Summary
TheTransformersfranchise has seemingly forgotten its coolest Autobot, but the next live-action movie can finally bring him back. Since its inception in 1984, theTransformersfranchise has introduced several toy characters, among whom many belong to the Autobot faction. However, be it in the G1 animated series or the live-action universe, only a few Autobot characters have consistently been under the limelight. Since Optimus Prime is the leader of the Autobots, it is not surprising that he has appeared in nearly every story of the franchise in some shape or form.
Bumblebee, too, has been a franchise staple, especially in theTransformerslive-action movies. The most recent installment in the live action movie series,Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, took a step towards introducing new Autobot characters by adding Mirage and even Stratosphere to the mix. However, despite the franchise’s best efforts to bring in new Autobot characters with each installment, one character has often been ignored.

All Upcoming Transformers Movies Explained
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts arrived in 2023, and that set the table for several more movies in the franchise that will arrive down the line.
Springer Has Yet To Appear In A Live-Action Transformers Movie
Springer Seems To Be The Perfect Fit For A Live-Action Transformers Film
Springer is easily among the most noble Autobots out there. He is not only an incredible fighter but alsocarries himself with immense confidence. To make things even better, he is always equipped with clever one-liners that add levity to some of the most dire situations. Despite having all the traits to be a worthy part of the live-action Autobot roster, Springer has not been featured in theTransformerslive-action movies. In the franchise’s original lore, he even gets to take the Matrix of Leadership twice and lead the Autobots, but the live-action films have not been too kind to him.
The 1986Transformersmovie features myriad Autobots throughout its runtime. Hot Rod, Kup, Arcee, Ultra Magnus, Blurr, and several other Autobots are all a part of its narrative. Interestingly, Springer, too, gets featured in its storyline. However, Springer is the only Autobot characterwho rarely appears in digital media after the movie. He was reportedly supposed to appear in Netflix’sTransformers: War For Cybertronseries, but his role was ultimately removed.

Which Transformers Movies & TV Shows Springer Has Been In
He Has Been In Several Transformers Comic Books
Springer may not have been picked up by the live-action films but has previously made appearances in the original cartoon and comic books. His first major appearance in the franchise was in 1986’sThe Transformers: The Movie, which paved the way for his recurring role in the comics. While he made a few minor appearances in the earlyLegend comicsandMadman The Transformers comic, he was one of the leading characters inMarvel The Transformers comics' Wreckers arc. Other than that, Springer has also briefly appeared inTransformersvideo games likeThe Transformers (PS2),Transformers Legends, andTransformers: Battle Tactics.
He also showed up in bothG.I. Joe vs. the TransformersandTransformers vs. G.I. Joecomic book arcs, which made him an active part of the crossover universe and expanded his presence in the broaderTransformerslore.

FromRegeneration OnetoMarvel Generation 2 comics, fromTransformers: Wings UniversetoTransformers: The Headmasters, Springer has been a recurring character in several story arcs of the franchise’s comics and animated shows. He also showed up in bothG.I. Joe vs. the TransformersandTransformers vs. G.I. Joecomic book arcs, which made him an active part of the crossover universe and expanded his presence in the broaderTransformerslore. Sadly, despite being such a prevalent character throughout the franchise, he still has not made a live-action appearance.
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What Will The Next Live-Action Transformers Movie Look Like?
The Movie Will Likely Feature A G.I. Joe & Transformers Crossover
While the plot details of the nextTransformerslive-action movie are still under wraps,Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' endingsuggests it will feature a crossover betweenTransformersand theG.I. Joe. Although no official announcements surrounding the movie’s cast have been made,Chris Hemsworth is reportedly being consideredto star as one of the leadingG.I. Joecharacters in the film. Apart from featuring the Joes,Transformers 8&9should also mark the return of Unicron as the main antagonist.
FutureTransformerslive-action movies seem to have enough room to not only introduce exciting crossovers and compelling villains but also forgotten Autobot characters like Springer.

Although the Autobots manage to prevent the planet-eating creature from devouring Earth inTransformers: Rise of the Beasts, his return seems likely in the franchise’s future installments. Since the Decepticons have not officially appeared in the live-action reboot movies, they should also become one of the leading villains in the upcoming films after they arrive at Earth from Cybertron. FutureTransformerslive-action movies seem to have enough room for not only introducing exciting crossovers and compelling villains but also forgotten Autobot characters like Springer.
Transformers 8
Transformers 8 is the tentative title for the eighth canonical entry in the sci-fi action movie franchise, and it takes place after the events of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. This film will mark the second out of a trilogy of films that began with Rise of the Beasts.