Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is an upcoming American science fiction action film based on the Transformers toyline and primarily influenced by the Beast Wars storyline. It is the seventh installment of the live-action Transformers film series and a sequel to Bumblebee (2018).[3] Directed by Steven Caple Jr., from a screenplay by Darnell Metayer and Josh Peters, and a story by Joby Harold, the film stars Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback and Luna Lauren Vélez. The film will center around Optimus Prime in 1994 in Brooklyn, New York City and parts of Peru; such as Machu Picchu, Cusco, and San MartÃn.[4] The project is a joint-venture production between eOne and Paramount Pictures.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is scheduled to be released in the United States on June 24, 2022.
In the year 1994, two humans from Brooklyn partner with the Autobots as they come into an ancient conflict that ties in with three factions of Transformers.[5]
Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobot resistance, who transforms into a 1987 Freightliner FLA semi truck[9]
Bumblebee, an Autobot scout who transforms into a modified yellow and black second generation 1970s Classic Chevrolet Camaro with all-terrain extensions.[10]
Mirage, an Autobot who transforms into a silver-blue Porsche 964[10]
Arcee, an Autobot who transforms into a Ducati 916 motorcycle.[10]
In December 2018, when asked about the future of the Transformers franchise, producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura stated that "another big Transformers movie" would be produced and that it would be "different than the ones that we've done before". He described the process as more of an "evolution", saying that there is more freedom to create and what they can do with it. After the success of Bumblebee, he acknowledged that the series will make some changes in tone and style, inspired by the film.[11]
Director Travis Knight said his goal was to return to his animation studio Laika,[12] though he acknowledged that he has a few ideas for a Bumblebee sequel.[13] John Cena expressed interest in reprising his role in a sequel.[14] Writer Christina Hodson said that "[she] knows where [she wants] to go with the next one".[15] In late January 2019, a sequel was announced, due to the film's international box office performance.[16] In March, di Bonaventura confirmed they were developing a script for a Bumblebee sequel.[17]
In January 2020, Paramount was reportedly working on two different Transformers films, one written by James Vanderbilt and another written by Joby Harold.[18] In November, Steven Caple Jr. was hired to direct Harold's script.[19] On February, it was revealed that the film was going under the working title Transformers: Beast Alliance, hinting the introduction of characters from the Beast Wars franchise.[20] During a virtual event held by Paramount in June, di Bonaventura and Caple revealed the official title as Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,[3] and confirming that it would feature the Terrorcons, the Maximals, and the Predacons.[1] The visual effects for the Beast Wars characters will be provided by the Moving Picture Company.[21] The film's tone and action were heavily influenced by Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991).[22]