With Transformers: Age of Extinction‘s release this summer, it’s hardly a shock that a new animated series is following right behind it, set to premiere early next year.
The Hub announced yesterday that they’re currently developing the latest in the long line of Transformers cartoons, a direct sequel to the excellent Transformers: Prime. The as-yet untitled series picks up a few years after Beast Hunters, with Bumblebee leading a new team of Autobots.
Will Freidle (Batman Beyond) will (spoilers, I guess) reprise his role as Bumblebee from the last minute and a half of the Beast Hunters finale. Joining him will be Darren Criss (Starkid’s A Very Potter Musical), Constance Zimmer (House of Cards) and, oh crap, Ted McGinley (JumpTheShark.com).
Is it his inclusion that led to Bumblebee leading the team, something a lot of fans are going to consider the death of the franchise(tm)? They’ll also hate that the show will be “blending 3D characters with hand-painted environments,” and that “the series mixes action-packed adventure with lots of comedy, making it a rip-roaring experience for kids and families to enjoy together.” Of course that animation style can be gorgeous and the last part is what made Prime and, before that, Animated so good.