Transformers EarthSpark: The Unforgettable Legacy Unleashed at SDCC 2023

Summary

Transformers: EarthSpark is a fun change of pace for the franchise, introducing a new generation of earth-born Transformers known as Terrans.

The show reintroduces beloved characters such as Bumblebee and Megatron, as they unite with the Malto family to safeguard their adopted home on Earth. Encountering generational gaps and contrasting viewpoints, the series delves into diverse identities and infuses comedic relief in times of darkness, all while promoting acceptance and fostering mutual understanding.

Transformers: EarthSpark season 1 has recently concluded on Paramount+, concluding with a thrilling battle against renegade Decepticons. This animated series adds an exciting twist to the Transformers franchise by introducing a new generation of Transformers from Earth called Terrans. The show follows the Matlo family, whose children befriend and interact with the Terrans after relocating to Witwicky.

While introducing new characters, Transformers: EarthSpark also brings back familiar faces such as Bumblebee (voiced by Danny Pudi) who serves as a mentor to the Autobots, and Megatron (voiced by Rory McCann) who, having recognized his mistakes as a Decepticon, joins forces with the Terrans and becomes part of the extended Matlo family dedicated to protecting their adopted home on Earth.

Cast & Creatives Talk Transformers: EarthSpark

At San Diego Comic-Con, Screen Rant had the opportunity to interview several members of the Transformers: EarthSpark team, including voice actors Diedrich Bader, Stephanie Lemelin, and Benni Latham, as well as executive producer Ant Ward and co-executive producer Dale Malinowski. During the interview, they discussed their process of getting into character, the innovative approach taken in the new show, and their aspirations for its future.

Screen Rant: Ant and Dale, what is your experience working with Terrans like? This Autobot is a new addition to the series.

Dale Malinowski: Working with the Terrans has been a dream come true. It's like having your car as your closest companion, just like how real human teenagers get to interact with characters that transform into vehicles. It's a perfect reflection of life, and I absolutely adore it.

Ant Ward: The Transformers franchise is incredibly vast. Having the opportunity to contribute to the development of a completely new faction is undeniably exciting and truly an honor.

Benni, how does it feel to play a crucial role as a human in this context?

Benni Latham: As the matriarch of the Malto household, I embrace the enchanting pandemonium that ensues. It's an uproarious symphony of foolishness and joy, amplified by the presence of hormone-driven robot offspring. It's like participating in an amusing pastime.

Stephanie Lemelin: Your depiction closely resembles my own everyday existence.

Benni Latham: Yeah, it's quite an experience when your child goes through puberty and ends up punching a hole in the wall. Then I have to give them the command, "Go to your room and clean up that mess." However, despite the challenges, being involved in a new generation of the series has been incredibly enjoyable for me, especially since I grew up with it. It's truly amazing.

Stephanie, can you share your approach to getting into character?

Stephanie Lemelin: Oh gosh, how do I get into character? I usually just put the microphone to my mouth [laughs].

Dale Malinowski: We write to Stephanie.

Ant Ward: This has too much information. We need to be careful with our trade secrets.

Stephanie Lemelin: Absolutely. It's a profound process. Hashtag is a remarkable character because of her vibrant zest and boundless enthusiasm for life. Even though I still possess that energy when I am well-rested nowadays, that version of me existed before I became a mother of three.

I enjoy the novelty of being new to the universe, especially since the characters in this story are also new, and my character is both human and robot, which is a fresh experience. This allows me to learn alongside the viewers, creating a unique and exciting journey. It's fascinating to portray a character that is completely new to everything, bringing enthusiasm and a positive outlook to every situation. I appreciate the innocent perspective and the wonderful material that has been written for me to work with. I genuinely have a fantastic time.

Diedrich, when selecting from your wide range of voices, how do you ensure that Mandroid stands out as unique?

Diedrich Bader: These guys made my job so much easier by giving my character a purpose. He's more than just a typical villain trying to conquer the world. He sees himself as the protector of the world, believing that only he truly understands the stakes. Being placed in such a vulnerable position, where others view you as evil, provides a captivating role to portray. There's plenty of room for artistic exploration within that dynamic.

To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised when I got the role. Usually, I'm known for playing comical characters like my version of Batman, which was more about bringing humor to the role. But with Mandroid, there's no room for jokes. He's depicted as dead serious, and it serves the plot of the show well for audiences to take him seriously as a credible threat. There's no room for levity in his character. This was a fun departure for me because I rarely get the chance to portray a straight-up antagonist. It was an enjoyable experience.

How do you incorporate these diverse viewpoints and the challenges that the Transformers are encountering in this period following the war?

Dale Malinowski: We rely on the generational gaps within our main group of characters. We have young humans and Terrans, who are roughly the same age since they are all recently introduced, as Stephanie mentioned earlier. Additionally, there is Benni's character, who represents an older generation on the human side. On the bot side, we have Bumblebee, Optimus, and others.

It was effortless for us to incorporate a wide range of viewpoints into our work. With each person coming from a unique background and our extensive cast list, it was simple to consider how each individual would perceive a given scenario or how their character's background would influence their thoughts on X, Y, or Z. This process posed little challenge for us.

Ant Ward: Absolutely, it presented us with an excellent opportunity to delve into events resembling those in the real world, where current generations reflect on past situations. These situations have shaped their present circumstances. In this particular case, it is not their war, so their perspective is distinctly different.

Stephanie Lemelin: As a viewer, it's really cool. I am a viewer, not just an actor on the show because my kids are huge fans of the show, they're the perfect age.

Benni Latham: Perfect endorsement.

Stephanie Lemelin: It's fascinating to see how Transformers appeals to different generations. It bridges the intergenerational gap, if I may sound intellectual. Parents and children can enjoy watching it together, especially if you grew up in the 80s and were fans of Transformers. It's amazing to witness our kids discovering it and also experiencing it through the lens of history. I particularly enjoyed an episode where they were shooting a movie and there was an old video camera. It brought back nostalgic memories for me. And then I had to explain to my children that we didn't always have cameras on our phones and that phones used to be attached to walls. These are the interesting conversations we're having.

Benni Latham: That question is quite thought-provoking.

Stephanie Lemelin expressed her appreciation for the way our family members have been discovering their unique identities as children. She values the diverse cast, as it reflects various backgrounds, including individuals from different worlds, races, religions, and gender identities. Stephanie finds it heartwarming to witness the acceptance and growth of these characters as they navigate their identities. This message is particularly meaningful to her, especially when discussed with her children. Furthermore, she highlights the show's ability to find humor in darker moments, which adds depth without compromising the lighthearted and familial atmosphere. Combining serious, action-packed scenes with moments of familial love and playful banter further enhances the show's appeal. Overall, Stephanie praises the numerous positive aspects of the show.

Benni Latham is excited about the children discovering themselves, drawing inspiration from her own family history as a granddaughter of veterans. She reflects on the meaning of going through a war and its aftermath in the context of Transformers, where battles between good and bad, Autobots and Decepticons, have dominated. Now that the war is over, she ponders who we are without it, urging the importance of introspection amidst looming threats. Benni emphasizes the need to understand our true selves before unitedly facing the antagonists. Witnessing the children navigate these questions has been an amazing experience for her.

Furthermore, Benni believes that children from diverse backgrounds can find relatable characters within the Transformers universe. She mentions a character named Thrash, who embodies confidence and enthusiasm, and Twitch, who portrays seriousness and acts as the eldest sibling figure. She also mentions Robbie, the firstborn, and their bonding relationship. Additionally, each child has a companion in Mo and Thrash, while the older generation serves as mentors to the Terrans. This aspect of character development is praised by Benni as it highlights a previously unseen perspective. Despite being asked about her favorite child, she affectionately states that she loves all of them equally.

Diedrich, could you provide some insight on the last arc of Mandroid, please?

Diedrich Bader: The last arc of Mandroid offers a captivating payoff as you develop a deeper connection with those you are battling against, in various aspects. That's all I'll share for now.

What if your world was brought to life in live-action Transformers? How would you envision it?

Dale Malinowski: Envisioning something like that is truly mind-blowing. Seeing any of the characters portrayed by our friends or even those who aren't present in a different medium would be incredibly impactful and surprising to me. I can't even begin to describe the excitement I would feel. When that moment arrives, I will eagerly be the first person in line to purchase a ticket.

Regarding the show and its significance in the Transformers legacy, I would love to hear your thoughts on why you believe Transformers continues to be relevant over time and how you envision this contributing to its continued success. Stephanie Lemelin: Feel free to share your insights without feeling pressured.

Ant Ward: One of the remarkable aspects of this content is its portrayal of exceptionally strong characters at its core. It goes beyond the conventional notions of good and bad, embracing the concept of justice. The underlying theme of aiding the underdogs resounds through every adaptation, which truly resonates with me. A prime example of this is Transformers EarthSpark, where we witness the little guys stepping up to support one another and showcasing a different perspective on acceptance. An understanding of diverse points of view and varying ways of thinking is imperative in today's society, and that's precisely what we aim to cultivate.

About Transformers: EarthSpark

The 26-episode all-new animated series unveils a fresh breed of Transformers robots. These Earth-born Transformers, accompanied by a loving human family, embark on a transformative journey that reshapes the very notion of family.

All episodes of Transformers: EarthSpark season 1 are available to stream on Paramount+.