Coming on the heels of the highly anticipated live-action theatrical film being released July 3, 2007, by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, Cartoon Network and Hasbro Inc. are teaming on the next generation of the epic animated for a 2008 debut on the network in the U.S. The 2D animated series is a new twist on the original series with new characters alongside legends such as Optimus Prime and Megatron. Each episode will present a standalone storyline featuring everyday heroes who do good deeds that triumph over evil. TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED series will be co-produced by Cartoon Network Studios.
The first season will have 26 half-hour episodes as well as a 90-minute special, which is scheduled for release in early 2008. Matt Youngberg (TEEN TITANS, THE BATMAN) is the supervising director, Derrick Wyatt (TEEN TITANS) will provide the character designs and Sam Register (BEN 10, TEEN TITANS) will serve as exec producer. Marty Isenberg (DANNY PHANTOM, X-MEN, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES) acts as head writer.
"We are thrilled to be working with the highly creative team at Cartoon Network on bringing the next chapter in the TRANSFORMERS saga to kids and fans around the world," said Brian Goldner, Hasbro's coo. "The animation style that Cartoon Network has developed really brings the lore and characters of the Transformers franchise alive in a way that has never been seen through animation."
"TRANSFORMERS is a tried and true draw for our core audience," said Bob Higgins, svp, programming and development, Cartoon Network. "Kids love the surprise of 'More Than Meets the Eye,' combined with dynamic, clearly defined characters and epic storylines. We are thrilled to be working with Hasbro to help re-imagine this amazing franchise for a new generation of fans."
Set on Earth in the near future in Detroit, the alien Transformers are thrust into a world populated by humans and automatons. As visitors to Earth, the Transformers -- Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Prowl, Bulkhead and Ratchet -- work in the human world, interacting with the 'natives.'
Hasbro and HPG, its licensing division, will expand the action-packed TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED series through toys, games, licensed merchandise and promotions around the world.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
