The seventh installment in the Transformers franchise is in the works. Here is everything we know about Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
Autobots, roll out! The next installment of Paramount’s Transformers film series is on the way, as Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is set to hit theaters next summer.
The seventh installment in the film series, Rise of the Beasts, is a sequel to 2018’s Bumblebee based primarily on the franchise’s Beast Wars storyline. The Transformers franchise has seen success at the box office, though that did not translate into critical success. Bumblebee was the first film in the series to receive an overall positive critical reaction, and so the studio is likely capitalizing on what worked there for this newest installment. It’s clear that Paramount is not backing away from this franchise anytime soon.
With that in mind, let’s look at everything we know about Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. Will any cast members from previous films return, and who will be joining them? What can we expect from the storyline? When and where can we see the movie when it is released? And what else should audiences know about Transformers: Rise of the Beasts?
As mentioned, Bumblebee was the best critically received film in the franchise. This was partly due to its setting in the 1980s, with critics lauding the nostalgic feel. Rise of the Beasts will be set in Brooklyn in 1994, likely attempting to recapture what worked in Bumblebee. The film will reportedly introduce characters from past animated series, such as the original 1984 series and the ‘90s Beast Wars show, to the film franchise. We can expect to see the Maximals, Predacons, and Terrorcons all take part in the long-running battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. While the Decepticons will still play a role, it looks as though the Terrorcons will be the new primary villains.
During an event to promote the film, producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura was quoted as saying:
"We get to pair everybody up against each other. So it becomes a grand finale epic Transformers experience. When (the Terrorcons) disrupt our movie, you're going to feel it. But it's really Terrorcons who are the leading villains.”
Fans can rest assured that the classic Autobots will be back despite the new villains. Optimus Prime and Bumblebee return, the latter of which appearing as an off-road Chevrolet Camaro for the first time. Arcee, who first appeared in the film Bumblebee, will reportedly play a larger role here.
RELATED: New Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Poster Unveiled at Hasbro Ignite Amid Other Details
While primarily set in Brooklyn, the film will also travel to Machu Picchu in Peru. We can reasonably expect that the iconic ancient city will play some role in the lore of the Transformers race. While we have a general idea of which Transformers we can expect to see in the film and how they interact, we do not have many plot specifics yet. More details will likely be revealed as we approach closer to the release date.
As of this writing, none of the human characters from the previous films will be returning. One name that we know for sure is coming back is Peter Cullen, voice actor for Optimus Prime. Cullen has lent his voice to the Autobot leader since the original 1984 animated series, reprising the role in numerous follow-up series and all six previous live-action films. Di Bonaventura said that getting Cullen to reprise his role was a must. "There was no discussion without him. Peter's aboard." Also, while we know that other Autobots like Bumblebee will return, there are not yet confirmed voice actors for them.
RELATED: New Optimus Prime Image Rolls in as Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Wraps Filming
Set to join the voice cast is Ron Perlman as Optimus Primal, the leader of the Maximals and counterpart of Optimus Prime. Primal is described as a brave and honorable warrior who will do whatever it takes to win the fight and protect his friends. More Maximals, such as Rhinox, Cheetor, and Airazor, are expected to appear, though no actors are attached to them yet.
The human cast will be led by Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback. Ramos will portray Noah, an electronics wizard, and former military member. Fishback is playing Elena, a researcher at a museum who is trying to get a leg up in her career. Ramos and Fishback will be joined in the live-action cast by Luna Lauren Velez and Tobe Nwigwe. At this point, their characters and storylines are still unknown. We can likely expect further announcements of live-action cast members and voice actors of confirmed Transformers in the coming months leading up to the release.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will be released in the United States on June 9, 2023. Rise of the Beasts is also set to be the first installment of a new trilogy, so we can expect at least two additional Transformers films to follow in the coming years. Transformers are still a big draw for Paramount, and they are showing no signs of slowing down with the iconic franchise.