Christian actor Jarret LeMaster, known for playing antagonistic roles including Satan and Adolf Hitler, is now taking on a different kind of character as the voice of Bumblebee in "Optimus Prime: Awakening," a new animated short accompanying the 40th anniversary theatrical re-release of "The Transformers: The Movie." The re-release has exceeded initial box-office projections, extending theatrical dates through October. LeMaster's career trajectory from church ministry to professional villain is an unusual one, and he has spoken about his unconventional approach to choosing roles based on personal principle.

LeMaster began his transition from full-time church work to acting when The Babylon Bee, a Christian satire outlet, asked him to play a Russian murderer in a sketch. He has explained that he gravitates towards villain roles partly because he wishes to avoid on-screen kisses with co-stars, a boundary he maintains as important to him personally and professionally. Alongside Frank Welker and the late Peter Cullen, LeMaster brings his distinctive approach to the Transformers franchise, viewing even antagonistic roles through the lens of his faith and describing his work as an opportunity to "spread good news."