Mind-Blowing Transformations: Bumblebee Complaints Shaping the Epicness of Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts

Summary

Negative feedback from fans about the scale and lack of explosive action in Bumblebee shaped the creative approach to Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.

Bumblebee stands out as the most character-focused film in the franchise thus far, even though it generated lower box office revenue compared to its predecessors. However, it received highly positive reviews. On the other hand, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts received a mixed response and is now considered the lowest-grossing movie within the franchise. This indicates that the film may have benefited from embracing the unique qualities that made Bumblebee refreshing.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Mark Vahradian discuss how criticism of Bumblebee influenced the newest sequel. Directed by Steven Caple Jr., the latest installment in the Transformers series adapts the beloved Beast Wars narrative. Following the success of the character-focused Bumblebee film in 2018, featuring Hailee Steinfeld, this new entry aims to build upon that foundation.

In the Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Blu-ray special features, Bonaventura and Vahradian disclose that feedback on Bumblebee influenced the direction of the new movie. The producers acknowledged the need to heighten the stakes and include more action. See their comments below:

Bonaventura: "An interesting aspect of 'Bumblebee' was that, while the film received considerable love from the audience, many fans expressed dissatisfaction with its scale. It deliberately maintained an intimate feel, but a significant number of viewers yearned for more explosions and spectacle."

Did Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts Take The Right Approach?

The Michael Bay Transformers movies did not receive critical acclaim, with the 2007 original being his highest-rated installment. Although the movies were generally well-received by audiences, the release of Transformers: The Last Knight indicated that fatigue was beginning to affect the franchise. However, in 2018, Bumblebee was released, revitalizing the franchise and bringing a breath of fresh air.

Director Travis Knight's Bumblebee has received the highest rating in the franchise, an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie stands out with its focus on character development, particularly with Steinfeld's captivating portrayal of Charlie. However, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts takes a different approach by introducing new characters and attempting to blend the styles of Bay and Knight.

Unfortunately, the result falls short of delivering a story as compelling as Bumblebee's. Additionally, commercially, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts has not performed as well as its predecessor, marking a new low for the franchise's box office earnings. While the movie offers interesting ideas, characters, and action sequences, it may have been more successful by following Bumblebee's lead instead of veering off course.

Source: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Special Features (via Slash Film)