While Transformers One is certainly a risky deviation from the franchise’s current model, a film from a similar universe is a good sign for the upcoming Transformers addition. The animated Transformers One has a star-studded cast of characters, including three MCU actors. Despite increasing struggles for the series over the past decade, announcements about the new film have revealed many exciting things to expect from Transformers One, signaling an opportunity for a franchise resurrection.

Transformers One will provide an origin story for the Autobots and delve into Optimus Prime’s intricate past with his nemesis Megatron. While Michael Bay’s blockbusters are largely credited for developing a dedicated fanbase, the upcoming release plans break away from the conventions of the series. Transformers One’s major pivot is a daring move, but the success of a franchise that has recently made a similar shift gives hope for the future of Transformers.

Transformers One Is The First Animated Theatrical Release Since 1986’s Transformers: The Movie

The Return To Animation Is Refreshing In The Age Of Live-Action

The most notable difference between the recent Transformers and Transformers One is the decision to entirely animate the new film, which the series has done since the acclaimed Transformers: The Movie released 38 years ago. Although a new format risks not attracting the current audience, animation allows Transformers to step away from the human stories that have distracted from the defining feature of the franchise: the diverse titular beings. Practical effects cannot create the images needed to focus on larger-than-life figures like Autobots and Decepticons for an entire film, so animation also invites deeper development of the story’s lore.

Transformers One Could Follow In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’s Footsteps To Bring Critical Success Back To The Franchise

The Positive Reception Of A Similar Property Supports Transformers One’s Ambitious Repositioning

Another property that has experimented with both live-action and animated theatrical films is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Although the live-action releases continue to hold negative reputations, the animated 2023 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem has received tremendously positive feedback, holding a strong 95% Rotten Tomatoes score. The unexpected success of Mutant Mayhem demonstrates that animated films still have the potential to outperform their live-action counterparts, even in a time dominated by CGI-heavy action flicks.

While the most recent Transformers: Rise of The Beast is the lowest-grossing Transformers movie yet, the upcoming installment has already shown commitment to reinvigorating the franchise. Transformers viewers can expect an expansion of the lore in a way that has not been attempted in 38 years. Returning to animation with an impressive cast of voice actors, Transformers One is prepared to follow Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’s strategy of transforming the story’s origins.