The Transformers movie franchise has taken audiences on a thrilling journey filled with action, robots, and epic battles. With the upcoming release of “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” fans are left wondering whether this installment serves as a prequel, a reboot, or something in between. In this article, we delve into the speculation surrounding the movie’s position in the Transformers universe and explore the various clues and statements that have fueled the debate.
Bumblebee Movie Introduced as a Prequel
When Bumblebee was first announced, it was intended to be a straightforward prequel to the 2007 film, following the heels of “Transformers: The Last Knight.” However, due to the underperformance of the last installment at the box office, plans shifted, and the direction of the franchise changed. This led to uncertainty regarding the nature of “Transformers: Rise of the Beast.”
The financial disappointment of “The Last Knight” prompted a reevaluation of the franchise’s direction. A writer’s room was disbanded, and spin-offs and sequels were put on hold. Amidst this uncertainty, the Bumblebee prequel moved forward, raising questions about whether it would still be considered a prequel or serve as a launchpad for a rebooted universe.
The teaser trailer for “Bumblebee” seemed to provide an answer, as it included Bernie Mac’s quote from the 2007 film about a car picking its driver. This connection to the original film suggested a prequel nature. However, fans remained divided, noting that Bumblebee’s smaller size and redesigned appearance retained elements of the Michael Bay films.
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Removed Scene From Transformers Movie
A conflicting scene with Megatron at Hoover Dam, initially included but later removed, added to the ambiguity. Director Travis Knight wanted to avoid overwhelming viewers with dense mythology and opted for a more accessible approach. Despite connections to the Bay films, such as Sector 7 and Hoover Dam, Knight’s decision to omit certain elements raised further questions about the movie’s status.
The inclusion of an opening battle on Cybertron featuring G1-style appearances added to the confusion. While this hinted at a reboot, Megatron’s absence and subsequent statements by the filmmakers suggested otherwise. Travis Knight expressed his excitement for including Megatron but ultimately abandoned the idea due to cost and continuity concerns. Writer Christina Hodson viewed the movie as its own entity, avoiding the labels of prequel or reboot.
The declaration by Hasbro that “Bumblebee” marked the start of a new storytelling universe added another layer of complexity. Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura’s remark about the film being “99% prequel” and the scene with Optimus Prime’s arrival in the 1% provided further speculation. The announcement of a ’90s-set sequel to “Bumblebee” added to the uncertainty, leaving fans questioning the nature of the series.
Is Rise of the Beasts a Reboot or Prequel?
With conflicting statements and clues scattered throughout the development and marketing of “Transformers: Rise of the Beast,” it is evident that the movie occupies a blurry space between prequel and reboot. While it maintains connections to the previous Bay films, the intention to forge a new storytelling universe complicates the franchise’s timeline. As fans eagerly await the film’s release, they can anticipate the merging of these storylines in future installments, providing a comprehensive and cohesive Transformers experience.
