Update on the Big "Transformers" x "G.I. Joe" Crossover!

There's a lot going on in the "Transformers" universe: the animated movie "Transformers One" will soon be released in theaters, with sequels already in planning. But what about the live-action series? There have been discussions about expanding "Rise of the Beasts" into a trilogy, for example. But now producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura is speaking out clearly about the future of the franchise.

The next live-action film will be the big crossover between the Transformers and G.I. Joe. And the robots' emotions in particular will play a more important role than before. In an interview with Collider, he said, quote: "We need to do more now from the robot point of view in the live-action because that's the only way you're really going to get inside them."

A major challenge will be the enormous number of characters in the "Transformers x G.I. Joe" film. After all, both series are already packed with characters in their own right. In "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts", it was already hinted that characters such as Noah, played by Anthony Ramos, and Mirage would continue their roles. Likewise, familiar Autobots such as Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, as well as Maximals such as Optimus Primal, could once again play an integral role.

It is still unclear, however, which characters from the "G.I. Joe" universe will be joining them. There are, though, initial reports that Chris Hemsworth will take on a leading role. He would thus remain loyal to the franchise, having already voiced the young Optimus Prime in "Transformers One". In the new movie, however, he is said to be part of "G.I. Joe".

The challenge is surely to do justice to both the Transformers and the Joes, even though they are clearly different in terms of size, strength and abilities. There was already a clash between the characters in the comics back in the 80s.

The director's position for the blockbuster is currently still vacant. The screenplay was written by Derek Connolly, who was previously behind "Pokémon Detective Pikachu" and the "Jurassic World" movies. First, however, we can look forward to the animated spin-off "Transformers One", which opens in theaters on September 20 and has already received extremely positive reviews.

All "Transformers" Films at a Glance

The "Transformers" film series began in 2007 with the first live-action adaptation of Hasbro's popular toy series. Directed by Michael Bay and produced by Steven Spielberg, the movies achieved worldwide fame and spawned a whole series of sequels and spin-offs.

1. Transformers (2007)

The first "Transformers" film brought the conflicts between the Autobots and Decepticons to the big screen. The Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, and the Decepticons, led by Megatron, come to Earth to search for the Allspark, a powerful source of infinite energy. The movie focuses on young human Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), who is accidentally dragged into the war between these two alien machine races. Michael Bay directed an action-packed battle that laid the foundation for the films to come.

2. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

In the sequel "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen", the Autobots and humanity are still recovering from the events of the first movie. However, an even more powerful threat returns: the ancient Decepticon The Fallen, who is planning a vendetta against Earth. Optimus Prime and his Autobots must face another attack by the Decepticons. The film was likewise directed by Michael Bay and enhanced the spectacle with even more special effects and epic battles.

3. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" introduces an alternative history of the moon landing into the plot. The Autobots learn that the spaceship Ark, which had once escaped from their planet Cybertron, has crashed on the moon. It contains the key technology to strengthen the Autobots in the war against the Decepticons. Meanwhile, Megatron plans to use this technology to transport Cybertron to Earth. The cinematic battles reach new heights in this sequel, especially with the epic battle in Chicago.

4. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

"Transformers: Age of Extinction" introduces new characters, including Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg), an inventor who accidentally stumbles upon a deactivated Optimus Prime. Humanity has turned against the Transformers after the recent conflicts, and a secret government force is hunting down the remaining Autobots. Meanwhile, the alien menace Lockdown emerges, hunting Optimus Prime to bring him back to his creator. New Transformers, including the legendary Dinobots, are introduced in the movie.

5. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)

In "Transformers: The Last Knight", the story of the Transformers is extended further into the past by focusing on their connection to the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Optimus Prime has disappeared and the Earth is once again under threat from the Decepticons. Cade Yeager, along with Oxford professor Viviane Wembly, attempts to uncover the truth behind the Transformers and their history on Earth.

6. Bumblebee (2018)

"Bumblebee" focuses on the popular yellow Autobot Bumblebee and is set in the 1980s. The plot shows how Bumblebee goes into hiding in the US after being sent by Optimus Prime to protect the Earth. He befriends teenager Charlie Watson (Hailee Steinfeld) as they fight together against the Decepticon hunt. "Bumblebee" was directed by Travis Knight and brought a breath of fresh air to the series by focusing on a more emotional and personal story.

7. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)

"Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" introduces new factions such as the Maximals, Predacons and Terrorcons involved in a war on Earth. The story is set in the 1990s and brings characters from the popular animated series "Beast Wars" into the live-action universe of the "Transformers" movies. The movie expands the universe and brings new dimensions to the decades-long battle between Autobots and Decepticons.