Introduction to the Transformers Franchise
It was a few years ago that the Transformers franchise last received a significant update. The most recent live-action film, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, performed below average at the box office but ended with a tantalizing tease: a long-awaited crossover between two Hasbro properties, Transformers and G.I. Joe. However, this film is not yet in the works. In fact, continued action behind the scenes at Paramount suggests waiting for an official announcement about the future of the series.
Performance of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts has earned a total of $439 million worldwide, which, although not stellar, is a figure that The Fantastic Four: First Steps can now surpass at the global box office. Produced on a reported budget of $200 million, the Transformers film received mixed reviews upon its release a few years ago. Directed by Steven Caple Jr., who previously worked on the celebrated Creed II, the film sits on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 51%. The consensus among critics is that, thanks to a genuine human drama between set pieces and palpable affection for the title figures, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is one of the more pleasant excursions of the franchise.
Comparison with Other Films
The 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes was an encouraging sign that, unfortunately, did not translate into cash revenue. In total, Rise of the Beasts was better received than the last few Transformers films under Michael Bay‘s term, although the best-received edition remains Travis Knight‘s Bumblebee. Even Bumblebee, which cost much less and was relatively small, grossed over $450 million worldwide. Meanwhile, The Fantastic Four is also underperforming, with a reported budget of over $200 million, marking Marvel’s third underperformer of the year after Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
What makes the underwhelming performance of The Fantastic Four: First Steps all the more puzzling is that it received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. Marvel will likely scratch its head over this for a while. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to be released on July 25, 2025, directed by Matt Shakman, and written by Jeff Kaplan, Josh Friedman, Ian Springer, Eric Pearson, Kat Wood, Jack Kirby, and Stan Lee. The film’s duration is 115 minutes, and its performance at the box office will be closely watched, especially in comparison to other Marvel releases and the Transformers franchise.
Conclusion
As the cinematic universe continues to evolve, franchises like Transformers and Marvel’s properties, including The Fantastic Four, face challenges in captivating audiences and meeting box office expectations. The future of these franchises, including potential crossovers and new film releases, will be shaped by their ability to innovate and resonate with viewers. For now, fans can look forward to The Fantastic Four: First Steps and speculate about the potential for a Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover, hopefully, with more updates to come from both Paramount and Marvel.
