Upcoming Transformers Live-Action Film: Exciting Yet Not What the Franchise Requires at This Moment

The anticipation surrounding the next Transformers film is palpable. Yet, despite its excitement, some argue that a crossover with G.I. Joe may not be the best strategic choice for the franchise’s future. Since its inception, the live-action Transformers series has been among the most lucrative film franchises, with two entries grossing over $1 billion worldwide. However, the recent films have struggled to replicate that success at the box office. Director Michael Bay, who launched the live-action Transformers universe in 2007, has since stepped away from the helm of the series.

Following Bay’s departure after 2017’s Transformers: The Last Knight, the franchise has been on a quest for reinvention. The 2023 installment, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, set the stage for future narratives, hinting at a potential crossover with G.I. Joe. While the prospect is thrilling, the timing may not be ideal for such a collaboration.

The Case Against a Transformers & G.I. Joe Crossover

Analyzing Box Office Performance

Michael Bay’s Transformers films were blockbuster successes, with the third and fourth installments both surpassing the $1 billion mark. While The Last Knight grossed an impressive $602 million, it marked a downturn for the franchise, indicating a possible decline in audience interest. This trend raises questions about the viability of new ideas.

Film Title	Worldwide Gross	Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score
Transformers (2007)	$708,272,592	57%
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)	$836,519,699	19%
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)	$1,123,794,079	38%
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)	$1,104,054,072	18%
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)	$602,893,340	16%
Bumblebee (2018)	$464,731,819	91%
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)	$439,241,749	51%

Post-Bay, both Bumblebee and Rise of the Beasts underperformed compared to franchise standards, suggesting a need for caution in developing the next installment. Considering the current climate, a crossover may not resonate well with audiences still assessing the franchise’s evolution.

Seeking a New Identity Post-Bay

Time to Forge a Distinct Path

Under Bay’s direction, the cinematic interpretation of Transformers became defined, primarily focusing on key human figures alongside popular Autobots and Decepticons. However, the franchise’s recent entries still seem tethered to Bay’s foundational style, making it challenging to carve out a separate identity. Currently, it’s crucial for the franchise to pursue a unique approach that allows for creative expansion, rather than relying on prior formulas.

Uncertainty Surrounds the Crossover Concept

Lack of Information Fuels Concerns

While Bumblebee achieved surprising critical acclaim, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts did not receive the same praise. Although the tease of a G.I. Joe crossover at the film’s conclusion generated excitement, the overall execution left audiences wanting more. Regrettably, scarce details about the proposed crossover have emerged, further dampening enthusiasm.

Both Transformers and G.I. Joe are established franchises with the potential for a successful merger. However, given the lukewarm reception to the latest Transformers movie, the current atmosphere may not be conducive for a crossover. Without substantial revelations or a solid foundation, fans remain hesitant about the possible collaboration.

Source: The Numbers

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