Transformers Oneis the bestTransformersmovie in years, and potentially the best film in the entire franchise, but the next movie in the series will likely be much different.Transformers Onewas the first animated theatricalTransformersmovie since 1986’sThe Transformers: The Movie. Considering how successful theanimatedTransformersshowshave been, it is shocking that there haven’t been more animated films. While the film was not a huge hit at the box office, it has a Rotten Tomatoes critics score of 89% and an amazing audience score of 98%.
DedicatedTransformersfans definitely want more animatedTransformersfilms, but the series has always been more focused on live-action movies. Compared to the two animated films, there have been seven live-actionTransformersmovies. DirectorMichael Bay made fiveTransformersmovies, and after he left the director’s chair, there have been two more films: 2018’sBumblebeeand 2023’sTransformers: Rise of the Beasts. However, all the live-actionTransformersmoviesunfortunately focus on human characters too much.
Transformers One Is A Reminder That Transformers Doesn’t Need Human Characters
Humans Are Usually The Focus In Transformers Movies
Every single live-actionTransformersmovie has centered on a human character. The first three Michael BayTransformersfilms followed Shia LaBeouf’s Sam as he got caught up in numerous battles between the Autobots and Decepticons. Then, after LaBeouf exited the franchise, Mark Wahlberg’s Cade Yeager took over the leading role.Bumblebeewas centered around Hailee Steinfeld as Charlie, andRise of the Beastsintroduced audiences to Anthony Romas' Noah Diaz.
1986
62%
2007
57%
2009
19%
2011
35%
2014
18%
2017
16%
2018
91%
2023
51%
2024
89%
While there is room for human characters inTransformersmovies,Transformers Oneproves that humans don’t always have to be the protagonists.There are no human characters inTransformers One, since the film is set on the plant Cybertron. Instead of primarily following human characters, the plot ofTransformers Oneshowcases the brotherly relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron. SinceTransformers Oneis the highest-ratedTransformersfilm in years, it is clear that these movies don’t need human characters to be successful.
Transformers’ Next Film Will Continue The Live-Action Franchise’s Dependence On Humans
Transformers 8 Will Feature A Major Crossover
However, after the strong character development of Optimus Prime and Megatron inTransformers One, many are disappointed that a sequel to the film has not been announced. While it is unknown whether asequel toTransformers Onewill happen,an eighth live-actionTransformersmovie is currently being developed. However, based on what is known about the eighth live-actionTransformersmovie, it is clear that it will not follow in the footsteps ofTransformers One, and will once again prominently feature human characters.
Instead of focusing on popular Autobots such as Optimus Prime and Mirage, the nextTransformersfilm will likely follow Noah and other members of G.I. Joe.
While not many details are known about the upcoming live-action Transformers movie, it has been confirmed to be a crossover betweenTransformersandG.I. Joe. This crossover was teased during at theend ofTransformers: Rise of the Beasts, in which Noah Diaz was approached by Agent Burke, who works for G.I. Joe. Therefore, instead of focusing on popular Autobots such as Optimus Prime and Mirage,the nextTransformersfilm will likely follow Noah and other members of G.I. Joe.
Transformers’ Live-Action Movies Still Have A Lot To Learn From The Animated Side Of The Franchise
There Have Been Many Animated Transformers Series
Thecrossover betweenTransformersandG.I. Joeis still very exciting, but theTransformerslive-action movies should pay more attention to the animated side of the franchise. There have been several animatedTransformersseries, which date back decades before the live-action movies came around. Therefore,theTransformersfranchise is rooted in animation, and the animated shows feature many of the bestTransformersstories ever.Transformers: Primeand the original series,The Transformers, for example, are two of the best animatedTransformersshows.
Transformers’ Next Live-Action Movie Will Be Very Bittersweet If Transformers One Doesn’t Get A Sequel
Transformers One voice actor Chris Hemsworth may also appear in Transformers 8, but hopefully he still gets to voice Optimus Prime in animation.
Transformers: Rise of the Beastsactually did honor the franchise’s roots in a lot of ways, taking inspiration from the animated showBeast Wars: Transformers. Therefore, hopefully the next live-actionTransformersfilm continues to take inspiration from the franchise’s extensive animated history.Transformers Oneproved that today’s audiences can feel attached toTransformerscharacters without a human by their side, so hopefully the upcoming crossover movie won’t only focus on human characters. The future of theTransformersfranchise is exciting, but its focus should be on the most iconicTransformerscharacters.
Transformers One
Cast
Transformers One is an animated action-adventure movie that marks the first animated feature-length film for the series in decades. The film will be a prequel to the franchise, and will tell the story of Optimus Prime and Megatron in their early years, how they met, and a closer look at the war on their home planet, Cybertron.
