The highly anticipated animated prequel, Transformers One, hit the screens on September 20, 2024, reigniting the excitement of fans of the Transformers franchise. Directed by Josh Cooley, the film explores the origins of some of the most iconic characters in the Transformers universe, including Optimus Prime and Megatron, and delves into their backstory on Cybertron. Here’s a look at its box office collection, cast, previous sequels, and critics’ reviews.
Movie Budget: $75 million
Box Office Collection
Transformers One had a strong opening day, grossing $9.7 million at the U.S. box office on Friday, including $3.36 million from Thursday previews. Despite early projections of earning over $30 million for the opening weekend, the film is expected to settle for around $26 million.
While modest, the film’s performance in India reflects the franchise’s global fan base, with Transformers One earning ₹0.85 crore on its first day. While it isn’t a blockbuster hit in the Indian market, the film has managed to capture the attention of die-hard fans of the series.
| Day | Box Office Collection (USA domestic) |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | $9.66 million |
| Day 2 | $9.5 million |
| Day 3 | $8.2 million |
| Day 4 | $6.3 million |
| Day 5 | $1.2 million |
| Day 6 | $2 million |
| Day 7 | $1.1 million |
| Day 8 | $0.8 million |
| Day 9 | $2.2 million |
| Day 10 | $4.4 million |
| Total | $45.36 million |
The movie was expected to hit between $30 million and $40 million in its opening weekend, but it grossed $71.8 million worldwide as per the-numbers.com, influenced by family audience turnout and competition from other films like Beetlejuice.
Cast
The voice cast for Transformers One features an impressive lineup of Hollywood stars, adding gravitas and excitement to this animated prequel:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Chris Hemsworth | Optimus Prime (Orion Pax) |
| Brian Tyree Henry | Megatron (D-16) |
| Scarlett Johansson | Elita One |
| Keegan-Michael Key | Bumblebee (B-127) |
| Jon Hamm | Sentinel Prime |
| Laurence Fishburne | Alpha Trion |
This star-studded cast breathes new life into these beloved characters, particularly Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime, portraying him as a younger, more idealistic version of the leader we know today.
Previous Sequels
The Transformers franchise has seen a long list of successful movies, beginning with the live-action films and more recently with the animated spin-off Bumblebee. Here’s a brief overview of key Transformers films that paved the way for Transformers One:
- Transformers (2007): The first live-action movie introduced audiences to the Autobots and Decepticons, becoming a massive box office success.
- Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009): The sequel expanded the universe and further developed the characters, though it received mixed reviews.
- Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011): A major hit with impressive action sequences, this installment cemented the franchise’s global popularity.
- Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014): Introduced new characters and continued the franchise’s run, though it divided critics.
- Transformers: The Last Knight (2017): Explored the deeper mythology of the Transformers and their historical connection to Earth.
- Bumblebee (2018): A soft reboot that focused on a smaller story and earned critical acclaim for its heartwarming narrative and character-driven approach.
Transformers One serves as a prequel, set on Cybertron, and explores the origins of the conflict between Optimus Prime and Megatron, adding a fresh perspective to the long-running saga.
Critics Reviews
The early reviews for Transformers One have been mostly positive, especially for its bold new direction in storytelling. While some have praised its animation and character development, others feel that it didn’t stray far enough from the typical Transformers formula.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88% (Critic score)
- Metacritic: 62/100
- Times of India: 3/5
Critics have commended director Josh Cooley for bringing emotional depth and a compelling backstory to the iconic rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron. The film’s exploration of friendship, betrayal, and the rise of a civil war on Cybertron has been well received. However, some critics have noted that while the film offers a fresh take, it still adheres to familiar tropes and fan service, leaving room for more daring storytelling.
Positive Points:
- Strong voice cast
- Emotional backstory
- Engaging visuals and animation
Negative Points:
- Familiar story arcs
- Lacks deeper innovation beyond its prequel setting
Final Thoughts
Transformers One is a solid entry into the Transformers universe, offering fans an exciting glimpse into the origins of the characters they’ve loved for years. With a decent box office performance, especially in its first weekend, the film is likely to draw both die-hard fans and younger audiences alike. While it may not break new ground entirely, it successfully revitalizes the franchise by introducing a fresh narrative and a stellar voice cast.
Stay tuned for further updates on the box office collection as the movie continues its theatrical run!
