Transformers: Rise of the Beasts debuted in theaters only last Friday and has already set off many discussions. If you haven’t seen the film, which has divided critics’ opinions, and do not want any spoilers, now might be a good time to stop reading.
At the end of the film, the human protagonist Noah Diaz returns home to Brooklyn a hero, although the world will never know about his efforts to save humanity. Needing a job, our hero shows up for an interview. He meets a man named Burke to interview for a security job – and here is where things get tricky – but it is actually an interview for a position at the top secret agency known as G. I. Joe.
Imagine our surprise at this twist, especially since Transformers and G. I. Joe have remained independent throughout their cinematic existence.
For many fans, this tease seemed to suggest the start of the Hasbro Cinematic Universe which the company and Paramount have been trying to create for many years.
However, that is not the case. At least, not according to the film’s producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura.
During an interview with GameSpot, di Bonaventura said that the scene is more about expanding the elements present in the Transformers universe than anything else. In our understanding, this means they are trying to lay the groundwork for a crossover just in case they decide to tow that line in the future.
Nevertheless, the Stardust and Jack Ryan producer revealed there are no plans for a crossover just yet and whatever they will do next will depend on how Rise of the Beasts performs at the box office.
In his words, "What we end up doing with G.I. Joe, separately, I don't know at this moment. We tend not to plan things, on purpose. Because one of the aspects of trying to keep it fresh has been the fact that we get to experience the current movie with the audience. And their reaction to it really influences where we go."
If you were hoping that Paramount Pictures has a G. I. Joe film in the works, you would be wrong. When GameSpot asked what the studio’s plans are for that particular I. P., he responded, "I would think we're gonna develop one, but that's not on the immediate horizon, no."
The Pet Sematary alumnus confirmed they already have ideas on what is next for the franchise, although he stressed that nothing is concrete at this point.
He added, "But you know, Primal is such a great character. I can't imagine not doing something with him. Mirage is such a great character. You know, in a sense, Optimus and Bumblebee are Batman and Robin. So, you know, right away, you're starting to form a team. Noah, and Elena, what are they going to do?"
If you watch a lot of movies, the picture di Bonaventura paints will bring to mind another popular franchise namely the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where many of the characters get their films and then come together as a group for super megablockbusters.
The Transformer franchise has already grossed more than $4 billion over its six films so far, minus Rise of the Beasts, despite mostly mixed reviews. This can only mean one thing: that audiences love the franchise. Given this fact, di Bonaventura’s words make sense.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is currently available in theaters worldwide.
