A shocking update about theTransformersfranchise proves that the live-action movies are struggling to start a new era. After several successful animated shows were released in the 1980s and 90s, the franchise has become more popular than ever due to the live-actionTransformersmovies, which began back in 2007.
This renewed interest in the franchise was largely thanks to Michael Bay, who directed the first five live-actionTransformersfilms. However, after 2017’sTransformers: The Last Knightwas a critical and commercial disappointment, Bay stepped down as director. Ever since, Paramount has been trying to usher in a new era of the franchise.
However, it was recently announced thatMichael Bay is making a newTransformersmovie. While not many details are known about Bay’s upcoming film, this surprising update could complicate theTransformerstimelineeven more. This update also confirms thatParamount is trying to revert back to the previous era of theTransformersfranchise after some recent struggles.
Transformers Has Struggled Without Michael Bay
Is The Transformers Franchise Going Downhill?
AfterThe Last Knight, which earned $602 million at the worldwide box office (viaThe Numbers), it seemed like it was best for theTransformersfranchise to move away from Bay. Whilethe divisive director has continued to serve as an executive producer for the most recent live-actionTransformersfilms, the franchise has tried to pave a new path forward.
$5,849,647
62%
$708,272,592
57%
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
$836,519,699
19%
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
$1,123,794,079
35%
$1,104,054,072
18%
$602,893,340
16%
$464,731,819
91%
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)
$439,241,749
51%
$128,317,666
89%
Unfortunately, as seen in the table above,BumblebeeandRise of the Beastsare the lowest-earning live-actionTransformersfilms ever. These two movies tried to separate themselves from Bay’s films by establishing a new timeline, but this has made the whole franchise very confusing and hard to follow for audiences.
Since Paramount never committed to a complete reboot after the Bay era,the two most recent live-actionTransformersfilms have struggled to find an audience. By remaining somewhat connected, they don’t appease fans who didn’t like Bay’s movies, but also don’t fully satisfy those who have wanted the director back for years. Therefore, it’s been clear for a while that Paramount needs to rethink its strategy for theTransformersfranchise.
Michael Bay’s Return Proves Transformers Needs Him To Succeed
Can The Transformers Franchise Make A Major Comeback At The Box Office?
Now that Bay is set to return to theTransformersfranchise, it’s possible that the director will lead it back to box office glory. After all,two of theTransformersmovies that were directed by Bay made over $1 billion. Therefore, bringing Bay back may have been the best option for Paramount.
However, it needs to be noted that, according to the report,Bay is the one who approached Paramount about returning to direct anotherTransformersmovie. This detail proves that this option wasn’t necessarily on Paramount’s radar, even though it will likely earn the studio a good chunk of money.
Bay’s 2022 filmAmbulanceunderperformed at the box office and his 2019 Netflix movie6 Undergroundwas bashed by critics. Therefore, it’s clear that Bay’s career hasn’t necessarily been thriving sinceTransformers: The Last Knight. Therefore,Bay returning to direct anotherTransformersmovie could be mutually beneficial to both parties, and could finally generate some much-needed excitement for the franchise.
Will Transformers Return To Box Office Glory With Michael Bay?
There Will Be A Lot Of Hype For Bay’s New Transformers Movie
It would be unfair to claim that Paramount has completely mishandled the franchise since Bay’s departure.The 2024 animated movieTransformers Onewas incredible, making it even more disappointing that it won’t get a sequel. Additionally, there is some hype for theupcomingTransformersandG.I. Joecrossovermovie, which was teased at the end ofRise of the Beasts.
It’s possible that Bay’s upcomingTransformersmovie will make $1 billion, echoing the success of his earlier films in the franchise.
However, despite the studio’s best efforts,Paramount hasn’t been able to convince audiences to watch the most recentTransformersmovies in theaters. Since his movies have generated huge numbers before, Bay could be the one to finally return the franchise to box office glory.
Obviously, there was some Bayverse fatigue by the timeThe Last Knightwas released, which is exactly why it underperformed. However,since many believed Bay would never direct another movie in the franchise, there will be a lot of hype for hisTransformersreturn. Therefore, it’s possible that Bay’s upcomingTransformersmovie will make $1 billion, echoing the success of his earlier films in the franchise.
What Else The Future May Hold For Transformers
The Transformers Franchise Needs Some Major Hits In The Coming Years
Bay’s upcoming movie is not the onlyTransformersfilm that is in development.The aforementionedTransformersandG.I. Joecrossover recently cast Chris Hemsworthand could be released as early as next year. Therefore, there is clearly a lot to be excited about in theTransformersfranchise.
Even though audiences didn’t necessarily rush to theaters to seeRise of the Beasts,this upcoming crossover movie could reinvigorate both theTransformersandG.I. Joefranchises on the big screen. Not many details are known about the movie, but it is bound to be an extremely entertaining action film which will feature some fan-favorite characters.
This crossover movie and Bay’s upcoming film could both be huge successes for Paramount and finally return theTransformersfranchise to its former glory. After these promising movies, it’s likely that Paramount will want to make several more films in the franchise. Therefore, eight years afterThe Last Knight, hopefully it’s finally time for an exciting new era for theTransformersfranchise to begin.
