Michael Bay’s return may be the only way to save Transformers now

At this point, the return of Michael Bay To the director’s chair may be the only way to save the Transformers Franchise. Transformers one was recently released in theaters, revealing the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron when they were brothers known as Orion Pax and D-16. However, the new animated prequel has joined Post-Bay’s collection Transformers Projects that did not see much success at the box office.

Having directed and produced the former Transformers live-action movie in 2007, Bay would go on to direct four more sequels with his final movie beingTransformers: The Last Knight In 2017. Since then, the Transformers Franchise has released 2018s Bumblebee Directed by Travis Knight, 2023 Transformers: Rise of the Beasts From director Steven Caple Jr, and most recently the animated Transformers one By Josh Cooley. Each of these movies saw lower box office numbers compared to Bay films of the past, leading to the argument that perhaps the original director should come back for the sake of the movies. Transformers Franchise as a whole.

Transformers movies have struggled at the box office without Michael Bay

Numbers are lower since he left

It is worth mentioning that Bay’s last Transformers movie (The last night) began the decline at the box office that has been consistent since its departure. However, Bay is also responsible for the highest grossing Transformers Films of All Time:

Finally, the box office decline has begun under at mit The last night Seeing as it didn’t break a billion dollars like his previous two movies. However, the numbers also see another significant drop among the fifth Transformers and 2018s Bumblebee. Both the solo movie starring the iconic yellow bug and the subsequent Rise from the animals Are not able to break 500 million dollarsAnd not behind the director’s chair either. so too, Transformers one has also had a very lukewarm performance at the box office and will most likely end its theatrical run right around the 100 million mark.

Transformers failed to rekindle audience interest despite critical acclaim following Bay’s exit

The engagement with the franchise is quite low

On the one hand, an argument can be made that the audience has already grown tired of Bay’s films. The last night. However, it is also worth noting that the audience has not exactly returned or aligned with the franchise in his absence. What was once a franchise capable of billion dollar blockbusters has become fairly diminished in recent years.

This is despite the fact that both Bumblebee And Transformers one were quite well criticalAlthough it was argued Rise from the animals took itself too seriously despite being as action-packed as the previous live-action films. The typical quality and expected epic action sequences are there. However, the audience and subsequent box office returns have not been the same since.

Transformers bringing Michael Bay back makes sense – but it would be divisive

Reactions would certainly be mixed

At this point, the idea of ​​Michael Bay eventually returning to the franchise makes a certain amount of sense. It would be unlike the Russo brothers and their recent announcement at San Diego Comic-Con in 2024 that they will return to the MCU to show both. Avengers: Doomsday And Avengers: Secret Wars (along with Robert Downey Jr. in the role of Doctor Doom). that is, At making a similar return to the Transformers Franchising would undoubtedly come with some mixed and divisive reactions.

Those wanting to see a return to Michael Bay’s style and action-heavy space would, of course, be thrilled. However, those who may have grown tired of Bay’s Transformers Movies and have enjoyed the newer projects would not be nearly as excited. That said, Michael Bay’s return to Transformers This would be the exact type of thing that would help reinvigorate the franchise. Perhaps a few years off could give him a renewed perspective on the franchise, which could be very exciting to see. It is also worth considering that the next Transformers Movie in development would be right up his alley.

Will Michael Bay really return to direct another Transformers movie?

The Transformers/Gi Joe crossover doesn’t have a director…

Despite not being a director on the last three Transformers projects, Michael Bay served as a producer. This means that he always had a level of involvement, even if he was not the one sitting in the chair. To this end, one could imagine that it would not be difficult for Bay to become a director of a future Transformers film if he was so inclined. Bay has said in the past that he would not be opposed to returning in such a capacity, as long as “The right story is coming.”

With that in mind, there couldn’t be a better story for Bay than the upcoming one Transformers / GI Joe Crossover, the eighth live-fight Transformers movie in the franchise. Given his love for the military with movies such as Pearl Harbor And 13 hoursBringing the Joes side by side with the Autobores on the big screen sounds like the perfect job for Michael Bay. It is also worth noting that the movie currently has a director. As such, the opportunity to come back for such a major crossover event film could be the perfect vehicle to get Michael Bay back to Transformers And get the franchise back on track.

Transformers one is in theaters now.