Transformers has had a very long and difficult movie history since debuting back in 2007. The first film was a box office smash at the time. Every entry since then has been blasted by fans and critics. However, it took until the 5th movie, The Last Knight, for the box office performance to catch up with the critical response.
In an effort to win fans back, the series received a soft reboot in the form of Bumblebee. Which was a prequel to the original movie. Sadly despite critical acclaim, the Bumblebee movie flopped at the box office harder than any Transformers movie before it.
Since then it has been wondered what would become of the Transformers movie franchise. Now Paramount has hired Creed II director Steven Caple Jr. to direct the next installment. Though negotiations have not officially begun. According to Deadline Caple is the top choice among studio execs and producers. Capel made a name for himself with his excellent work on Creed II. His first big-budget blockbuster.
The new Transformers movie is intended to help revitalize the failing franchise. Back in January Paramount had two Transformers scripts in simultaneous development. One was written by James Vanderbilt and the other was by Joby Harold.
Little is know about the two scripts however it was reported Vanderbilt’s version may have been drawing attention and intended to be an adaptation of Transformers Beast Wars. The studio seems to have gone ultimately gone with Harold’s take. Harold’s writing credits include Guy Ritchie’s King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and work on John Wick: Chapter 2 and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.
Where Will Transformers Go?
If the reports about Vanderbilt’s script being closer to Beast Wars is true. Harold’s script was likely chosen because it was closer to the established Transformers franchise. Likely the studio wants to keep close the current look and lore that has made Transformers as big as it is.
Hopefully, the studio keeps in mind how well-received Bumblebee was and does not sweep the lessons of that movie under the rug.
So, what do you think about the direction of the Transformers franchise?
