Taking heavy inspiration from the 80s, including concepts featured in the original action figures and animated series, the upcoming Transformers spinoff prequel Bumblebee will introduce Triple Changers to the film series.
While Transformers can usually alter their form between a vehicle and their natural robotic form, Triple Changers, as the name suggests, go one step further with an additional vehicle form. A behind-the-scenes featurette for Bumblebee introduces the prequel's two Triple Changers and the filmmakers' rationale for including them in the spinoff.
RELATED: Transformers Spinoff Bumblebee Gets a January 2019 Release Date in China
"The idea of including Triple Changers came from the original toy line, that a Transformer could turn from a robot into a vehicle and then a separate vehicle," explained visual effects supervisor Jason Smith. "And I think it comes off very cool cinematically."
The clip then shows Decepticon Triple Changers Shatter and Dropkick, voiced by Angela Bassett and Justin Theroux, respectively, approaching the military and Sector 7 agents led by John Cena's Burns to help them hunt down the eponymous Autobot.
RELATED: Maze Runner Alum Boards Bumblebee as Autobot's Voice Actor
Directed by Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings) from a script by Christina Hodson (Birds of Prey), Bumblebee stars Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Pamela Adlon, Jason Drucker, Abby Quinn, Rachel Crow, Ricardo Hoyos, and Gracie Dzienny. The film arrives on December 21.