One of the biggest film franchises of all time is the Transformers series. It has spawned various movies, television shows, and video games since its debut in 1984. The Transformers franchise follows the battles between two robotic factions, the Autobots and Decepticons, fighting for control over Earth’s resources. The films are typically science-fiction and action-adventures and often focus on the themes of good versus evil.
The latest installment in the Transformers franchise, titled Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, was released on June 9, 2023. Many fans were excited to find out what this new movie would bring, especially since it has been five years since the last Transformers movie, Bumblebee.
But some still wonder where this movie installment stands in the Transformers timeline and if it is a reboot, continuation, or prequel. Knowing how this movie connects to the other movies in the franchise can help fans understand how it fits into the larger Transformers story and appreciate it even more.
This article will explore whether Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is a reboot, continuation, or prequel. Read on to find out!
Understanding the Transformers Movie Universe
Most film series have undergone different iterations, and Transformers is no exception. Before delving into whether Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is a reboot, continuation, or prequel, it is crucial to understand the different types of films mentioned.
A reboot is a movie that starts fresh and does not continue from the previous movies in the series. It typically features new characters and a different setting but still keeps some of the values and themes of the original. This usually means recreating the original story with a modern twist. For example, the Spiderman movie franchise has been rebooted several times, with each new incarnation featuring a different actor playing Peter Parker.
A continuation or sequel is a movie that follows directly after the events of the previous movies in the series and often features some of the same characters. It essentially continues the story, taking it in a different direction while keeping the original plot and themes intact. For this reason, continuations are often seen as a way to keep the story alive and interesting for fans. The Fast and Furious franchise is an example of this type of movie.
A prequel is a movie that takes place before the events of the original movies in the series. It typically introduces new characters and plot points that will set up the events of the original movies. This can be a great way to flesh out a franchise, giving fans more background information and new perspectives on the story. The Star Wars prequel trilogy is an excellent example of this type of movie, as it introduced audiences to the events leading up to the original Star Wars movie.
Background of the Transformers Film Series
The Transformers franchise began with the 1984 animated movie, introducing fans to the Autobots and Decepticons. It was followed by two sequels released in 1986 and 1988, respectively. The first live-action Transformers movie came out in 2007 and received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.
The franchise then took a new direction by releasing its first prequel film, Transformers: Age of Extinction, in 2014. The movie was a financial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. It was followed by two sequels in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Bumblebee, the second latest installment in the franchise, was also a financial success and was well-received by fans.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts – Reboot, Continuation, or Prequel?
Based on the information available about Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, it appears this movie is a sequel to Bumblebee while serving as a tribute to the 1996 animated movie Beast Wars: Transformers. The IMDB synopsis states it was set in the ’90s with the Maximals, a new faction of Transformers, joining the Autobots as allies to save Earth. This indicates that the movie took place sometime in the future after the events of Bumblebee, making it a prequel to the original movie series.
This timeline would also be consistent with the movie’s narrative, which follows the Autobots teaming up with a new faction of Transformers called the Maximals to battle an ancient evil that threatens the world. This storyline resembles Beast Wars, which follows a similar premise of two robotic factions teaming up to combat an ancient evil.
Characters and Storylines in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
The movie features many familiar characters, such as Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, while introducing new ones. Perhaps one of the biggest new characters is the dark god, Unicron, who sets the stage for a larger conflict between the Transformers. Mirage, Arcee, Wheeljack, Stratosphere, Airazor, Scourge, Nightbird, and Optimus Primal are some of the other new characters featured in the movie. Of course, there were new human characters, including Noah and Elena, two people caught in the middle of the conflict.
The re-introduction of the plot of Beast Wars complicates the Transformers timeline even further due to the overlap of characters and storylines. However, it is also fixing the lapses in the storytelling of the original movies. The movie could set up a future where the Transformers universe expands even more with new characters and storylines.
Fan Reactions and Speculations
Fans eagerly anticipated the release of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and are rewarded with a movie that is both an homage to Beast Wars and the original movie series. Introducing new characters and storylines has sparked intense debates among fans about the exact placement of this movie in the timeline, as it wasn’t cleared out in the movie’s synopsis.
Fan theories talk about two possibilities, either this movie will spawn the crossover between Transformers and G.I. Joe or will explore the New Avengers/Transformers crossover deeper. The comic series already saw plenty of G.I. Joe crossovers, so it isn’t too far-fetched to believe that fans will potentially see one in the Transformers movie franchise as well. And with Secret Wars, an Avengers movie set to be released in 2025, many fans hope that future Transformer movies will feature this exciting blend of characters.
Online discussions since the film’s release have shown that most fans are receptive to the new approach to the Transformers franchise. Many are grateful for the opportunity to experience old and new characters in one film. When it seemed like the fan base was dying, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts breathed fresh air into the fandom once again.
Conclusion
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is a prequel to the original movie, a sequel to Bumblebee, and a tribute to Beast Wars, all rolled into one. It is a unique addition to the Transformers timeline that plays with audience expectations while introducing new characters and storylines. The movie has been well-received by fans and has ignited a new sense of excitement about the future of the franchise. It is an important milestone for the Transformers franchise, as it could potentially lead to further crossovers with other franchises.
No matter where this movie stands in the timeline, it has sparked conversations within the fandom and reignited enthusiasm for the Transformers series. It is a unique movie that offers something new to existing fans while welcoming new ones to the world of Transformers. Whether you’re just curious about what this movie offers or a die-hard fan, it is worth checking out.
