The "Transformers" franchise is expanding. After critics raved about "Bumblebee," which arrived in theaters this December, Paramount is reportedly planning another spinoff that might focus on Optimus Prime. What's more, the sequel to "Bumblebee" may also be in development, especially after the movie received mostly positive reviews.
Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura told Metro that they are trying to figure out an Optimus Prime solo movie. He admitted, however, that a spinoff featuring the Autobots leader could be challenging because Optimus hardly says anything and he likened the character to Obi-Wan Kenobi from "Star Wars," whose presence in the franchise was rather passive.
But this was not the first time di Bonaventura talked about doing an Optimus Prime spinoff. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly last summer, the producer also said that a solo movie about this particular robotic superhero would be "interesting and different," but Paramount would still have to see how "Bumblebee" with Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena delivers at the box office.
Early returns for the performance of "Bumblebee" at the domestic box office have been decent at $40.5 million just one week after the movie's release. It is performing better in China with a projected $70 million, but then again, the movie had a $135 million production budget.
But even as the numbers are short, "Bumblebee" has won with critics. No other movie from the "Transformers" franchise received so many positive reviews than this film. Thus, a potential spinoff might not be farfetched.
"Bumblebee" writer Christina Hodson also told Metro that she has been hatching the storyline for the sequel. She has also told Paramount she's ready to develop the new installment if the studio decides to push through with the project.
Even "Bumblebee" director Travis Knight is raring to do part two of the movie. He told Cinemablend that he's been thinking of scenarios and ideas in his head with regards Charlie (Steinfeld) and the Bumblebee, so he hopes he'll be able to do more in the next film.
Steinfeld, on the other hand, told The Hollywood Reporter that if the fans of the franchise love "Bumblebee" then she'll get back to work for the sequel. However, she has yet to sign a contract for the next movie with Paramount.
Meanwhile, Di Bonaventura also confirmed that there is another "Transformers" spinoff in the works. The movie will delve on the mythology of the Cybertrons, but it will be an animated offering and not a live-action production.
"Bumblebee" is still running in theaters everywhere. The movie also stars Pamela Adlon, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Jason Drucker, and John Ortiz.
