Paramount Pictures is gearing up for the release of “Transformers One,” the first fully CG-animated film in the Transformers franchise, set to hit theaters on September 20th. This film will delve into the origins of two iconic characters, Optimus Prime and Megatron, who were once close allies before becoming fierce adversaries. The film has already garnered significant acclaim, receiving a standing ovation at various film festivals, with early viewers dubbing it the “best Transformers film to date.”
The voice cast is impressive, featuring Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime and Bryan Tyree Henry as Megatron, alongside notable talents like Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm. The film’s narrative promises to explore the deep bond between Optimus and Megatron, showcasing how their friendship transformed the fate of Cybertron.
Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura has expressed optimism about the potential for a trilogy stemming from “Transformers One.” At San Diego Comic-Con, he clarified his previous comments regarding the trilogy, emphasizing that the film’s character-driven story naturally lends itself to further installments. “We have a really strong sense of how these two characters are gonna grow,” he stated. Di Bonaventura noted that they already have key plot points in mind for the second and third films, should they be fortunate enough to continue the story.
He highlighted that the absence of human characters in “Transformers One” allows for a more in-depth exploration of the robot characters, making it a character-based adventure. The film’s screenplay was crafted by Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari, and Eric Pearson, with direction by Josh Cooley. The production team includes di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, Michael Bay, Mark Vahradian, and Aaron Dem, with executive producers like Steven Spielberg and others.
As excitement builds for “Transformers One,” the franchise is also looking ahead to future projects. Following the release of “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” fans were treated to a surprise scene that hinted at a crossover with G.I. Joe. This scene featured Agent Burke, played by Michael Kelly, who recruits Noah Diaz, portrayed by Anthony Ramos, to join forces with the Autobots.
Director Steven Caple Jr. had pitched this crossover idea while developing “Rise of the Beasts,” and di Bonaventura confirmed that the next film will incorporate G.I. Joe characters alongside the Maximals and Autobots. Caple is currently deep into the development of the sequel, which will expand the Transformers universe while introducing G.I. Joe elements.
The ending of “Rise of the Beasts” sets the stage for this crossover, as Noah Diaz finds himself in a job interview that leads to a much larger mission involving the Autobots. Burke’s character hints at a significant conflict, stating, “We’re in the middle of an ongoing war,” and expressing a desire for the Autobots to join the fight.
Caple explained that the idea of merging the Transformers and G.I. Joe universes has been a long-standing goal for the producers, with fans expressing interest in such a crossover since the first Transformers film. The challenge has been finding the right moment to bring these two beloved franchises together.
The development process for this crossover took about two years, involving pitches to various stakeholders, including Paramount, Hasbro, and production companies. The last G.I. Joe film, “Snake Eyes,” did not perform well at the box office, leading to questions about the future of the franchise. Di Bonaventura mentioned that they would first select the G.I. Joe characters they are most excited about before determining their journey in the upcoming film.
Interestingly, Michael Kelly’s role as Agent Burke was kept under wraps until after the principal photography of “Rise of the Beasts” was completed. Caple wanted to maintain secrecy around the G.I. Joe reveal, even going so far as to shoot two versions of the scene—one with Burke’s business card reading “Sector 7” and the other with the G.I. Joe insignia.
Now that the crossover has been confirmed, Caple is focused on expanding the universe in the sequel. He hinted at the possibility of exploring other planets inhabited by Transformers, suggesting that the story may take audiences beyond Earth. This aligns with the introduction of the Maximals in “Rise of the Beasts,” as Caple drew inspiration from Japanese cartoons that feature Transformers on various planets.
As for Agent Burke, Caple teased that there may be more to the character than meets the eye, hinting at potential developments in future films. The excitement surrounding the Transformers franchise continues to grow, with fans eagerly anticipating both “Transformers One” and the upcoming crossover with G.I. Joe.
With the release of “Transformers One” just around the corner, the franchise is poised for a new chapter, one that promises to delve deeper into the lore of its beloved characters while setting the stage for future adventures. As the anticipation builds, fans are left wondering what lies ahead for Optimus Prime, Megatron, and the potential crossover with G.I. Joe.
Source: Entertainment Weekly, ComicBook
