Another Transformers series has been announced for Netflix. The streaming giant has ordered a 20-episode animated series based on Hasbro'sTransformers: BotBots toy line.
Transformers: BotBots is being billed as an animated comedy "following the mischievous little Transformers robots, otherwise known as BotBots based on Hasbro’s popular toy line of the same name." Kevin Burke and Chris “Doc” Wyatt (Spider-Man, Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy, Stretch Armstrong & the Flex Fighters) will serve as executive producers and showrunners.
The BotBots 1-inch toyline launched in late 2018 with quite a silly backstory. When Energon hit a shopping mall, the ordinary objects inside came to life as little converting Transformers robots. The BotBots tribes compete in a competition known as the Goldrush Games to see which tribes are the most mischievous.
The BotBots seem to be pretty humorous in nature. For example, King Toots, which is part of the Toilet Troop tribe, is a mummy-inspired robot that transforms into a roll of toilet paper. Cranks, of the Backpack Bunch, is a pencil sharpener. Chilla Gorilla, of the Techie Team, is a robotic ape.
As of 2019, there were over 190 BotBots in the collection with the Series 6 line expected to launch sometime this year. However, the Netflix series logline suggests a focus on The Lost Bots.
BotBots are Transformers robots that disguise themselves as everyday mall objects. By day, these BotBots hide quietly on store shelves but at night, they jump into adventure until a group of BotBots called ‘The Lost Bots’ run into the mall security guard and put all the bots in danger. Will these misfits be able to overcome their differences, defeat the security guard and gain acceptance in the eyes of the other bots?
Netflix is already home to multiple Transformers series, including the cel-shaded, computer-animated Transformers: Cyberverse as well as the currently ongoing Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy.
“We are delighted to partner with Netflix to bring an all-new Transformers story to life and explore a whole new universe with BotBots," said Olivier Dumont, eOne's President of Family Brands. "Transformers storytelling has expanded into so many new avenues and we can’t wait to surprise both existing fans and new fans coming to the franchise for the first time with these fun bots who are definitely more than meets the eye!"