Transformers (film series)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Transformers
Logo of Transformers.png
Official film series logo
Directed by
  • Michael Bay (1–5)
  • Travis Knight (6)
  • Steven Caple Jr. (7)
Based onTransformers
by Hasbro[note 1]
Release date
2007–present
Running time
875 minutes (6 films)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$1.107 billion
Box office$4.84 billion

Transformers is a series of American science fiction action films based on the Transformers franchise which began in the 1980s.[note 1] Michael Bay has directed the first five films: Transformers (2007), Revenge of the Fallen (2009), Dark of the Moon (2011), Age of Extinction (2014), and The Last Knight (2017).[1][2][3] A spin-off film, Bumblebee, directed by Travis Knight and produced by Bay, was released on December 21, 2018. A seventh film, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, directed by Steven Caple Jr. as a sequel to Bumblebee is to be released in 2022.

The series has been distributed by Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures. The original Transformers series has received negative to mixed reception, except for Bumblebee, which received positive reviews. It is the 13th-highest-grossing film series, with a total of $4.8 billion; two films in the series have grossed over $1 billion each.

Films[]

Film U.S. release date Director(s) Screenwriter(s) Story by Producer(s) Status
Transformers July 3, 2007 (2007-07-03) Michael Bay Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman John Rogers and
Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman 		Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy and Ian Bryce Released
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen June 24, 2009 (2009-06-24) Ehren Kruger and
Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman
Transformers: Dark of the Moon June 29, 2011 (2011-06-29) Ehren Kruger
Transformers: Age of Extinction June 27, 2014 (2014-06-27)
Transformers: The Last Knight June 21, 2017 (2017-06-21) Art Marcum, Matt Holloway & Ken Nolan Akiva Goldsman and
Art Marcum, Matt Holloway & Ken Nolan
Bumblebee December 21, 2018 (2018-12-21) Travis Knight Christina Hodson Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, Michael Bay and Mark Vahradian
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts June 24, 2022 (2022-06-24) Steven Caple Jr. Darnell Metayer & Josh Peters Joby Harold & James Vanderbilt Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, Michael Bay, Mark Vahradian and Duncan Henderson Filming

Transformers (2007)[]

Main article: Transformers (film)

For the first film, producer Don Murphy was planning a G.I. Joe film adaptation, but when the U.S. launched the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, Hasbro suggested adapting the Transformers franchise instead.[4] Tom DeSanto joined Murphy because he was a fan of the series.[5] They met with comic book writer Simon Furman, and cited the Generation 1 cartoon and comics as their main influence.[4] They made the Creation Matrix their plot device, though Murphy had it renamed because of the film series The Matrix.[6] DeSanto chose to write the treatment from a human point of view to engage the audience,[7] while Murphy wanted it to have a realistic tone, reminiscent of a disaster film.[6] The treatment featured the Autobots Optimus Prime, Ironhide, Jazz, Prowl, Arcee, Ratchet, Wheeljack, and Bumblebee, and the Decepticons Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, Ravage, Laserbeak, Rumble, Skywarp and Shockwave.[8]

Steven Spielberg, a fan of the comics and toys,[5] signed on as executive producer in 2004. John Rogers wrote the first draft, which pitted four Autobots against four Decepticons,[9] and featured the Ark spaceship.[10] Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, fans of the cartoon,[11] were hired to rewrite the script in February 2005.[12] Spielberg suggested that "a boy and his car" should be the focus.[13] This appealed to Orci and Kurtzman because it conveyed themes of adulthood and responsibility, "the things that a car represents in the United States".[14] The characters of Sam and Mikaela were the sole point of view given in Orci and Kurtzman's first draft.[15] The Transformers had no dialogue, as the producers feared talking robots would look ridiculous. The writers felt that even if it would look silly, not having the robots speak would betray the fanbase.[11] The first draft also had a battle scene in the Grand Canyon.[16] Spielberg read each of Orci and Kurtzman's drafts and gave notes for improvement.[13] The writers remained involved throughout production, adding additional dialogue for the robots during the sound mixing (although none of this was kept in the final film, which ran fifteen minutes shorter than the initial edit).[17] Furman's The Ultimate Guide, published by Dorling Kindersley, remained as a resource to the writers throughout production.[17] Prime Directive was used as a fake working title. This was also the name of Dreamwave Productions' first Transformers comic book.[18]

Michael Bay was asked to direct by Spielberg on July 30, 2005,[19] but he dismissed the film as a "stupid toy movie".[20] Nonetheless, he wanted to work with Spielberg, and gained a new respect for the mythology upon visiting Hasbro.[19] Bay considered the first draft "too kiddie", so he increased the military's role in the story.[19][21] The writers sought inspiration from G.I. Joe for the soldier characters, being careful not to mix the brands.[22] Because Orci and Kurtzman were concerned the film could feel like a military recruitment commercial, they chose to make the military believe nations like Iran were behind the Decepticon attack as well as making the Decepticons primarily military vehicles.[23] Bay based Lennox's struggle to get to the Pentagon phone line while struggling with an unhelpful operator from a real account he was given by a soldier when working on another film.[19]

Orci and Kurtzman experimented with numerous robots from the franchise, ultimately selecting the characters most popular among the filmmakers to form the final cast.[5] Bay acknowledged that most of the Decepticons were selected before their names or roles were developed, as Hasbro had to start designing the toys.[24] Some of their names were changed because Bay was upset that they had been leaked.[25] Optimus, Megatron, Bumblebee and Starscream were the only characters present in each version of the script.[11] Arcee was a female Transformer introduced by Orci and Kurtzman, but she was cut because they found it difficult to explain robotic gender; Bay also disliked her motorcycle form, which he found too small.[22] An early idea to have the Decepticons simultaneously strike multiple places around the world was also dropped, being used later in the film's sequels.[15]

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)[]

Main article: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

In September 2007, Paramount announced a late June 2009 release date for the sequel to Transformers.[26] A major hurdle that was overcome during the film's production was the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, as well as possible strikes by the Directors Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild. Bay began creating animatics of action sequences featuring characters rejected for the 2007 film; this would allow animators to complete sequences if the Directors Guild of America went on strike in July 2008, which ultimately did not happen.[27][28] The director considered making a small project in between Transformers and its sequel, but knew "you have your baby and you don't want someone else to take it".[24] The film was given a $200 million budget, which was $50 million more than the 2007 film,[29] and some of the action scenes rejected for the original were written into the sequel, such as the way Optimus is reintroduced in this film.[30] Lorenzo di Bonaventura said the studio proposed filming two sequels simultaneously, but he and Bay concurred that was not the right direction for the series.[31]

Writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman originally passed on the sequel because of a busy schedule. The studio began courting other writers in May 2007, but as they were unimpressed with their pitches, they convinced Orci and Kurtzman to return.[27] The studio also signed on Ehren Kruger, as he impressed Bay and Hasbro president Brian Goldner with his knowledge of the Transformers mythology,[32] and because he was friends with Orci and Kurtzman.[33] The writing trio were paid $8 million.[27] Screenwriting was interrupted by the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, but to avoid production delays the writers spent two weeks writing a treatment, which they handed in the night before the strike began,[33] and Bay expanded the outline into a sixty-page scriptment,[34] fleshing out the action, adding more jokes,[33] as well as selecting the majority of new characters.[35] The three writers spent four months finishing the screenplay while "locked" in two hotel rooms by Bay: Kruger wrote in his own room and the trio would check on each other's work twice a day.[36]

Orci described the film's theme as "being away from home", with the Autobots contemplating living on Earth as they cannot restore Cybertron, while Sam goes to college.[37] He wanted the focus between the robots and humans "much more evenly balanced",[38] "the stakes [to] be higher", and the science fiction elements more prominent.[39] Lorenzo di Bonaventura said that in total, there are around forty robots in the film,[29] while ILM's Scott Farrar has said there are actually sixty.[40] Orci added that he wanted to "modulate" the humor more,[41] and felt he managed the more "outrageous" jokes by balancing them with a more serious plot approach to the Transformers' mythology.[42] Bay concurred that he wanted to please fans by making the tone darker,[43] and that "moms will think its safe enough to bring the kids back out to the movies" despite his trademark sense of humor.[44]

Before Transformers was released, producer DeSanto had "a very cool idea" to introduce the Dinobots,[45] while Bay was interested in an aircraft carrier, which was dropped from the 2007 film.[46] Orci claimed they did not incorporate these characters into Revenge of the Fallen because they could not think of a way to justify the Dinobots' choice of form,[37] and were unable to fit in the aircraft carrier.[47] Orci also admitted he was also dismissive of the Dinobots because he does not like dinosaurs. "I recognize I am weird in that department", he said,[48] but he became fonder of them during filming because of their popularity with fans.[49] He added "I couldn't see why a Transformer would feel the need to disguise himself in front of a bunch of lizards. Movie-wise, I mean. Once the general audience is fully on board with the whole thing, maybe Dinobots in the future."[50] However, Michael Bay said he hated the Dinobots and they had never been in consideration for being featured in the movies.[51] It is the last film in the series to be distributed by DreamWorks.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)[]

Main article: Transformers: Dark of the Moon

For the third film, as a preemptive measure before the release of Revenge of the Fallen, Michael Lucchi and Paramount announced on March 16, 2009, that a third film would be released in IMAX 3D on July 1, 2011, which earned a surprised response from director Bay:

I said I was taking off a year from Transformers. Paramount made a mistake in dating Transformers 3—they asked me on the phone—I said yes to July 1—but for 2012—whoops! Not 2011! That would mean I would have to start prep in September. No way. My brain needs a break from fighting robots.[52]

Screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, who had worked on the two previous Transformers films, declined to return for the third film, with Kurtzman declaring that "the franchise is so wonderful that it deserves to be fresh, all the time. We just felt like we'd given it a lot and didn't have an insight for where to go with it next".[53] Revenge of the Fallen's co-writer Ehren Kruger became the sole screenwriter for Dark of the Moon. Kruger had frequent meetings with Industrial Light & Magic's (ILM) visual effects producers, who suggested plot points such as the scenes in Chernobyl.[54]

On October 1, 2009, Bay revealed that Dark of the Moon had already gone into pre-production, and its planned release was back to its originally intended date of July 1, 2011, rather than 2012.[55] Due to the revived interest in 3-D technology brought in by the success of Avatar,[56] talks between Paramount, ILM, and Bay had considered the possibility of the next Transformers film being filmed in 3-D, and testing was performed to bring the technology into Bay's work.[57] Bay originally was not much interested in the format as he felt it did not fit his "aggressive style" of filmmaking, but he was convinced after talks with Avatar director James Cameron,[58] who even offered the technical crew from that film. Cameron reportedly told Bay about 3-D, "You gotta look at it as a toy, it's another fun tool to help get emotion and character and create an experience."[59] Bay was reluctant to film with 3-D cameras since in test he found them to be too cumbersome for his filming style, but he did not want to implement the technology in post production either since he was not pleased with the results.[60] In addition to using the 3-D Fusion camera rigs developed by Cameron's team,[59][61] Bay and the team spent nine months developing a more portable 3-D camera that could be brought into location.[58] On the day of the film's release, Shia LaBeouf announced that Dark of the Moon will be his last Transformers film.

In a hidden extra for the Blu-ray release of Revenge of the Fallen, Bay expressed his intention to make Transformers 3 not necessarily larger than Revenge of the Fallen, but instead deeper into the mythology, to give it more character development, and to make it darker and more emotional.[62] Having been called Transformers 3 up to that point, the film's final title was revealed to be Dark of the Moon in October 2010.[63] After Revenge of the Fallen was almost universally panned by critics, Bay acknowledged the general flaws of the script, having blamed the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike prior to the film for many problems. Bay promised to not have the "dorky comedy" from the last film.[64]

Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)[]

Main article: Transformers: Age of Extinction

In February 2012, producer di Bonaventura stated that a fourth film was in the works, aiming for a 2014 release, with Michael Bay to direct and produce.[65] On the same day, Paramount Pictures and Michael Bay announced a June 27, 2014 release date for a fourth film.[66] Ehren Kruger would pen the script and Steve Jablonsky would score the film, as each had for the previous film.[67][68] The film is set five years after the events in Transformers: Dark of the Moon.[69] Shia LaBeouf did not return in any future installments. Mark Wahlberg was instead cast in the lead role as new character, Cade Yeager.[70][71][72] In November 2012, casting began to search for two more leads. Isabelle Cornish, Nicola Peltz, Gabriella Wilde, and Margaret Qualley were all considered to play Cade's daughter Tessa Yeager, while Luke Grimes, Landon Liboiron, Brenton Thwaites, Jack Reynor, and Hunter Parrish were all considered to play Tessa's race-car-driving boyfriend, Shane Dyson.[73] Bay announced on his website that Reynor would portray Shane and that the fourth film would start the next installment in the overall series; the film was to be a darker sequel to Dark of the Moon and have a different feeling.[74] Peter Cullen, who voiced Optimus Prime in the films, was to reprise his role.[75] Tyrese Gibson was in talks to reprise his role as Sgt. Robert Epps from the original trilogy.[76] Glenn Morshower stated that he was contracted for two films and he was to reprise his role.[77] It was later announced that he would not be return until the next film.[78] With a budget of $165 million, filming was expected to take place in London between April and November 2013—once Pain & Gain, another film that Bay was directing, had finished editing.[79][80]

On January 8, 2013, it was announced that Reynor was joining Wahlberg in the lead.[81] On March 26, 2013, Nicola Peltz was cast as the female lead.[82] Bay confirmed that the movie was to be in 3D.[83] Bay revealed to Collider that actor Stanley Tucci had joined the cast, and that the film would be the first feature film to be shot using smaller digital IMAX 3D cameras.[84] On May 1, 2013, actor Kelsey Grammer was cast as the lead human villain named "Harold Attinger".[85] On May 6, 2013, actress Sophia Myles was cast in a major supporting role.[86] That same month, Chinese actress Li Bingbing and comedian T. J. Miller joined the cast.[87][88]

Actor T.J. Miller would be playing the best friend of Wahlberg's character who is a mechanic.[89] Also revealed were two Autobots who would have the following alternate modes—a black-and-blue 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse  named "Drift", and a green 2014 C7 Corvette Stingray concept named Crosshairs. A truck from Western Star Trucks would be Optimus Prime's new alternate mode for the movie.[90] Bumblebee's new alternate mode was revealed to be a modified vintage 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, which later transforms into a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro concept.[91] A green military vehicle (later confirmed to be Hound) and a white emergency response vehicle were also revealed.[92]

Filming began in June 2013, in Detroit,[93] Chicago, Austin, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong.

Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)[]

Main article: Transformers: The Last Knight

In March 2015, Deadline Hollywood reported that Paramount Pictures was in talks with Akiva Goldsman to pitch new ideas for the Transformers franchise's future installments. The studio intends to do what James Cameron and 20th Century Fox have been doing in planning three Avatar sequels, and what Disney has done to revive Star Wars, with sequels and spin-offs. Paramount wants to have their own cinematic universe for Transformers, similar to Marvel's/Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe (which had been one of Paramount's previous film series), and DC Comics/Warner Bros.' DC Extended Universe. Goldsman is the head of the future projects, and worked with franchise director Michael Bay, executive producer Steven Spielberg, and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura to organize a "writers' room" that incubates ideas for potential Transformers sequels, prequels and spin-offs. The writers' room members include: Christina Hodson, Lindsey Beer, Andrew Barrer, and Gabriel Ferrari (Ant-Man), Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), Art Marcum & Matt Holloway, Zak Penn (Pacific Rim Uprising), Jeff Pinkner (The Amazing Spider-Man 2), Ken Nolan, and Geneva Robertson-Dworet.[94] Kirkman left the room after just one day to undergo throat surgery.[95] In July 2015, Akiva Goldsman and Jeff Pinkner were announced as the fifth Transformers film's screenwriters.[96] However, on November 20, due to Goldsman's commitments creating a writers' room for G.I. Joe and Micronauts properties, Paramount began to negotiate with Art Marcum and Matt Holloway (Iron Man), as well as Ken Nolan (Black Hawk Down), to write the film. Lindsey Beer and Geneva Robertson-Dworet were also brought aboard for writing duties.[97]

After Transformers: Age of Extinction, Bay had decided not to direct any future Transformers films. But in early January 2016, in an interview with Rolling Stone, he stated that he would return to direct the fifth film, and that it will be his last Transformers film.[98] Paramount Pictures spent $80 million on production in Michigan, in return for $21 million in state incentives, under agreements entered into before the state legislature eliminated the film office incentive program in July 2015.[99] In April 2016, Paramount hired cinematographer Jonathan Sela.[100] On May 17, Bay revealed the official title of the film to be The Last Knight on his Instagram account, where he also posted a production video showing a close-up of Optimus Prime's face with purple eyes instead of blue, and his face mostly discolored.[101] The official Twitter account showed a 19-second short video in morse code that translates to "I'm coming for you May 31".[102] On May 31, it was revealed that Megatron would return in the sequel.[103]

Bumblebee (2018)[]

Main article: Bumblebee (film)

Bumblebee is a spin-off film centered on the Transformers character of the same name. It was to be a prequel to the film series, then later declared a reboot of the franchise.[104] The design and style of the film included both elements from the existing franchise as well as influences from Transformers: Generation 1 franchise of toys.[104]

Principal photography on the film began in July 2017, in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California. It was released on December 21, 2018, to generally positive reviews.[105] Following the film's critical success, Hasbro intends to continue and evolve the franchise similar to Bumblebee.[106]

Future[]

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2022)[]

Main article: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

In March 2019, producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura announced ongoing developments for a follow-up movie to Bumblebee.[107][108] By January 2020, it was officially announced that a sequel to Bumblebee was in development with a script written by Joby Harold, alongside an adaptation of Transformers: Beast Wars with a script written by James Vanderbilt.[109][110][111] The film was then scheduled for release on June 24, 2022 that May,[112][111] while in November, Steven Caple Jr. was hired to serve as director on the project, which serves as both a Bumblebee sequel and Beast Wars adaptation.[113] In April 2021, Anthony Ramos was cast in one of the lead roles for the film, with Dominique Fishback in final talks to play the lead role.[114] The project will be a joint-venture production between Hasbro, eOne, and Paramount Pictures.[115]

Principal photography began in June 2021, with the official title announced as Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, confirmed to be set between the events of Bumblebee and Transformers (2007).[116] Rise of the Beasts is scheduled for release on June 24, 2022.[117]

Shared universe[]

In March 2013, during the release of G.I. Joe: Retaliation, producer di Bonaventura announced the studio's plans to develop a G.I. Joe/Transformers crossover.[118] On July 26, 2013, G.I. Joe: Retaliation director Jon M. Chu stated that he is also interested in directing a Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover film.[103] Despite di Bonaventura stating that a crossover was not in the immediate plans for the franchises,[119] he acknowledged that it is something they intend to do.[120] In July 2021, producer Di Bonaventura and actor Henry Golding expressed interest in the possibility of doing the crossover film.[121][122]

In March 2015, Paramount hired Academy Award-winning screenwriter Akiva Goldsman to oversee and compile a team of writers, to pitch ideas for future films with the intention of expanding the franchise into a cinematic universe. Twelve individual stories were written and pitched for the cinematic universe. Goldsman was tasked with developing a multi-part sequel storyline, along with prequels and spin-off films. A "brain-trust" was commissioned to guide the productions of these stories, including Goldsman, Michael Bay, and producers Steven Speilberg and Lorenzo di Bonaventura. The team of writers who were hired included: Robert Kirkman, Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, Zak Penn, Jeff Pinkner, Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari, Christina Hodson, Lindsey Beer, Ken Nolan, Geneva Robertson-Dworet, and Steven DeKnight. Goldsman described the writer's room collaboration process, as a way to map out stories that can be further developed by the projects that are green-lit by the brain trust; stating: "...if one of the writers discovers an affinity for [a particular story], they can drive forward on treatments that will have been fleshed out by the whole room."[123][124] In August 2017, following the poor reception of The Last Knight which Goldsman co-wrote, the filmmaker officially left the franchise.[125]

In December 2018, di Bonaventura stated that there will be further films in the series, while also acknowledging that the franchise will make some changes in tone and style due to the success of Bumblebee.[126]

Films in development[]

  • Untitled prequel film: In September 2015, it was announced that Barrer and Ferrari were hired to write a film that will explore the origins of Cybertron, with a working title of Transformers One.[127] In April 2020, Josh Cooley signed on to direct the animated prequel film. Barrer and Ferrari will co-write a new draft of their Transformers One script, with Cooley. Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Mark Vahradian will serve as producers. The story will take place entirely on Cybertron, and will explore the relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron, "separate and apart" from what has been portrayed in the live-action films. The project will be a joint-venture production between Hasbro Entertainment, eOne, Paramount Animation, and Paramount Pictures.[128]
  • Untitled Transformers: The Last Knight sequel: Originally announced during the ongoing plans for a "Transformers Cinematic Universe" with a scheduled release date of June 28, 2019; the film was removed from Paramount's release schedule following the negative reception to The Last Knight.[129] By March 2018, producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura confirmed that another film referred to as "Transformers 7" is still in active development,[107] though the film will not be a direct-sequel to the previous installment.[130] In September 2021, Josh Duhamel had expressed interest in reprising his role as Col. William Lennox.[131]
  • Untitled Angel Manuel Soto film: In March 2021, another film entered development directed by Angel Manuel Soto, from a script written by Marco Ramirez. The plot will take place separately from films that have previously released, while Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Don Murphy, and Tom DeSanto remain involved in their producing roles. The project will be a joint-venture production between eOne and Paramount Pictures.[132]

Principal cast and characters[]

Main article: List of Transformers film series cast and characters

Additional crew and production details[]

Additional crew and film details
Film Composer Cinematographer Editor(s) Production
companies 		Distributing
companies 		Runtime
Transformers Steve Jablonsky Mitchell Amundsen Paul Rubell, Glen Scantlebury and Thomas A. Muldoon Hasbro,
Di Bonaventura Pictures 		DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures 143 minutes
Transformers:
Revenge of the Fallen 		Ben Seresin Roger Barton, Paul Rubell, Joel Negron and Thomas A. Muldoon 150 minutes
Transformers:
Dark of the Moon 		Amir Mokri Roger Barton, William Goldenberg, and Joel Negron Paramount Pictures 154 minutes
Transformers:
Age of Extinction 		Roger Barton, William Goldenberg, and Paul Rubell 165 minutes
Transformers:
The Last Knight 		Jonathan Sela Mark Sanger, John Refoua, Debra Neil-Fisher, Roger Barton, Adam Gerstel, and Calvin Wimmer 149 minutes
Bumblebee Dario Marianelli Enrique Chediak Paul Rubell Hasbro,
Di Bonaventura Pictures,
Allspark Pictures,
Tencent Pictures 		114 minutes

Reception[]

Box office performance[]

Film Release date Box office revenue Box office ranking Budget Ref.
North America Other
territories 		Worldwide All time
North America 		All time
Worldwide
Transformers July 3, 2007 $319.2M $390.5M $709.7M #36
#114(A) 		#95 $150M [133]
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen June 24, 2009 $402.1M $434.2M $836.3M #18
#81(A) 		#60 $200M [134]
Transformers: Dark of the Moon June 29, 2011 $352.4M $771.4M $1.12bn #27
#129(A) 		#15 $195M [135]
Transformers: Age of Extinction June 27, 2014 $245.4M $858.6M $1.10bn #91 #18 $210M [136]
Transformers: The Last Knight June 21, 2017 $130.2M $475.3M $605.4M #460 #146 $217M [137]
Bumblebee December 21, 2018 $127.2M $340.8M $468M #483 #229 $135M [138]
Total[139] $1.58bn $3.27bn $4.85bn $1.107bn
List indicator(s)
  • (A) indicates the adjusted totals based on current ticket prices (calculated by Box Office Mojo).

Critical and public response[]

With the exception of Bumblebee, common elements of the original film series received negative reception,[140] such as the repeated formulaic plots, acting, dialogue, filming, Transformer redesigns, sophomoric and toilet humor, female character objectification,[141][142] the Transformers being reduced to secondary characters in their own films, clichéd and controversial characterizations, aimless story arcs, lack of character development, inconsistent tone, incoherent action, questionable marketing, poor writing, racial and cultural stereotypes,[143] overuse of MacGuffins, product placement,[144] CGI, long running times, and excessive retconning.[145][146][147]

The first Transformers film received mixed to positive reviews, with praise for the groundbreaking visual effects, musical score, action sequences, Labeouf's performance, and Peter Cullen's return as Optimus Prime. There was some criticism of the Transformer redesigns, the screen time for certain characters, and the product placement.[148][149] Film critic Roger Ebert gave the film three stars, writing "It's goofy fun with a lot of stuff that blows up real good, and it has the grace not only to realize how preposterous it is, but to make that into an asset."[150]

The second film, Revenge of the Fallen, received mostly negative reviews.[151][152] Roger Ebert gave the film one star, calling it "a horrible experience of unbearable length, punctuated by three or four amusing moments."[153] The characterization of the Autobot twins, Skids and Mudflap, was heavily criticized. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone magazine labeled them: "two of the most offensive bots in screen history...who do black stereotypes in ways that would shame Jar Jar Binks" and concluded the film "has a shot at the title Worst Movie of the Decade."[154] Others described them as "something out of an old minstrel show"[155] with "conspicuously cartoonish, so-called black voices that indicate that minstrelsy remains as much in fashion in Hollywood as when, well, Jar Jar Binks was set loose by George Lucas."[156] Reviews also criticized the excessive running time, inappropriate humor, the rehashing of the MacGuffin-focused plot, nonsensical dialogue, heavy focus on the humans, and indistinguishable robots crashing into each other. Positive aspects noted by critics include Peter Cullen's voiceover work, the visual effects, music, and action.

The third film, Dark of the Moon, received mixed reviews but was considered an improvement over the second film. Praise was directed toward the visuals, editing, music, and the voicework of Peter Cullen and Leonard Nimoy, while the acting and story were criticized.[157][158] Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian gave the film a mixed review, saying, "It is as if Bay, perhaps influenced by some stinging critiques, has made an aesthetic policy decision. Because this film is not quite as stupid as the others...But let's face it, these touches are atypical. After half an hour it turns into the same headbanging, eardrum-brutalising action-fest as the other two films." Bradshaw also notes the impressive effects in the Battle of Chicago at the climax and how the September 11 attacks inspired it.[159] A. O. Scott of The New York Times called Dark of the Moon among Michael Bay's best films but said, "I can't decide if this movie is so spectacularly, breathtakingly dumb as to induce stupidity in anyone who watches, or so brutally brilliant that it disarms all reason. What's the difference?" Scott also criticized the film for continuing the series' pattern of "tongue-in-cheek revisionist history" by using the Space Race as the catalyst for the film's events.[160] Dan Kois of The Village Voice also criticized Michael Bay's continuation of "exploiting America's iconic tragedies for maximum impact." He emphasized the 9/11 comparison by noting Chicago being declared "Ground Zero" and pointing out the "re-creation of the 1986 Challenger disaster, right down to that lopsided fireball blooming over the ocean."[161] Chris Hewitt of Empire Online gave the film 2 out of 5 stars, saying that Dark of the Moon is better than Revenge of the Fallen but not by much. Hewitt praised the last 45 minutes and the best use of 3D since Avatar but panned the choppy editing, lazy writing, the slow first hour, the level of violence in the robot fights, and considered Bay's use of the Chernobyl disaster as a plot device as being in poor taste. Also criticized were Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson for being reduced to needless supporting characters, Shia LaBeouf's Sam Witwicky being an unlikable character, and actors John Malkovich, Alan Tudyk, and Ken Jeong for being used as "cheap-seats comedy relief."[162] Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's Carly was criticized for being an undeveloped female lead with no purpose in the plot except to be a sex object and damsel with Tom Charity of CNN Entertainment claiming that she "makes Megan Fox look like Meryl Streep."[163] Roger Ebert rated the film 1 out of 4 stars,[164] and Peter Travers of Rolling Stones called it "a movie bereft of wit, wonder, imagination, and any genuine reason for being."[165] Christopher Orr of The Atlantic said Dark of the Moon is an improvement over the previous film in almost every way apart from its length, praising the special effects, 3D usage, and intense action. He criticized the retrograde depiction of the female characters, the September 11 undertones of the Chicago climax, and the uncomfortable level of violence from the Transformers.[166]

Age of Extinction[167][168] and The Last Knight[169][170] both received mostly negative reviews and are the lowest-rated films in the series. For Age of Extinction, some praised elements include the visual effects, musical score, serious tone, action sequences, as well as the performances of Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, and Peter Cullen. Critics panned it for its excessive product placement, the nearly three-hour runtime, poor writing and editing, the introduction of the "Transformium" element, and the idea of human-made Transformers. Also criticized was the racist stereotypes in the film, with David Edelstein of Vulture using actress Li Bingbing as an example of the stereotype of "all Chinese people being adept in the martial arts."[171] Sam Adams of IndieWire labeled Age of Extinction "a new, terrible kind of cinema" that could have been written by "a high school sophomore with a permanent hard-on."[172] Angela Wattercutter of Wired magazine criticized Age of Extinction's insensitive use of the War on Terror and the September 11 aftermath as inspiration with the Transformers treated as "enemy combatants" and "alien terrorists", and being hunted by Kelsey Grammer's xenophobic government agent. Wattercutter even notes that the film has a captive Autobot making an offhanded joke about waterboarding.[173] The designs of the Autobots, such as Hound, Drift, and Crosshairs, drew criticism, with Drift being called a Japanese stereotype and an example of yellowface. The dark depiction of Optimus Prime also drew criticism for being unpleasant and unfaithful to the character. Critics also panned the film for portraying the Dinobots as mindless robots devoid of their personalities and reducing them to a deus ex machina appearing late in the film despite being a focal point in the marketing. Critics noted Nicola Peltz's character as a sexualized underage girl and damsel-in-distress with no sense of agency whose sole purpose is to have the male leads fight over her. Her character's relationship with Jack Reynor also drew backlash as critics accused Michael Bay of treating statutory rape as a joke and attempting to defend it with the Romeo and Juliet law.[174][175][176]

For The Last Knight, critics criticized the confusing plot, messy narrative, script, characters and screen time for some characters, excessive length and constant format changes throughout the film,[177][178][179] while positive elements focused on the visuals, action, music and the performances of Mark Walhberg, Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman and Peter Cullen.[180][181][182] Yohana Desta of Vanity Fair called the film "an apocalyptic identity crisis come to life" and "an unruly Frankenstein's monster with shoddy stitchwork." Desta noted that despite the film's nonsensical/non-existent plot, the visual effects remain impressive.[183] Christopher Orr of The Atlantic criticized the film for attempting to connect the Transformers to Stonehenge and World War II, and called it the worst retelling of Arthurian legend of the year, even worse than Guy Ritchie's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.[184] Rebecca Farley of Refinery29 and Dana Schwartz of Marie Claire were critical of the underdeveloped female characters. Farley accused the production of trying to insert last-minute "tween girl empowerment" after Millie Bobby Brown's success in Stranger Things, noting that the marketing made Moner appear to have a prominent role in the film, when she does not. Farley also labeled Haddock's character the film's "textbook Strong Woman" cliché since she plays a highly educated and athletic woman harassed by female family members for being single and the male protagonist for "wearing a stripper dress." Schwartz cites Wahlberg's character for referring to Moner's as "Little J. Lo" because of her Latina heritage, and Haddock being portrayed as the "British Megan Fox" for their similar appearances.[185][186] Ian Freer of Empire magazine rated the film 2 out of 5 stars. Freer said that like the previous films, it is "bogged down in backstory, lacks a real feel for its characters and still can't find a way to make its robot-on-robot action exhilarating... It is amazing how a series with so much nostalgic goodwill, technical finesse and behind the scenes talent have led so often to experiences that are so joyless."[187]

The 2018 spin-off film, Bumblebee, received generally positive reviews with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 90%, making it the highest-rated film in the series. Critics praised it for its lighter tone, story, visuals, acting, direction, and faithfulness to the 1980s Transformers show.[188][189] Glenn Kenny of The New York Times praised the plot, Christina Hodson's script, and Hailee Steinfeld's performance, calling her possibly the only appealing main human character in the franchise so far.[190] James Dyer of Empire magazine gave the film 4 out of 5 stars, praising aspects such as Travis Knight's directing, the screenplay, Steinfield and John Cena's acting, and the film's '80s nostalgia; he praised the film for acting as a love letter to Steven Spielberg's Amblin films.[191] In a review for The Hollywood Reporter, Justin Lowe praised the improved digital effects, including the "sharp visual details, realistic color shading and seamless transitions between robot and vehicular forms." Lowe also noted the film's focus on a PG tone despite its PG-13 rating, its character-driven story, and its improved humor compared to its predecessors.[192] David Fear of Rolling Stone noted the film for borrowing elements from E.T., The Iron Giant, and John Hughes films, and commented: "the usual Americana-on-steroids vibe of the Bay movies are M.I.A., replaced with a less bombastic combination of bot-outta-water shenanigans... and sensitive, not-at-all sappy Y.A. drama."[193]

Film Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic CinemaScore
Transformers 58% (227 reviews)[148] 61 (35 reviews)[149] A[194]
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 20% (250 reviews)[151] 35 (32 reviews)[152] B+[194]
Transformers: Dark of the Moon 35% (261 reviews)[157] 42 (37 reviews)[158] A[194]
Transformers: Age of Extinction 17% (209 reviews)[167] 32 (38 reviews)[168] A−[194]
Transformers: The Last Knight 15% (252 reviews)[169] 27 (47 reviews)[170] B+[194]
Bumblebee 90% (251 reviews)[188] 66 (39 reviews)[189] A−[194]

Accolades[]

The franchise has been frequently praised and won awards for its visual effects and sound design. Michael Bay praised the crew and highlighted the importance of sound saying "I have like 2,000 people — through their artistry — making my dreams a film," Bay said. "The artistry of this sound group is just amazing. I love, love sound. It's 45-50% of the movies."[195]

Academy Awards[]

Academy Awards Film
Transformers
(2007) 		Transformers:
Revenge of the Fallen
(2009) 		Transformers:
Dark of the Moon
(2011) 		Transformers:
Age of Extinction
(2014) 		Transformers:
The Last Knight
(2017) 		Bumblebee
(2018)
Sound Editing Nominated Nominated
Sound Mixing Nominated Nominated Nominated
Visual Effects Nominated Nominated

Golden Raspberry Awards[]

Golden Raspberry Awards Film
Transformers
(2007) 		Transformers:
Revenge of the Fallen
(2009) 		Transformers:
Dark of the Moon
(2011) 		Transformers:
Age of Extinction
(2014) 		Transformers:
The Last Knight
(2017) 		Bumblebee
(2018)
Worst Picture Won Nominated Nominated Nominated[note 2]
Worst Director Won Nominated Won Nominated[note 2]
Worst Actor Nominated
(Mark Wahlberg)[note 2]
Worst Actress Nominated
(Megan Fox)
Worst Supporting Actor Nominated
(Jon Voight) 		Nominated
(Patrick Dempsey) 		Won
(Kelsey Grammer) 		Nominated
(Josh Duhamel)
(Anthony Hopkins)[note 2]
Worst Supporting Actress Nominated
(Julie White) 		Nominated
(Rosie Huntington-Whiteley) 		Nominated
(Nicola Peltz) 		Nominated
(Laura Haddock)[note 2]
Worst Screen Couple Nominated
(Shia LaBeouf and either Megan Fox or any Transformer) 		Nominated
(Shia LaBeouf and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley)
Worst Screen Ensemble Nominated
(The entire cast)
Worst Screen Combo Nominated
(Any two robots, actors or robotic actors) 		Nominated
(Any combination of two humans, two robots or two explosions)[note 2]
Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel Nominated Nominated Nominated[note 2]
Worst Screenplay Won Nominated Nominated Nominated[note 2]
The Razzie Nominee So Rotten You Loved It Nominated[note 2]
The Razzie Redeemer Award Nominated

Other media[]

Main articles: Transformers (film comic series) and List of Transformers video games § Games based on the film series

In addition to the films, the film series has a promotional expanded series that is set both before and after the events of the films. This includes comic books, video games, and novels. While the novels are partially based on the films themselves, and the video games aren't in the same continuity as the films, the comic books and graphic novels are in the same continuity and fill in several parts of the stories from the films.

See also[]

  • The Transformers: The Movie, a 1986 animated film based on the original TV series
  • Transformers: The Ride 3D, an amusement ride based on the film series
  • G.I. Joe film series (soon to be a shared cinematic universe with ROM, M.A.S.K., Visionaries and Micronauts)

Notes[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b The original Transformers toy line itself was developed out of two then-existing Japanese mecha toy lines — Diaclone and Microman — by Takara.[196] In 2006, Takara merged with Tomy to form a single company, Takara Tomy.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i Referred to as Transformers XVII: The Last Knight on the official nomination list.

References[]

  1. ^ Vary, Adam B. (February 14, 2012). "'Transformers 4' lands Michael Bay as director". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  2. ^ "Michael Bay To Direct 'Transformers 4,' Producer Confirms". MTV. February 14, 2012. Archived from the original on May 21, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  3. ^ "Producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura Says 'Transformers 4' Coming For Summer 2014 | The Playlist". Indiewire. Archived from the original on April 19, 2012. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b Chavez, Kellvin (February 21, 2007). "On Set Interview: Producer Don Murphy On Transformers". Latino Review.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Transformers: The Cast, The History, The Movie". Entertainment News International. June 15, 2007. Retrieved June 16, 2007.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b "Don Murphy at TransformersCon Toronto 2006". TFcon. Archived from the original on August 31, 2006. Retrieved January 7, 2007.
  7. ^ Chavez, Kellvin (February 21, 2007). "On Set Interview: Producer Tom De Santo On Transformers". Latino Review. Archived from the original on July 13, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2007.
  8. ^ Marble, Scott (June 2007). "The Mind of Tom DeSanto". Transformers Collectors Club Magazine. pp. 3, 10.
  9. ^ "Don Murphy Quotes Special". Seibertron. April 17, 2005. Retrieved February 18, 2007.
  10. ^ "TF Movie Screenwriter John Rogers Speaks out". Seibertron. November 30, 2004. Retrieved February 4, 2007.
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b c Oat, Zack (January 12, 2007). "Double Vision". ToyFare. Archived from the original on January 17, 2007. Retrieved December 18, 2008.
  12. ^ "Exclusive: New Transformers Writers". IGN. February 18, 2005. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  13. ^ Jump up to: a b Sanchez, Robert (June 18, 2007). "Interview: Roberto Orci on Transformers and Star Trek!". IESB. Retrieved June 19, 2007.
  14. ^ Itzkoff, Dave (June 24, 2007). "Character-Driven Films (but Keep the Kaboom)". The New York Times. Retrieved June 24, 2007.
  15. ^ Jump up to: a b Gilchrist, Todd (July 2, 2007). "Exclusive interview: Roberto Orci". IGN. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  16. ^ Orci, Roberto (March 14, 2009). "Welcome Mr. Roberto Orci, you may ask him questions". TFW2005. Retrieved March 15, 2009.
  17. ^ Jump up to: a b "Orci and Kurtzman Questions: Post movie". Official site's message board. Archived from the original on June 16, 2009. Retrieved January 15, 2009.
  18. ^ "Casting Call for Prime Directive". Seibertron.com. April 8, 2006. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  19. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Michael Bay (October 16, 2007). Audio commentary (DVD). Paramount Pictures.
  20. ^ Hewitt, Chris (August 2007). "Rise of the Machines". Empire. pp. 95–100.
  21. ^ "Michael Bay and the Edit of Transformers". Fxguide. July 9, 2007. Retrieved July 10, 2007.
  22. ^ Jump up to: a b "'Transformers' writers: A Revealing Dialogue". Wizard. July 10, 2007. Archived from the original on July 8, 2007. Retrieved December 18, 2008.
  23. ^ Orci, Roberto (January 14, 2009). "Major News/Spoiler Alert Robert Orci confirms..." TFW2005. Retrieved January 15, 2009.
  24. ^ Jump up to: a b Vary, Adam B. "Optimus Prime Time". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 7, 2007. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  25. ^ Orci, Roberto (July 11, 2008). "The 'Welcome Mr. Orci Thread'. You may ask questions!". TFW2005. Retrieved July 12, 2008.
  26. ^ McClintock, Pamela (September 26, 2007). "'Transformers' sequel sets 2009 date". Variety. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  27. ^ Jump up to: a b c Fernandez, Jay (October 10, 2007). "Heavy metal for sequel". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  28. ^ Davidson, Danielle (January 23, 2008). "Writer's Strike continues; DGA signs deal; Awards questioned". The West Georgian. Archived from the original on June 28, 2009. Retrieved September 28, 2008.
  29. ^ Jump up to: a b Nick de Semelyn (February 2009). "20 to watch in 2009". Empire. pp. 67–69.
  30. ^ "Transformers: Behind the scenes" (Video). The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 3, 2009.
  31. ^ Savage, Brian. "TCC Exclusive: Transformers Revenge of the Fallen at Toy Fair 2009". Transformers Collectors Club. Retrieved July 7, 2011.
  32. ^ Kit, Borys (October 4, 2007). "Writing team built fast for 'Transformers 2'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  33. ^ Jump up to: a b c Billington, Alex (January 14, 2009). "Kicking Off 2009 with Writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci – Part Two: Transformers 2". FirstShowing.net. Retrieved January 14, 2009.
  34. ^ Thompson, Anne (February 8, 2008). "Oscar Watch: Bay Hosts Transformers Tech Show". IndieWire. Archived from the original on March 21, 2008. Retrieved February 19, 2008.
  35. ^ Lee, Patrick (March 31, 2009). "Orci & Kurtzman reveal Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen details". Sci Fi Wire. Retrieved March 31, 2009.
  36. ^ Sanchez, Stephanie (September 17, 2008). "IESB Exclusive: Kurtzman and Orci on Transformers 2!". IESB. Retrieved September 17, 2008.
  37. ^ Jump up to: a b Horowitz, Josh (July 24, 2008). "Writers Reveal Theme Of 'Transformers' Sequel. The Bad News? No Dinobots". MTV Movies Blog. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  38. ^ Orci, Roberto (May 25, 2008). "The official "Hey Roberto" Thread". Don Murphy. Retrieved August 1, 2010.
  39. ^ Topel, Fred (July 21, 2008). "Transformers 2 Scribe Sets Record Straight". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved August 1, 2010.
  40. ^ Cohen, David S. (March 31, 2009). "Michael Bay keeps VFX shops busy". Variety. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  41. ^ "More on Transformers 2 From Writer Roberto Orci". Seibertron.com. February 18, 2008. Retrieved February 19, 2008.
  42. ^ Goldman, Eric (January 14, 2009). "Transformers 2 Rumor Confirmed". IGN. Archived from the original on January 19, 2009. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  43. ^ "Exclusive Video: Director Michael Bay talks TRANSFORMERS Revenge of the Fallen". Collider. February 9, 2009. Archived from the original on September 20, 2011. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  44. ^ "Q&A With Michael Bay". Toy Fair 09, New York City. 2009. Retrieved July 7, 2011.CS1 maint: location (link)
  45. ^ "Transformer Producer Wants Dinobots in TF2". UGO Networks. June 5, 2007. Archived from the original on December 14, 2007. Retrieved December 16, 2007.
  46. ^ Kolan, Patrick (June 13, 2007). "Transformers Roundtable with Michael Bay". IGN. Archived from the original on January 22, 2009. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  47. ^ "Roberto Orci — Soundwave will not be a Pick Up In Transformers Revenge of the Fallen". TFW2005. October 18, 2008. Retrieved October 19, 2008.
  48. ^ Orci, Roberto (October 20, 2008). "he All New "Hey Roberto" Thread". Don Murphy. Retrieved March 17, 2009.
  49. ^ Orci, Roberto (June 19, 2008). "The All New "Hey Roberto" Thread". Don Murphy. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
  50. ^ Orci, Roberto (August 8, 2008). "Welcome Mr. Roberto Orci, you may ask him questions". TFW2005. Retrieved March 24, 2009.
  51. ^ "Michael Bay on the Dinobots: "I hate them."". Seibertron.com. July 27, 2009. Retrieved July 27, 2009.
  52. ^ "Transformers 3 release date". Michael Bay. March 17, 2009. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  53. ^ Wayland, Sara (August 10, 2009). "Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman talk STAR TREK Sequel, COWBOYS AND ALIENS, TRANSFORMERS 3, VIEW-MASTER Film, More". Collider. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  54. ^ Desowitz, Bill (July 6, 2011). "A Colossal Transformers Sequel". Animation World Network. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  55. ^ "Transformers 3: July 1st, 2011". Michael Bay. October 1, 2009. Archived from the original on September 14, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
  56. ^ "Michael Bay Testing 3-D for Transformers 3". /Film. February 26, 2010. Archived from the original on February 2, 2013. Retrieved March 10, 2010.
  57. ^ Cohen, David S.; Sunhee, Han (February 2, 2010). "Korea's Stereo Pictures cues 'Cats'". Variety. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  58. ^ Jump up to: a b Bowles, Scott (June 28, 2011). "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' aims to revive 3-D movies". Gannett Company. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  59. ^ Jump up to: a b Michael Bay & James Cameron Talk 3-D (Extended). Michael Bay Official Youtube Channel. YouTube. June 26, 2011. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
  60. ^ Ditzian, Eric (April 2, 2010). "'Breaking Dawn,' 'Transformers 3' And Other Films That Might Go 3-D". MTV. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  61. ^ "Cameron's Avatar Cameras used for Transformers: Dark of the Moon". mystrious.com. June 10, 2011. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
  62. ^ "Transformers 3 (2011) Hollywood Film Release Date-DVD-Cast and Crew-Trailer". Calcutta Tube. September 1, 2010. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  63. ^ Fischer, Russ (October 6, 2010). "Third Transformers Film Titled 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon'". /Film. Archived from the original on October 9, 2010. Retrieved October 6, 2010. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  64. ^ Wintraub, Steve (December 8, 2010). "Collider.com article about DOTM". Collider.com. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
  65. ^ Chitwood, Adam (February 15, 2012). "Paramount Eyeing a 2014 Release for TRANSFORMERS 4? [Updated with Details]". Collider.
  66. ^ Chitwood, Adam (February 13, 2012). "Michael Bay Returning to Direct TRANSFORMERS for June 2014 Release". Collider. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  67. ^ Goldberg, Matt (April 26, 2012). "Ehren Kruger Returns to Write TRANSFORMERS 4; Shia LaBeouf Definitely Out". Collider. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  68. ^ Fury, Sol (June 16, 2012). "Steve Jablonsky Scoring Transformers 4 – Transformers News". TFW2005. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  69. ^ Goldberg, Matt (November 11, 2012). "TRANSFORMERS 4 to Take Place Four Years after TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON". Collider. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  70. ^ "Mark Wahlberg May Star in TRANSFORMERS 4". Collider. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  71. ^ "Michael Bay Considering Mark Wahlberg for TRANSFORMERS 4". Collider. November 7, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  72. ^ "Mark Wahlberg Confirmed for TRANSFORMERS 4, Plus a New Logo for the Film". Collider. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  73. ^ "TRANSFORMERS 4, DIVERGENT and NEED FOR SPEED Casting Additions". Collider. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  74. ^ "Jack Reynor : Michael Bay Dot Com". Michaelbay.com. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  75. ^ "Michael Bay Talks Transformers 4 – Peter Cullen Is Returning As Optimus Prime — Transformers News". TFW2005. September 21, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  76. ^ "Tyrese Gibson In Talks For Transformers 4 – Transformers News". TFW2005. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  77. ^ "Glenn Morshower Talks Transformers 4 And 5 – Filming Starts December — Transformers News". TFW2005. September 23, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  78. ^ "Glenn Morshower Will Not Be Returning for Transformers 4". Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  79. ^ "Michael Bay Talks Transformers 4 – New Cast, Plot And The Budget — Transformers News". TFW2005. June 21, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  80. ^ "Transformers 4 to Film on Location in London — Transformers News". TFW2005. October 21, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  81. ^ "Jack Reynor Lands Starring Role in 'Transformers 4'". The Hollywood Reporter. January 8, 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  82. ^ "Nicola Peltz cast as Transformers 4 female lead". Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  83. ^ "Transformers 4 will be in 3D". Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  84. ^ "Exclusive: Michael Bay Reveals TRANSFORMERS 4 Will Shoot the 'Showcase Scenes' With the New IMAX 3D Digital Camera". Collider. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  85. ^ "Kelsey Grammer Lands Lead (Human) Villain In 'Transformers' Sequel". Deadline Hollywood. May 1, 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  86. ^ "Sophia Myles to Join Mark Wahlberg in Michael Bay's 'Transformers 4' (Exclusive)". TheWrap. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  87. ^ "China's Li Bingbing Boards 'Transformers 4'". The Hollywood Reporter. May 19, 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  88. ^ "T.J. Miller Joins 'Transformers 4'". The Hollywood Reporter. May 28, 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  89. ^ "T.J. Miller joins Transformers 4 Cast". Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  90. ^ "Optimus Prime in Transformers 4 feat Autobots — First Look Photos". MOVIETAROT. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
  91. ^ "Transformers 4 Bumblebee New Vehicle Mode Confirmed – Official Photo Revealed". Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  92. ^ "New Transformers 4 Set Images Featuring New Vehicles". Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  93. ^ "Transformers 4 filming in Detroit". Detroit Free Press. July 31, 2013. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
  94. ^ Mike Fleming Jr (March 27, 2015). "Paramount Enlisting Akiva Goldsman To Ramp Up 'Transformers' Output". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  95. ^ Keene, Allison (March 13, 2016). "Robert Kirkman Reveals He Was Only in the 'Transformers' Writers Room for One Day". Collider. Retrieved March 15, 2016.
  96. ^ Goldman, Eric (July 28, 2015). "Daredevil's Steven DeKnight on the Transformers Writers Room and Planning Ahead". IGN.
  97. ^ "Akiva Goldsman 'Transformers' Writers Room Leads Paramount & Hasbro To Set One For 'G.I. Joe,' 'Micronauts'". Deadline Hollywood. November 20, 2015.
  98. ^ Eells, Josh (January 4, 2016). "13 Hours': Can Michael Bay Pull Off a Gritty Movie About Benghazi?". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on January 5, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  99. ^ Tribune news services (February 26, 2016). "'Transformers 5' receives $21 million incentive to shoot in Detroit". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  100. ^ Caranicas, Peter (April 6, 2016). "Agencies Book Artisans on 'Fast 8,' 'Transformers 5,' 'To the Bone,' 'MacGyver' and 'Altered Carbon'". Variety. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  101. ^ "'Transformers 5': Director Michael Bay Reveals Sequel's Official Title". Yahoo! Movies. May 17, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  102. ^ "#TRANSFORMERS on Twitter: "Something wicked this way comes. #transformers"". Twitter. May 27, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  103. ^ Jump up to: a b "Jon M. Chu Likes the idea of a G.I. Joe/Transformers Crossover Movie". Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  104. ^ Jump up to: a b Lussier, Germain. "How Bumblebee's 1980s Setting Turned It Into Every Transformers Fan's Dream". io9.
  105. ^ "Bumblebee Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  106. ^ Mendelson, Scott. "Box Office: 'Bumblebee' Is First 'Transformers' To Be Saved By China". Forbes.
  107. ^ Jump up to: a b "Transformers: The Last Knight is Getting a Sequel". ComicbookResource.com. March 16, 2019. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  108. ^ Yates, David (March 17, 2019). "Transformers: The Last Knight Sequel Is Still Being Planned". MovieWeb. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  109. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (May 2, 2020). "Paramount Dates New 'Transformers' Movie For 2022". Deadline. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  110. ^ Kroll, Justin (January 27, 2020). "'Transformers' Franchise Gets a Revamp With Two Separate Films in the Works". Variety. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  111. ^ Jump up to: a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (January 27, 2020). "Dual 'Transformers' Movies In The Works At Paramount". Deadline. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  112. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (May 2, 2020). "Paramount Dates New 'Transformers' Movie For 2022". Deadline.
  113. ^ "'Transformers': 'Creed 2' Director Steven Caple Jr. Tapped To Direct Next Installment In Paramount And Hasbro Franchise". November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  114. ^ Kroll, Justin (April 29, 2021). "'Transformers': Dominique Fishback Lands Lead Role Opposite Anthony Ramos In Next Installment For The Paramount Franchise". Deadline. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
  115. ^ Galuppo, Mia (April 1, 2021). "Anthony Ramos Tapped for New 'Transformers'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  116. ^ Hemmert, Kylie (June 22, 2021). "Transformers 7 Gets Official Title as Production Starts". CommingSoon.net. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  117. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (May 1, 2020). "Paramount Dates New 'Transformers' Movie For 2022". Deadline. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  118. ^ "G.I. Joe And Transformers Crossover? The Producer Tells Us How It Could Happen". Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
  119. ^ "G.I. Joe/Transformers Movie Crossover Not Likely to Happen, Says Producer". June 23, 2014.
  120. ^ "'Transformers' and 'G.I. Joe' Crossover Movie Is Possible, Says Producer". fashiontimes.com. July 9, 2014. Archived from the original on July 19, 2014.
  121. ^ "Lorenzo di Bonaventura On The Future Of The G.I. Joe And Transformers Movies". Uproxx. July 21, 2021.
  122. ^ "Crossover between 'Transformers' and 'GI Joe'? Henry Golding thinks "100% possible" [EXCLUSIVE]" (in Portuguese). Cinepop. July 27, 2021.
  123. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (March 25, 2015). "Paramount Enlisting Akiva Goldsman To Ramp Up 'Transformers' Output". Deadline. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  124. ^ "Marvel's Steven S. DeKnight Joins Robert Kirman in Transformers Writers Room". SyFy Wire}. June 9, 2015. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  125. ^ Topel, Fred (August 2, 2017). "Exclusive: Akiva Goldsman is No Longer Involved with 'Transformers'". Slash Film. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  126. ^ Topel, Fred (December 10, 2018). "The Next 'Transformers' Movie Won't Be a Reboot, But It Will Be "Different" [Exclusive]". Slashfilm. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  127. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (September 17, 2015). "'Transformers' Writers Room Wraps: Akiva Goldsman Scripting 'T5', Animated Film By 'Ant-Man' Scribes Barrer & Ferrari". Deadline Hollywood.
  128. ^ Fleming, Mike (April 29, 2020). "Animated 'Transformers' Prequel Activated; 'Toy Story 4's Josh Cooley To Direct For Hasbro/eOne & Paramount". Deadline. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
  129. ^ Foutch, Haleigh (May 23, 2018). "Paramount Officially Pulls the Next 'Transformers' Sequel from Their Release Date Schedule". Collider.
  130. ^ "'Pet Sematary' Producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura on Making Big Changes to Stephen King's Book and the Current Status of 'Snake Eyes,' 'McClane,' and 'Transformers' [Interview]". /Film. April 4, 2019.
  131. ^ Wilding, Josh (September 20, 2021). "TRANSFORMERS Star Josh Duhamel On Possibly Returning To The Franchise As Colonel Lennox (Exclusive)". ComicBookMovie. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  132. ^ Kit, Borys (March 26, 2021). "New 'Transformers' Movie in the Works From 'Charm City King' Filmmaker Angel Manuel Soto (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  133. ^ "Transformers (2007)". Box Office Mojo. December 12, 2012.
  134. ^ "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)". Box Office Mojo. December 12, 2012.
  135. ^ "Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon (2011)". Box Office Mojo. December 12, 2012.
  136. ^ "Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)". Box Office Mojo. July 20, 2014.
  137. ^ "Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)". Box Office Mojo. January 9, 2019.
  138. ^ "Bumblebee (2018)". Box Office Mojo. January 28, 2019.
  139. ^ "Transformers Movies at the Box Office". Box Office Mojo. July 14, 2014.
  140. ^ Stowe, Dusty (June 8, 2017). "Transformers: 15 Most Controversial Things The Movies Have Done". ScreenRant. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  141. ^ Acuna, Kirsten (June 30, 2014). "The Most Annoying Thing About 'Transformers' Is Michael Bay's Fixation On Objectifying Women". Business Insider. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  142. ^ Gemmill, Allie (June 23, 2017). "Here's Our Problem With Women in the Transformers Franchise". SheKnows. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  143. ^ Fischer, Russ (June 25, 2009). "No One Wants To Own Up To Racism In Transformers". /Film. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  144. ^ Suzanne-Mayer, Dominick (June 22, 2017). "An Annotated History of Product Placement in the Transformers Series". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  145. ^ Trendacosta, Katharine (June 15, 2017). "The Completely Bananas History of Transformers on Earth, According to the Movies". io9. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  146. ^ Orquiola, John (December 19, 2018). "Transformers Complete Movie Timeline, From Cybertron To Bumblebee To Michael Bay". ScreenRant. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  147. ^ Schmidt, Sara (June 5, 2017). "Transformers: 15 Things About The Movies That Make No Sense". ScreenRant. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  148. ^ Jump up to: a b "Transformers (2007)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  149. ^ Jump up to: a b "Transformers Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
  150. ^ Ebert, Roger (July 5, 2007). "Bay rocks 'em and socks 'em". Chicago Sun-Times.
  151. ^ Jump up to: a b "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
  152. ^ Jump up to: a b "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
  153. ^ Ebert, Roger (June 29, 2009). "Revenge of the Fallen, all right, if you're thinking Michael Bay". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  154. ^ Travers, Peter (June 24, 2009). "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  155. ^ Holtreman, Vic (June 24, 2009). "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Review | ScreenRant". screenrant.com. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  156. ^ Dargis, Manohla (June 23, 2009). "Shia LaBeouf and Toys Tossing Cars as if They Were, Er, People". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  157. ^ Jump up to: a b "Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  158. ^ Jump up to: a b "Transformers: Dark of the Moon Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
  159. ^ Bradshaw, Peter (June 30, 2011). "Transformers: Dark of the Moon – review". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
  160. ^ (June 28, 2011). "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' - Movie Review". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
  161. ^ Kois, Dan (June 29, 2011). "Destroying Chicago and Our Brain Cells: Transformers is Back | The Village Voice". www.villagevoice.com. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
  162. ^ Hewitt, Chris (March 20, 2009). "Transformers: Dark of the Moon". Empire. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
  163. ^ "Review: 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' not as bad as the last one". www.cnn.com. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
  164. ^ Ebert, Roger (June 28, 2011). "A saga of loud and ugly toys". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  165. ^ Travers, Peter (June 29, 2011). "Transformers: Dark of the Moon". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
  166. ^ Orr, Christopher (June 30, 2011). "'Transformers 3': Sour, Sexist, and Salivary". The Atlantic. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
  167. ^ Jump up to: a b "Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  168. ^ Jump up to: a b "Transformers: Age Of Extinction Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
  169. ^ Jump up to: a b "Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  170. ^ Jump up to: a b "Transformers: The Last Knight Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
  171. ^ "Transformers: Age of Extinction Is Basically a Shambles". Vulture. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  172. ^ Adams, Sam (June 26, 2014). "'Transformers: Age of Extinction' May Be a New, Terrible Kind of Cinema". IndieWire. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  173. ^ Watercutter, Angela (June 27, 2014). "Shockingly, Nothing Makes Sense in Transformers: Age of Extinction". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  174. ^ Brady, Tara. "Transformers: Age of Extinction review: Think rape culture is a myth? Think again". The Irish Times. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  175. ^ Gloudeman, Nikki (July 2, 2014). "Not OK, Michael Bay: Transformers: Age of Extinction Sexually Objectifies an Underage Girl". HuffPost. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  176. ^ Carter, Stephen L. (July 14, 2014). "'Transformers' Rape Joke Gets Even Less Funny". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on December 15, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2021.CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  177. ^ "Family Movie Review: Transformers 5: The Last Knight (PG-13)". Chesapeake Family. June 26, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  178. ^ Grierson, Tim; Critic2017-06-20T23:59:00+01:00, Senior US. "'Transformers: The Last Knight': Review". Screen. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  179. ^ Travers, Peter (June 21, 2017). "'Transformers: The Last Knight' Review: Meet 2017's Most Toxic Movie". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  180. ^ "Transformers: The Last Knight". Time Out Worldwide. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  181. ^ Scotti, Ariel. "'Transformers: The Last Knight' with Mark Wahlberg is cloaked in action and comedy". nydailynews.com. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  182. ^ Gleiberman, Owen (June 20, 2017). "Film Review: 'Transformers: The Last Knight'". Variety. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  183. ^ Desta, Yohana (June 20, 2017). "Transformers: The Last Knight Is a Million God-Awful Movies Crammed Into One". Vanity Fair. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
  184. ^ Orr, Christopher (June 21, 2017). "'Transformers: The Last Knight' Is a Ludicrous Mess". The Atlantic. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  185. ^ Farley, Rebecca (June 21, 2017). "Wait, Is The New "Transformers" Movie Feminist?". Refinery29.com. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  186. ^ Schwartz, Dana (June 28, 2017). "There Has Never Been a Worse Movie Than 'Transformers: The Last Knight'". Marie Claire. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  187. ^ Freer, Ian (June 20, 2017). "Transformers: The Last Knight". Empire. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  188. ^ Jump up to: a b "Bumblebee (2018)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  189. ^ Jump up to: a b "Bumblebee Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
  190. ^ Kenny, Glenn (December 18, 2018). "'Bumblebee' Review: Finally, a 'Transformers' Movie That's Actually Good". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 29, 2019.
  191. ^ Dyer, James (December 9, 2018). "Bumblebee". Empire. Retrieved July 29, 2019.
  192. ^ Lowe, Justin (December 8, 2018). "'Bumblebee': Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 29, 2019.
  193. ^ Fear, David (December 17, 2018). "'Bumblebee' Review: If John Hughes Made a 'Transformers' Movie…". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  194. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f "Cinemascore". cinemascore.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2018. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  195. ^ "'Transformers,' Michael Bay and the sound of awards season [Updated] | Hero Complex | Los Angeles Times". Los Angeles Times. January 18, 2010. Archived from the original on January 18, 2010.
  196. ^ "The History of Transformers on TV". IGN. Retrieved August 16, 2010.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""