Jason Drucker stars in the new Transformer film “Bumblebee” which opened this weekend! Jason plays Otis, the main character’s younger brother in the film. And at only 13 years old, Jason has already starred in several successful studio franchise films. In fact, this is the second time Jason played younger brother to super star Hailee Steinfeld — the two starred together in A24’ s “Barely Lethal” as well. You may also recognize him from the movie “Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul” and as series regular Tommy Miller on all four seasons of Nickelodeon’s “Every Witch Way”. YEM sat down with Jason to talk about his lengthy career and his newest role.
Young Entertainment Mag: Can you tell us about Bumbebee?
Jason Drucker: Bumblebee is an origin story which allows the viewers to experience the beginning of how Bee became Bee. The story centers on the relationship with Charlie and Bee and how they discover who he is and his purpose on Earth.
YEM: Were you a Transformers fan before being cast in the movie?
Jason: I have always been a Transformers fan. I grew up with the toys. My favorites were always Bumblebee and Optimus Prime.
YEM: What was it like to work with Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena?
Jason: Hailee and John were amazing to work with. This was my second project working with Hailee. In my first film, Barely Lethal, Hailee was an exchange student staying with my family, so she was basically my sister in the movie. And when I found out that I was working with her again, I was thrilled.
YEM: Tell us about your character, Otis. Do you have any similarities with your character?
Jason: Otis is a typical 12 yr old boy. He and Charlie are very different and do not have a great relationship. Otis is a bit annoying and Charlie is a teenager trying to find herself. When Bee comes into Charlie’s life and needs a little help in the end, Otis is there to assist. So I guess I am a bit like Otis, because I like to annoy my younger brother. But in the end, we are always there for each other.
YEM: This movie takes place in the 80s. So was it difficult to be in a movie that takes place before you were born?
Jason: No, not at all. It was fun dressing up in 80’s inspired clothing. I am just happy that the stylist did not decide to give me a mullet. That could have been bad.
YEM: What was it like to act with “BumbleBee” the transformer? Was it challenging to act with a character that wasn’t really there?
Jason: I did not have any scenes with Bumblebee. I wish I had a scene with him. But I heard it was quite challenging. I think at times they used a tennis ball on a stick to represent Bumblebee in the scenes.
YEM: Our readers remember you as Tommy from “Every Witch Way.” What was your experience like on that show?
Jason: I had such an incredible experience on Every Witch Way. Tommy, unquestionably, was the funniest character on the show. I was the youngest actor by far on set, so in turn, I did get a lot of attention during production. The cast was together for 4 seasons, so we grew up together and made some unforgettable memories. And I still keep in touch with the majority of the cast.
YEM: Our readers also remember you as Greg in “Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul.” Were you a fan of the book series? Would you want to return to the franchise?
Jason: I was such a big fan of the books and all the movies. To think that my mom use to get upset with me when I would reread the books, because she said I needed to read new material not the same stuff all the time. Little did she know that I was secretly studying to be the new Greg Heffley. I would love to do another Wimpy Kid movie. But I think I have changed a lot since the release in 2017.
