The franchise Transformers is ready to reinvent itself in style! Hasbro brings a significant change with TransformersOnea film that promises to shake up the long trajectory of live-actions. Unlike the last films full of explosions, this production returns to its animated roots and takes place before everything we know, in the glorious era of Cybertron. And there’s more: get ready to see Optimus Prime and Megatron as allies, long before they became mortal enemies.
Back to Animation: The Formula for Success
This return to animation seems to be the shot in the arm that the saga needed. Since the 1986 classic, the Transformers franchise has won over fans with its animated films. And let’s face it, the action and emotions work better with the vibrant, detailed look of the animation than they do in the world. live-action. Could this be the salvation of the franchise?
Where Did Live-Action Films Go Wrong?
Since Michael Bay brought the robots to the live-action universe in 2007, fans were divided. The premiere even impressed with the grandeur of the visual effects, but the plot never managed to stand out. The sequels continued to deliver epic battles (like the iconic Chicago fight in Transformers: Dark of the Moon), but failed to deliver engaging stories and complex characters.
Weak Scripts and Cultural Stereotypes
Critics hit live-action films hard for clear reasons: predictable plots, shallow characters and, of course, humor that didn’t always go over well, as we saw in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 2009. Rotten Tomatoesthe first Transformers achieved 57% approval, but the disaster came in 2017 with Transformers: The Last Knightwhich reached a measly 16%.
Bumblebee’s Breath
The franchise showed signs of improvement with Transformers: Bumblebeein 2018. This more intimate prequel brought a more emotional touch and won over critics, with 90% approval in the Rotten Tomatoes. However, the magic did not last long, and Transformers: Dawn of the Beasts of 2023 failed to hold its breath, falling to 51% approval.
Money Is Not Everything
Even with mixed reviews, the live-action Transformers films have grossed billions globally. The Far Side of the Moon and Transformers: Age of Extinction they broke the US$1 billion mark at the box office, but the decline was inevitable. The Last Knight barely reached US$600 million, while Bumblebee and The Awakening of the Beasts did not exceed US$500 million. Yes, it’s still a lot of money, but it’s clear that public enthusiasm has waned.
The Tired Live-Action Formula
The problem is that the public seems to have gotten tired of seeing giant robots punching each other incessantly. The action scenes are no longer surprising, and the repetition of battles without major consequences has drained the emotional impact. Optimus Prime He has been stabbed, blown up and shot countless times, but in the end, he always comes back firm and strong, as if nothing had happened.
The New Bet on Transformers One
TransformersOne emerges, then, as a new hope for the franchise. By revisiting the past of Cybertronthe film can bring a depth that live-action films have never achieved. In addition to reviving the golden age of animation, it promises to focus more on character development and history than on endless battles.
Is the Future of Transformers in Animation?
With TransformersOnethe Hasbro appears to be signaling that the future of the franchise may not lie in CGI effects and Hollywood explosions, but rather in immersive animation. The visual and narrative richness that animation allows can be the way to rekindle the public’s interest, bringing a freshness that the latest live-actions they couldn’t.
Conclusion: The Way Forward
Between ups and downs in theaters, the Transformers franchise remains strong thanks to fan affection and nostalgia. TransformersOne has the potential to give the series the reboot it so desperately needs, rescuing its origins and, who knows, guaranteeing a new generation of passionate fans. What seems certain is that the power of animation could be the key to the future of the Autobots and Decepticons.
Watch the Transformers One trailer:
Summary for those in a hurry:
- TransformersOne is an animated film that returns to the roots of the Hasbro franchise.
- The film takes place in Cybertronbefore the conflict between Optimus Prime and Megatron.
- Animation could be the future of the franchise, after criticism of the films live-action.
- The films of Michael Bay were criticized for weak scripts and shallow characters.
- Transformers: Bumblebee It was a high point, but The Awakening of the Beasts fell under criticism again.
- The box office is in decline, and TransformersOne can bring back public interest.
Source: Atrevida
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
