If you’re like me, you’re probably seeing Transformers: Rise of The Beasts everywhere you go. Sumner is fast approaching, meaning the season of blockbusters is coming quickly and signaling the start of more moviegoing in the next few months. Plus, when you have a film centered in the 90s (yes, we can totally expect some iconic 90s music and outfits), there’s no surprise that Transformers has been a hot topic recently.
During SXSW’s 2023 Film & TV Festival, I got the opportunity to attend the Porsche x Transformers: Rise of The Beast panel, the kickoff to the Statue World Tour, and what the future of Porsche and Transformers holds.
Taking place at the Porsche X – Collaborations Unseen Installation near the Austin Convention Center, fans were immediately welcomed by getting a world premiere exclusive at Mirage, the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 from Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. The sleek purple car illuminated throughout the Porsche house, giving fans a first glimpse on what to expect from Porsche as we get closer to the Transformers: Rise of the Beasts release date. Outside of the Porsche installation was the stars of the film, Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal statues for all of the Transformers fans to see. The statues will be going on a global world tour throughout the summer, traveling to Australia, Singapore, London, Chicago and more.
Soon after we spent some time walking around the Porsche installation, the Porsche x Transformers Panel began. The director, Steven Caple Jr. introduced the film, explaining the different reasons as to what made him want to take on a Transformers film to the inspiration behind the 90s aesthetic. Caple Jr. explained that there were many different robots that will be focused on during Rise of The Beasts such as the Autobots, Decepticons and more that will be revealed when the film rolls out in theaters.
The stars also did not come to play on the set. Lead actor Anthony Ramos revealed that in order to get his part in the film, he had to get his driver’s license. Ramos explained that this was one of the biggest deals in his life, and gained a loud applause and laughs from the audience. When asked about what drew her to the project in terms of the script, lead actress Dominique Fishback was excited due to the film taking place in Brooklyn. Fishback was also excited about how her character, Elena was written, explaining that Elena is a character who has “her own drive” and is smart and praised Steven Caple Jr. for being open on set.
There was also discussions about what the soundtrack could potentially sound like in Transformers. When talking on stage, it was revealed that actor Tobe Nwigwe made his acting debut in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, playing Reek, a friend that follows Noah and Elena on their journey. When asked about potentially working on music for the film, Nwigwe teased a potential cameo on the soundtrack, leaving audiences ready to listen to the soundtrack.
One thing I could tell as I was watching the panel on stage was how much care and love everyone had for the Transformers franchise. From the actors being excited to take on a new journey and to be involved in a large blockbuster, to the director talking about his childhood inspiration and love for the franchise, it’s obvious that Transformers: Rise of the Beasts was a labor of love and we can not wait to watch it in theaters on June 9.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts premieres in theaters on June 9, 2023. This article was written for the 2023 SXSW Film & TV Festival.