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At this moment the return Michael Bay into the director's chair may be the only way to save 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, a new animated prequel has joined the post-bay collection. Transformers projects that were not very successful at the box office.
Director and producer of the first Transformers Bay went on to direct four more sequels in 2007, with his final film beingTransformers: The Last Knight in 2017. Since then Transformers the franchise released 2018 Bumblebee directed by Travis Knight, 2023 Transformers: Rise of the Beasts from director Steven Caple Jr., and most recently animated Transformers One Josh Cooley. Each of these films performed less well at the box office compared to Bay's films of the past, leading to the argument that perhaps the original director should return for Transformers the franchise as a whole.
'Transformers' films fail at box office without Michael Bay
The numbers have gone down since he left
It's worth noting that Bay's ending Transformers movie (The Last Knight) did begin a box office decline that has been constant since his departure. However, Bay is also responsible for the highest-grossing film. Transformers movies of all time:
Transformers: Movies |
Worldwide box office receipts |
Transformers |
$709 million |
Revenge of the Fallen |
$836 million |
Darkness of the Moon |
$1.124 billion |
Age of Extinction |
$1.104 billion |
The Last Knight |
$605 million |
Bumblebee |
$468 million |
Rise of the Beasts |
$439 million |
Transformers One |
$97.5 million (final amount to be announced later) |
Ultimately, the box office decline really began under Bay with The Last Knight considering it didn't make a billion dollars like his previous two films. However, the figures also see another significant decline between the fifth year. Transformers and 2018s Bumblebee. And the solo film starring the iconic yellow beetle, and the follow-up Rise of the Beasts failed to reach $500 millionand Bay wasn't in the director's chair either. Also, Transformers One also performed very sluggishly at the box office and will likely end its theatrical run around the 100 million mark.
'Transformers' failed to renew audience interest despite critical acclaim following Bay's departure
Engagement in the franchise is quite low
On the one hand, it can be argued that by the time the film was released, audiences were already tired of Bay's films. The Last Knight. However, it's also worth noting that in his absence, audiences never returned or became interested in the franchise again. What was once a franchise capable of producing billion-dollar blockbusters has dwindled significantly in recent years.
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And this despite the fact that both Bumblebee And Transformers One were received quite well by criticsalthough it was discussed Rise of the Beasts took itself too seriously, despite being as action-packed as previous live-action films. The typical quality and expected epic action sequences are present. However, since then the audience and subsequent box office receipts have not been the same.
Bringing Michael Bay Back in Transformers Makes Sense, But It Would Be Controversial
The reaction will certainly be mixed
For now, the idea of Michael Bay eventually returning to the franchise makes some sense. This is not unlike the Russo Brothers and their recent announcement at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con that they will be returning to the MCU to direct both films. Avengers: Judgment Day And Avengers: Secret Wars (along with Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom). At the same time, Bay makes a similar comeback in Transformers the franchise is sure to generate controversy and controversy..
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Those looking to see a return to Michael Bay's style and action-packed plots will certainly be delighted. However, those who may be tired of Bay Transformers films and enjoyed new projects, we wouldn’t be so excited. However, Michael Bay's return to Transformers this would be exactly the thing that would help revitalize the franchise. Perhaps in a few years he will be able to take a fresh look at the franchise, which will be very interesting to see. It is also worth considering that the following Transformers a film in development would be right up his alley.
Will Michael Bay really return to direct another Transformers movie?
Transformers/GI Joe Crossover Doesn't Have a Director...
Even though he didn't direct the last three Transformers projects Michael Bay acted as a producer. This means that he was always involved to some degree, even if he wasn't the one sitting in the chair. In this regard, one could assume that it would not be difficult for Bay to become the director of the future. Transformers film, if he were so inclined. Bay has stated in the past that he wouldn't mind returning in that capacity if "The right story is coming."
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With that in mind, there couldn't be a better story for Bay than the upcoming Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover, eighth live action Transformers film in the franchise. Considering his love for the military thanks to films such as Pearl Harbor And 13 o'clockbringing Joe side-by-side with the Autobors on the big screen sounds like the perfect job for Michael Bay.. It's also worth noting that the film currently has a director. So the opportunity to return for such an important crossover film could be the perfect vehicle for Michael Bay to return to film. Transformers and get the franchise back on track.
Transformers One is now playing in cinemas.