Summary
The Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover has the potential to elevate theTransformerslive-action franchise in more ways than one, but it must avoid repeating one major franchise trend. Although theTransformerslive-action movies are still driving big numbers at the global box office, each new installment in the franchise has been getting diminishing returns. This decline in the franchise’s commercial value demands a change in direction for the overarching narrative.
Fortunately,Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' endingperfectly paves the way for a fresh narrative avenue for the franchise, where it could feature acrossover betweenTransformersandG.I. Joe. This new storytelling path could single-handedly save both toy movie franchises. However, theTransformerslive-action moviesmust tread carefully with their depiction of the Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover because they could end up repeating a strange franchise trend.
Every Autobot In The Live-Action Transformers Movie Franchise
The Autobots are the unequivocal heroes of the live-action Transformers movies, with dozens of members filling their ranks over the two timelines.
Transformers & G.I. Joe Should Not Be Enemies In The Crossover Movie
Portraying The Two Forces As Allies Would Be Simpler
Transformers: Rise of the Beastsperfectly sets the stage for G.I. Joe and Transformers to share the screen in an upcoming live-action installment of the overarching franchise. It portrays how one of the members, Agent Burke, of the secret government organization wants Noah to join forces with them and help them establish peaceful relationships with the Autobots. However, since the true motives behind Agent Burke’s offer remain shrouded in mystery, it is hard not to wonderif G.I. Joe and the Transformers could eventually become enemies in the crossover film.
On paper, an Autobots versus G.I. Joe showdown does not sound too bad since many story beats in the franchise have previously walked through a similar conflict between the two forces. It could capture how interferences and manipulation from third-party forces like the Decepticons and Cobra have led to misunderstandings between the Joes and the Autobots, forcing them to wage war on one another instead of collaborating as a team. However, this showdown would also create several major problems thatcould detract the franchise from the primary appeal of the exciting crossover.
A Transformers Vs. G.I. Joe Movie Has Major Issues To Overcome
Transformers & G.I Joe Are Better Off Being Allies
Since mostTransformerslive-action movies, so far, have primarily revolved around the battle between the good and the evil,pitting two forces from the good side against each other could alienate and confuse audiences. Since viewers have grown to admire both the Autobots and G.I. Joe for the same reasons, they would not know who to root for if the two clash in the crossover film. TheTransformerslive-action franchise has always struggled with bringing out the human side of the central Autobots. Owing to this, portraying the Autobots as antagonists, even temporarily, could further escalate this issue.
…it would make more sense for the potential Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover film to walk through a collaborative effort between the two teams.
Given how the crossover film will still have to portray a bigger threat from antagonists like the Decepticons, Cobra, or Unicron, splitting the focus between the Autobots vs. G.I. Joe conflict and the larger antagonist could diminish the heft of both stories. Therefore, it would make more sense for the potentialTransformers/G.I. Joe crossoverfilm to walk through a collaborative effort between the two teams. As seen in some previous narratives from theTransformersfranchise, a G.I. Joe and Transformers showdown could still work. However, it would not be consistent with the themes of trust and Autobot heroism explored in the other live-action films.
Transformers 8
Transformers 8 is the tentative title for the eighth canonical entry in the sci-fi action movie franchise, and it takes place after the events of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. This film will mark the second out of a trilogy of films that began with Rise of the Beasts.
