Exclusive: Cool Max Steel Concept Art By Kelton Cram

It’s time to go turbo!

Max Steel, the 2016 live-action film based on the popular line of Mattel toys and the hit animated television series (2000-2002), has gotten off to a rough start, so far, grossing $3.6 million at the domestic box office and receiving a negative rating (0%) from six top critics on Rotten Tomatoes. And who knows, like other films have, it could still find a second life with international audiences or become a cult favorite on DVD.

With all of that negativity out of the way, let’s take a moment to appreciate some sensational concept art produced for Max Steel by the very talented Kelton Cram — a professional concept artist who recently worked on projects like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Independence Day: Resurgence, and Jeff Wadlow’s Deadpool pitch.

Check out the artwork in our gallery at the bottom of the page. Also, directly below, you can read descriptions — provided by Kelton Cram — for all nine of his images.

1. This is Max originally as a much younger, thinner character. This was an early version and is meant to show the layers of the suit in transition: A black organic layer, then white plates that crystalize into armor.I worked on the suit under Costume Designer Allison Renee Leach and Lead Concept Designer Constantine Sekeris.
2. This is an image of Steel in flight during the escape scene. This was to show how the robot would flare out its arms when turning a corner.
3. This is an image of the power chamber set that I worked on with Production Designer William Hunter. Originally done in 3D, then eventually built in the real world.
4. I spent most of my time working on the robot creature Steel. He went through many different phases. This is where he ended up, which is pretty close to what ended up in the movie. The top images are of Steel expressing surprise and curiousity. The bottom image is to show a turntable of Steel with mouth closed and open.
5. Here are two images of Steel in action, controlling elements such as water. These designs are earlier versions to what we ended up with in the end.
6. More images of Steel from earlier versions. The top image is different emotions of Steel’s eye. The middle and bottom images are animation look-development. This is to show Steel coming to a quick stop during full flight.
7. I was privileged to work on costume, creature and even makeup effects. The top images are of the scarring going on under Max’s shirt from Steel latching on to him.The bottom image on the left is an earlier 3D version of Steel connected to Max. The bottom right image is of Steel approaching Max with an open mouth. The shape originates from the “M” Steel forms on Max’s Chest
8. The image on the left is of Steel using soundwaves to vibrate matter, essentially fly through solid walls. Not sure if that happens in the film, though. The image on the right is look-development over the actual suit, a mixture of photography and 3D combined.
9. This is look-development done over 3D helmets, later done practically by Legacy Effects. This was a lot of fun! I enjoyed working together with a talented team of artists. I still need to see the film!

Max Steel is a teenage superhero for the next generation, combining action, comedy, and cutting edge special effects into an epic adventure for the whole family.

16-year old MAX MCGRATH has just moved to a new town – and is desperately trying to fit in – when he discovers his body can generate the universe’s most powerful energy. Unbeknown to Max, a slightly rebellious and hilarious techno-organic extraterrestrial named Steel has been keeping an eye on him, hungry for his super-human energy.When they finally meet, they discover that together they form MAX STEEL, a superhero possessing powerful strength beyond anything in our world.These two unlikely friends soon find themselves hunted by sinister forces who want to control Max’s powers, as well as an unstoppable enemy from another galaxy.

The cast features Ben Winchell as Maxwell “Max” McGrath, Ana Villafañe as Sofia Martinez, Andy García as Dr. Miles Edwards, Maria Bello as Molly McGrath, Mike Doyle as Jim McGrath, Billy Slaughter as Agent Murphy, and Josh Brener as the voice of Steel.

The film’s directed by Stewart Hendler and written by Christopher Yost.

Max Steel is now playing!