As the franchise eyes multiple new directions to proceed, Ron Perlman opens up about the future forTransformers: Rise of the Beasts' Optimus Primal. Perlman debuted as the leader ofthe Maximal race of Transformersin the 2023 movie, which was the second in the prequel timeline followingBumblebeeand saw the Autobots teaming with the Maximals to prevent the villainous Terrorcons from getting their hands on a key that can open a wormhole for Unicron to destroy Earth. Though underperforming critically and commercially, Paramount is moving forward with multiple newTransformersmovies, including a sequel toRise of the Beasts.
During a recent interview withScreen Rantto discuss his new horror-thrillerSuccubus, Perlman was asked if there had been conversations for him to reprise his role as Optimus Primal in theTransformersfranchise. TheRise of the Beastsstar affirmed he hasn’t “heard a word”, recalling the trajectory of the 2023 movie having changed during production, resulting in his curiosity about whether he’d be back:
I haven’t heard a word. While we were making the movie, we all knew that we were part of a storied franchise, and wondered whether we were going to — there was a bit of a departure in this particular one, and went in a couple of different directions. We all wondered whether that was going to parlay itself into some future visitation. But, no, I can’t make any news with you today.
Despite being unable to “make any news with you today”,Perlman did express an openness to reprising his role in a futureTransformersmovie, recalling the enjoyment he got from playing the leader of the Maximals in the most recent franchise installment:
I dug being the gorilla with the green eyes. If I have to go be him again, I would definitely run that walk.
What This Means For Optimus Primal’s Transformers Future
There’s Still Plenty Of Room For Perlman To Return
The fact Perlman hasn’t heard word about Optimus Primal’s potential return to theTransformersfranchise may not come as much of a surprise, given Paramount and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura are still gathering their plans for the franchise’s future. At the time of writing,there are two more confirmedTransformersmovies to be in the works, the first of which is a live-action spinoff fromBlue Beetledirector Ángel Manuel Soto, and the other beingaTransformersandG.I. Joecrossover movie, while others remain in unclear states of development. See below a chart of the previously reported movies coming up in the franchise:
Ordered in March 2021, no updates since.
Untitled Transformers 8/Rise of the Beasts 2
Paramount confirmed development in early 2023, Steven Caple Jr. entered talks to direct in June 2023.
Untitled Transformers 9/Rise of the Beasts 3
Paramount confirmed development in early 2023.
Untitled Transformers & G.I. Joe Crossover
Confirmed by Paramount in April 2024, Derek Connolly attached to write, Chris Hemsworth in talks to star.
Untitled Transformers One Sequel
Not yet greenlit, di Bonaventura & director Josh Cooley have plans for trilogy.
Untitled Transformers One Threequel
With so many options for Perlman to return, though,the door is certainly wide open for more Optimus Primal in theTransformersfranchise. The character did, ultimately, surviveRise of the Beasts' ending fightagainst the Terrorcons, and with two direct sequels expected to be in the works for the 2023 movie, his and the other Maximals' appearances seem likely in these follow-ups, particularly as they can help explain why they’re not mentioned in Michael Bay’s original series of movies.
Our Take On Optimus Primal’s Transformers Future
He Shouldn’t Be Limited To Rise Of The Beasts Sequels
While theRise of the Beastssequels seem the most likely spot for their returns, there are a wealth of other options forthe Maximals' future in theTransformersfranchiseI think would be just as exciting to see. One of the best options for them is to geta solo movie exploring their early years on Earth, as it’s mentioned in the 2023 movie that they have been in hiding on the planet for millennia. Though their primary reason for hiding was to protect the Transwarp Key from the Terrorcons, I think it would be interesting to see if their interactions with early humanity also partially led to their hiding.
8 Transformers Sequels & Spinoffs Rise of the Beasts Sets Up
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts sets up multiple sequels and spinoffs that expand the franchise and Hasbro’s potential cinematic universe plans.
The other best option for the Maximals' future afterTransformers: Rise of the Beastswould be a crossover with the newTransformers Onefranchise. The characters were first introduced in the child-orientedBeast Warstoylines and shows, and as such are perfect to be included in the animated prequel storyline should di Bonaventura and director Josh Cooley’s plans for a trilogy come to fruition. GivenTransformers Oneis also now the best-reviewed installmentin the franchise, it will now come down to its box office performance on whether these sequels will happen.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
Cast
Returning to the action and spectacle that first captured moviegoers around the world 14 years ago with the original Transformers, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure and introduce the Maximals, Predacons, and Terrorcons to the existing battle on earth between Autobots and Decepticons. Many designs will share similarities to Transformers: Beast Wars, a popular CG Animated series from the 90s centered around animal morphing transformers based on the original characters from the classic series.
