Santa Cruz Boardwalk Scores 'Bumblebee' Movie Role

SANTA CRUZ, CA – In "Hooray for Hollywood" style, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has a background role, so to speak, in the new Paramount Picture’s film "Bumblebee," a Transformers spin-off that opens today in theaters nationwide.

Production crews filmed in September 2017 on the so-called “Brighton Falls Boardwalk” -- a two-day event that hired many local extras, including some Beach Boardwalk employees, for the scenes, according to boardwalk officials.

“It’s always exciting for our staff to work with Hollywood, especially on professional projects of this scale,” said Brigid Fuller, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk publicist. “We really enjoyed our part in Bumblebee and look forward to seeing ourselves on the big screen.”

As for the film: "Bumblebee" is on the run in 1987, finding refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug, according to producers.

The film stars Steinfeld, along with John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., John Ortiz, Jason Drucker, Pamela Adlon, Stephen Schneider, Angela Bassett, Justin Theroux and Dylan O'Brien.

Of course, this is not the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's first foray into film history. Such landmark movies as the cult-classic vampire movie The Lost Boys, Clint Eastwood’s Sudden Impact, as well as The Sting II, Dangerous Minds, Killer Clowns from Outer Space, Harold & Maude, Chasing Mavericks, The Entertainer and many other feature films and TV programs incorporated the Santa Cruz boardwalk in their settings.

ALSO SEE WHAT'S COMING UP NEARBY:

• Gilroy Gardens At Night Holiday 2018: Gilroy
• Fantasy Of Lights Drive-Thru 2018: Vasona Lake Park, Los Gatos
• An ABBA-Solutely Christmas Show 2018: Rio Theatre, Santa Cruz
• Cookies & Cocoa With Santa 2018: Premium Outlets, Gilroy
• 'Boardwalk Holiday Ice' Outdoor Skating Rink 2018-19: Santa Cruz
• New Year’s Eve Party 2018-19: Casa de Fruta Music Hall, Hollister

--Images of Bumblebee filiming. Photo credit: Paramount Pictures, Courtesy of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk