List of Characters in Transformers (film Series) - Autobots - Bumblebee

Mark Ryan voices Bumblebee for the character's two lines at the end of the first film, when he regains his voice. For most of the first film's duration, Bumblebee communicates with radio soundbites because of his damaged vocal processor, but his throat begins healing after Ratchet fires a regenerative laser when they meet again on Earth: this was not clarified on screen, and Orci feels that Bumblebee being healed by touching the AllSpark is also a valid explanation. Before being cast in the role, Ryan had acted as a stand-in for the robots during filming, reading out their lines. The decision to make Bumblebee silent was inspired by Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, to show that his bond with Sam was beyond words. The filmmakers had considered using lines from various Paramount films, including "I feel the need for speed!" from Top Gun, but decided such lines would be too obvious. Credited clips used in the film include John Wayne from El Dorado and Nichelle Nichols as Uhura from the Star Trek television series. A full scale puppet of Bumblebee was also used for the film. The animators modeled Bumblebee's performance on Michael J. Fox's character in Back to the Future. Bumblebee transforms into a 1977 Chevrolet Camaro, and upgrades into the 2009 model. Bay rejected the character's 1980s form of the Volkswagen Beetle, as it reminded him of Herbie the Love Bug. Hasbro did not mind as long as the car remained yellow. In reference to his original form, the Beetle is parked next to Bumblebee when Sam is buying him. The modern Camaro was chosen for its friendly appearance, while the old model was chosen to show that Sam's father could only buy him the cheapest car he could find.

Two years later, despite being repaired at the end of the 2007 film, Bumblebee's voice still uses radio soundbites to communicate. Sam tells Mikaela that Bumblebee's "playing it up". Mark Ryan reportedly reprised his role as the voice for Bumblebee, but ultimately no spoken lines by the character were included in the finished film. Ryan also continued his role as stand-in for the robots on set. The filmmakers updated Bumblebee's previous appearance as the 2006 Camaro Concept based on the Super Sport version of the 2010 production model. Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design, said the redesigned car emphasized Bumblebee as becoming stronger after having his severed legs reattached in the 2007 film, with the new intakes and spoilers showing him as a sturdier character. Concept designs were made that portray Bumblebee as the convertible version of the Camaro, but they were ultimately not used.

Three years later, Bumblebee has gone through some changes. His vehicle mode features a new body kit and paint job.

For Transformers 4 it was confirmed that Bumblebee and Optimus Prime will return for the fourth film.