The Transformers franchise is about to get a beastly new installment with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. This upcoming live-action movie will introduce audiences to a whole new set of Autobots and villains rooted in the popular Beast Wars spinoff series.
Introducing the Maximals and Terrorcons
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will feature the Maximals and Terrorcons – robots with beastly alternate forms. The Maximals, led by Optimus Primal, transform into animals like gorillas, cheetahs, and rhinos. They’ll serve as allies to Optimus Prime and the Autobots.
The Terrorcons are the villains, a faction of Predacons led by Scourge who can take the form of deadly predators. Their ranks include characters like Nightstrike (a black panther) and Air Razor (a pterodactyl). The Terrorcons are ruthless and power-hungry, seeking to gain control over Earth’s energon supplies.
When and Where It’s Set
Rise of the Beasts takes place in 1994, several years after the events of 2018’s Bumblebee film. The setting moves from California to New York City. There, we’ll meet Anthony Ramos’ character Noah, an ex-military electronics expert, and Dominique Fishback as Elena, a artifact researcher at the Museum of Natural History.
Noah and Elena find themselves caught up in the ongoing war between the Autobots and Decepticons when the Maximals and Terrorcons arrive on Earth. Their knowledge of ancient artifacts will prove useful as the Transformers uncover more secrets about their past.
New Faces and Old Favorites
Along with Noah and Elena, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will introduce a whole roster of new Autobots and Predacons.Optimus Primal, Rhinox, Airazor, and other Maximals will join the heroic side, while the Predacon Scourge leads the villains.
But some classic Transformers will also be back, including Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. Peter Cullen and Ron Perlman will reprise their voice roles as Optimus and Optimus Primal. Fans can look forward to seeing the two leaders interact as they team up to stop the Terrorcons.
High-Octane Action and Effects
Director Steven Caple Jr. has promised Rise of the Beasts will deliver even bigger action and visual effects than previous Transformers movies. The Maximals and Terrorcons provide opportunities for amazing CGI beast transformations and robot/animal action.
Set pieces will include an explosive battle at the construction site for the Brooklyn Bridge and a climactic showdown at the Statue of Liberty. With exotic global locales and ties to archaeological mysteries, Rise of the Beasts aims to expand the mythology and scope of the Transformers saga.
When You Can See It
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is set for a theatrical release on June 9, 2023. It was originally slated for 2022 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this film and the chance to see the Beast Wars characters realized in live-action.
After the mixed reaction to 2018’s Bumblebee, Rise of the Beasts looks poised to breathe some fresh life into the Transformers movie franchise. With a compelling human story, fan-favorite robots, and stunning set pieces, it has the chance to be the most thrilling Transformers installment yet. Only time will tell if it lives up to that epic potential when it finally hits the big screen.
