Paramount and Hasbro Entertainment’s latest release, Transformers One, is already making waves at the box office. The animated prequel has earned $3.36 million from Thursday previews, setting the stage for a strong debut weekend. As the first fully animated film in the Transformers franchise since 1986, this movie is expected to generate between $30 million and $40 million in its opening weekend, positioning it to outperform Warner Bros.’ Beetlejuice 2, which has dominated the box office for the past two weeks.
‘Transformers One’ Takes on the Box Office
Transformers One, directed by Josh Cooley (Toy Story 4), offers a fresh and family-friendly take on the beloved Transformers series. The film tells the origin story of two iconic characters, Optimus Prime and Megatron, before they became sworn enemies and leaders of the Autobots and Decepticons, respectively. In this reboot, Optimus Prime is known as Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth), while Megatron is D-16 (voiced by Brian Tyree Henry). Both characters begin as miners on their home planet, Cybertron, working side by side before their fateful divide.
The movie has received positive reviews, and its well-received new take on a fan-favorite IP is expected to help it achieve profitability, especially with a relatively modest $75 million budget. This refreshing spin on Transformers lore, along with a star-studded voice cast, is helping to build significant anticipation for the film.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Cybertron to Life
One of the standout aspects of Transformers One is its impressive voice cast, featuring some of Hollywood’s most recognizable names. Chris Hemsworth, known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, takes on the character of a young Optimus Prime (Orion Pax), while Brian Tyree Henry brings his acclaimed acting chops to the role of Megatron (D-16).
The cast also includes:
- Scarlett Johansson as Elita-1, another key figure in the Transformers universe
- Keegan-Michael Key as B-127, who would later become the beloved hero Bumblebee
- Steve Buscemi as Starscream, known for his treacherous role among the Decepticons
- Laurence Fishburne as Alpha Trion, a mentor to the young Optimus Prime
- Jon Hamm as Sentinel Prime, a leader of the Autobots before Optimus Prime takes the reins
With such a talented ensemble, the film brings depth and nuance to its animated characters, further immersing viewers into the epic origins of the Autobots and Decepticons.
Competing Against ‘Beetlejuice 2’
In what promises to be a competitive weekend at the box office, Transformers One will be up against Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice 2. The sequel to the 1988 cult classic has been a box office hit for two consecutive weeks and is expected to bring in an additional $25 million in its third weekend. However, Transformers One is forecasted to take the box office crown, with its $30 million to $40 million opening.
The two films represent a nostalgic return to iconic 1980s franchises, but Transformers One stands out with its fully animated format and a fresh story arc aimed at both new viewers and long-time fans of the franchise.
‘Never Let Go’ Also Debuts This Weekend
Another notable release this weekend is Lionsgate’s Never Let Go, a survival thriller starring Halle Berry. The film, which centers on an intense survival scenario, is expected to earn between $4 million and $6 million in its opening weekend. It earned $360,000 during Thursday previews, which is a more modest figure compared to Transformers One but still significant for the thriller genre.
Conclusion: Can ‘Transformers One’ Lead the Box Office?
With a strong preview night and a talented cast, Transformers One is poised to lead the box office this weekend. The film’s expected $30 million to $40 million debut could push it ahead of Beetlejuice 2, ending its two-week reign. Additionally, the animated format, star power, and unique origin story of two iconic Transformers characters make this film a must-watch for families and fans alike.
As the Transformers franchise returns to its animated roots, Transformers One promises to deliver an exciting new chapter in the saga of Cybertron, offering a fresh take that could attract both loyal fans and a new generation of viewers. For anyone excited about the future of the Transformers universe, this film is set to be a box office hit.
Fact Check Information:
- Josh Cooley: Director of Transformers One and previously directed Toy Story 4.
- Chris Hemsworth: Plays the role of young Optimus Prime (Orion Pax). He is best known for playing Thor in the Marvel films.
- Brian Tyree Henry: Stars as the young Megatron (D-16). He has appeared in films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Bullet Train.
- Film Budget: Transformers One had a production budget of $75 million.
- Beetlejuice 2: Directed by Tim Burton, a sequel to the original 1988 film starring Michael Keaton.
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