A shocking update about the Transformers franchise proves that the live-action movies are struggling to start a new era. After several successful animated shows were released in the 1980s and 90s, the franchise has become more popular than ever due to the live-action Transformers movies, which began back in 2007.

This renewed interest in the franchise was largely thanks to Michael Bay, who directed the first five live-action Transformers films. However, after 2017’s Transformers: The Last Knight was a critical and commercial disappointment, Bay stepped down as director. Ever since, Paramount has been trying to usher in a new era of the franchise.

However, it was recently announced that Michael Bay is making a new Transformers movie. While not many details are known about Bay’s upcoming film, this surprising update could complicate the Transformers timeline even more. This update also confirms that Paramount is trying to revert back to the previous era of the Transformers franchise after some recent struggles.

Transformers Has Struggled Without Michael Bay

Is The Transformers Franchise Going Downhill?

After The Last Knight, which earned $602 million at the worldwide box office (via The Numbers), it seemed like it was best for the Transformers franchise to move away from Bay. While the divisive director has continued to serve as an executive producer for the most recent live-action Transformers films, the franchise has tried to pave a new path forward.

Unfortunately, as seen in the table above, Bumblebee and Rise of the Beasts are the lowest-earning live-action Transformers films ever. These two movies tried to separate themselves from Bay’s films by establishing a new timeline, but this has made the whole franchise very confusing and hard to follow for audiences.

Since Paramount never committed to a complete reboot after the Bay era, the two most recent live-action Transformers films have struggled to find an audience. By remaining somewhat connected, they don’t appease fans who didn’t like Bay’s movies, but also don’t fully satisfy those who have wanted the director back for years. Therefore, it’s been clear for a while that Paramount needs to rethink its strategy for the Transformers franchise.

Michael Bay’s Return Proves Transformers Needs Him To Succeed

Can The Transformers Franchise Make A Major Comeback At The Box Office?

Now that Bay is set to return to the Transformers franchise, it’s possible that the director will lead it back to box office glory. After all, two of the Transformers movies that were directed by Bay made over $1 billion. Therefore, bringing Bay back may have been the best option for Paramount.

However, it needs to be noted that, according to the report, Bay is the one who approached Paramount about returning to direct another Transformers movie. This detail proves that this option wasn’t necessarily on Paramount’s radar, even though it will likely earn the studio a good chunk of money.

Bay’s 2022 film Ambulance underperformed at the box office and his 2019 Netflix movie 6 Underground was bashed by critics. Therefore, it’s clear that Bay’s career hasn’t necessarily been thriving since Transformers: The Last Knight. Therefore, Bay returning to direct another Transformers movie could be mutually beneficial to both parties, and could finally generate some much-needed excitement for the franchise.

Will Transformers Return To Box Office Glory With Michael Bay?

There Will Be A Lot Of Hype For Bay’s New Transformers Movie

It would be unfair to claim that Paramount has completely mishandled the franchise since Bay’s departure. The 2024 animated movie Transformers One was incredible, making it even more disappointing that it won’t get a sequel. Additionally, there is some hype for the upcoming Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover movie, which was teased at the end of Rise of the Beasts.

However, despite the studio’s best efforts, Paramount hasn’t been able to convince audiences to watch the most recent Transformers movies in theaters. Since his movies have generated huge numbers before, Bay could be the one to finally return the franchise to box office glory.

Obviously, there was some Bayverse fatigue by the time The Last Knight was released, which is exactly why it underperformed. However, since many believed Bay would never direct another movie in the franchise, there will be a lot of hype for his Transformers return. Therefore, it’s possible that Bay’s upcoming Transformers movie will make $1 billion, echoing the success of his earlier films in the franchise.

What Else The Future May Hold For Transformers

The Transformers Franchise Needs Some Major Hits In The Coming Years

Bay’s upcoming movie is not the only Transformers film that is in development. The aforementioned Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover recently cast Chris Hemsworth and could be released as early as next year. Therefore, there is clearly a lot to be excited about in the Transformers franchise.

Even though audiences didn’t necessarily rush to theaters to see Rise of the Beasts, this upcoming crossover movie could reinvigorate both the Transformers and G.I. Joe franchises on the big screen. Not many details are known about the movie, but it is bound to be an extremely entertaining action film which will feature some fan-favorite characters.

This crossover movie and Bay’s upcoming film could both be huge successes for Paramount and finally return the Transformers franchise to its former glory. After these promising movies, it’s likely that Paramount will want to make several more films in the franchise. Therefore, eight years after The Last Knight, hopefully it’s finally time for an exciting new era for the Transformers franchise to begin.