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 of the franchise’s most iconic characters, Optimus Prime and Megatron, who were once close friends before becoming sworn enemies.
The anticipation surrounding “Transformers One” is palpable, especially considering the franchise’s impressive track record, having grossed over $5 billion globally across six films. Early screenings have generated significant buzz, with many fans and critics praising it as the “best Transformers film to date.” The film features a star-studded voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime, Bryan Tyree Henry as Megatron, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm.
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 narrative naturally lends itself to further exploration of these characters. “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 deeper exploration of the robot characters, making it a character-driven adventure. “This one is, and the next one’s gonna be, and the next one will be there if we can get all the way there,” he added, indicating a commitment to character development throughout the trilogy.
The screenplay for “Transformers One” was crafted by Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari, and Eric Pearson, with direction by Josh Cooley. The film is produced by a team that includes di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, Michael Bay, Mark Vahradian, and Aaron Dem, with executive producers such as Steven Spielberg and others.
In addition to the excitement surrounding “Transformers One,” the franchise is also looking ahead to future films. Following the release of “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” audiences were treated to a surprise scene that hinted at a crossover with the G.I. Joe franchise. This scene featured Michael Kelly as Agent Burke, who recruits Anthony Ramos’ character, Noah Diaz, and the Autobots to join the G.I. Joe team.
Director Steven Caple Jr. pitched this crossover idea while developing “Rise of the Beasts,” and di Bonaventura confirmed that they are actively working on a sequel that will incorporate G.I. Joe characters. “We’re also not through with the Maximals, so I imagine in the next movie we’ll have Maximals, Autobots, and Joes,” he stated.
Caple elaborated on the sequel’s development, indicating that while it will include G.I. Joe characters, it won’t delve deeply into their origins. The goal is to introduce these characters into the Transformers universe in a way that feels organic and exciting for fans.
The ending of “Rise of the Beasts” sets the stage for this crossover, as Noah Diaz is approached by Agent Burke, who reveals a secret bunker where G.I. Joe operations are underway. This scene not only serves as a bridge between the two franchises but also hints at a larger narrative that could unfold in future films.
Caple noted that the idea of merging the Transformers and G.I. Joe universes has been a long-standing desire among fans. “Frankly, since the first Transformers movie, the fans have been saying, ‘Please put in G.I. Joes,'” di Bonaventura recalled. The producers have been searching for the right moment to bring these two beloved franchises together, and it seems that moment has finally arrived.
The process of integrating G.I. Joe into the Transformers narrative took time, with Caple and his team working diligently to pitch the idea to various stakeholders, including Paramount and Hasbro. The excitement surrounding the potential for a crossover has been building, and now that the groundwork has been laid, fans can look forward to seeing how these two worlds will collide.
As for the character of Agent Burke, Caple has hinted that there may be more to him than meets the eye. While he is currently known as Agent Burke, there are plans to explore his character further in future installments. “It’s a little generic, and it’s done on purpose a bit. It’s all part of the facade,” Caple explained, suggesting that there may be more layers to this character that will be revealed as the story progresses.
With “Transformers One” on the horizon and the promise of a G.I. Joe crossover, the future of the Transformers franchise looks bright. Fans can expect a character-driven narrative that explores the rich histories of their favorite characters while also paving the way for exciting new adventures.
As the release date for “Transformers One” approaches, the excitement continues to build. The film promises to deliver a fresh take on the beloved franchise, and with the potential for a trilogy and crossovers, there is much to look forward to in the coming years.
Source: Various
