TheTransformersfranchise has been the biggest part ofMichael Bay’s career. Though he directed and produced other films, includingArmageddonandPearl Harbor, he rose to greater prominence when he directedTransformersin 2007. In spite of mixed reviews,the toy-based adaptation is a multi-billion-dollar series.
Despite this history, Bay has stepped away from theTransformersfranchisein the last few years. His most recent film in the franchise wasTransformers: The Last Knight,which received largely negative reviews. Even though he wasn’t associated with the franchise anymore,that didn’t stop Paramount from making more movies, includingBumblebeeandTransformers One, both of which were critically acclaimed.
Despite his nearly decade-long absence from the series,Bay is planning to make anotherTransformersmovie. This creates both benefits and complications for the franchise. Notably, however, the filmmaker could deliver on oneTransformerspromise from yesteryear.
Michael Bay’s Transformers Return Could Revive Another Part Of His 14-Movie Plan
And There Are Multiple Possibilities
In 2017, Bay revealed thatParamount had scripts or ideas for 14Transformersfilms.As it stands, there have already been seven live-action and eight overall films in the modern-day franchise. Some of these ideas have already come to fruition. His 14-movie plan includedBumblebee, which has already been released in theaters. However, there are other potential elements to his plan that he could bring back.
For example,Bay has previously talked about making an R-ratedBumblebeemovie.Bumblebeedid well among critics, so it would be conceivable that the director may want to get his hands on that material. He could explore the character after many years had passed.
The returning director could also make a more direct sequel toTransformers: The Last Knight. The movie’s climax suggested the awakening of Unicron, so a follow-up might be able to focus on this character. WithThe Last Knightbeing the most recently releasedTransformersmovie under Bay, this seems pretty likely.
There are also elements of the existingTransformersfranchise lore that Bay’s next film could adapt. This includes theBeast Warsfranchise,Transformers: Rescue Bots, or elements of other TV shows. As the franchise is already working on origin stories, this lore expansion would make sense.
Bay’s return to theTransformersfranchise will allow him to explore one of these aspects, or something else, within his 14-movie plan. As the director continues work on this project,it will be interesting to see what additional details he provides about the movie’s focus.
Michael Bay’s New Transformers Movie Can Be The Third Movie From This Plan To Happen
Bumblebee And Transformers One Were The First Two
Bay’s newTransformersmovie will be the third movie confirmed to be part of the 14-film plan. As mentioned, the first wasBumblebee, which was well-received. The following film,Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,was not confirmed to be a part of this plan.
The next film in the 14-movie plan wasTransformers One. While it underwhelmed at the box office compared to its predecessors, it was also well-received by critics. Bay is less experienced with animation, sohe is more likely to make a live-action follow-up. He has also expressed his desire to direct the latest installment. While his directorial effort is not confirmed, it seems likely to happen, marking a notable return.
If this comes to fruition, Bay’sTransformersmovie will be the first film in his 14-year plan that he directed. He was a producer on bothBumblebeeandTransformers One, but his directing will allow him the chance to have more creative control over his vision for the plan.
More Of Michael Bay’s 14 Transformers Movie Plan Can Happen If His Film Is A Success
But Box Office Performance Is Really Key
AfterTransformersOne, the franchise is in desperate need of some box office revitalization.Transformers: Rise of the Beastsmade $441.6 million worldwide, whileTransformers Onemade just $129.4 million.This is an unfortunate downturn that needs to be made up for.
By contrast,Transformers: The Last Knightmade over $605 million. This total indicates what Bay is capable of, even if lower than some of his other franchise films. If he has a clear and well-thought-out vision, his earning potential increases even further. Thus, the filmmaker could make a $1 billionTransformersmovie in the right conditions.
However, the fact that Paramount has script ideas suggests that the company may have a clear vision.
As such, Bay’s return to theTransformersfranchise could mean the 14-movie plan could actually happen. It is certainly a bold blueprint for a franchise that has had some recent box-office struggles, even as they go in different directions. However, the fact that Paramount has script ideas suggests that the company may have a clear vision.
Ultimately, the future of theTransformersfranchise will live and die by the next movie’s box office performance. This is a critical time for Bay to bring the property back to life and show that it still reflects some of its earning potential of yesteryear. If he is indeed successful, audiences may see a busyTransformersslate in the coming years.
