchen Bots

FofR — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:39:19 +0000

Space Moms

This is a high quality HD version of the TV Spot we put up earlier today. Being in HD we can get a good look at some of the kitchen-bots that come alive when there’s an accident with the AllSpark.

Evolved

Evolved shows a bit more of the small ball bearing bots and Ravage.

Save the world

“They’re searching for Sam!”