Transformers: Rise of the Beasts marks a major shift for the franchise, expanding the Transformers universe beyond Autobots and Decepticons while laying groundwork for an even larger cinematic crossover. Set in the 1990s, the film acts as both a sequel to Bumblebee (2018) and a soft reboot of the series.
Detailed Summary
Opening: The Fall of the Maximals
The film opens on the home planet of the Maximals, advanced Transformers who can transform into animals. They are under attack by Unicron, a planet-devouring cosmic entity. His herald, Scourge, leads an invasion to obtain the Transwarp Key, a device capable of opening portals across space and time.
Despite a brave defense led by Apelinq, the Maximals fail to protect their world. The remaining survivors escape to Earth, hiding the Transwarp Key to prevent Unicron from reaching the planet.
Earth, 1994: Noah and Elena
The story shifts to Brooklyn in 1994. Noah Diaz, a former military electronics expert struggling to support his family, becomes entangled with the Autobots after attempting to steal a Porsche that turns out to be Mirage.
Meanwhile, Elena Wallace, a museum intern, accidentally activates an ancient artifact linked to the Maximals, drawing the attention of both Autobots and Terrorcons.
Autobots vs Terrorcons
Optimus Prime and the Autobots learn that Scourge has arrived on Earth to retrieve the Transwarp Key. Unlike previous villains, Scourge is ruthless, silent, and terrifyingly efficient, having already killed many Transformers across the galaxy.
A major battle erupts in New York, where Bumblebee is seemingly killed, raising the emotional stakes and pushing Optimus Prime into a darker, more aggressive mindset.
Journey to Peru
Clues lead the heroes to Peru, where the Maximals have been hiding for centuries. The Autobots meet Optimus Primal, Airazor, Rhinox, and Cheetor, learning the true scale of the threat Unicron poses.
The film emphasizes themes of legacy, sacrifice, and coexistence, as humans and Transformers must trust one another to save Earth.
Betrayal and Loss
Scourge captures Airazor and corrupts her with dark energy, forcing Optimus Primal to make a devastating choice. This moment reinforces how high the stakes are and how Unicron’s influence destroys even the noblest beings.
Movie Ending
The final battle takes place at an ancient Maximal site in Peru, where the second half of the Transwarp Key is hidden. Scourge successfully assembles the device, opening a massive portal in the sky that begins pulling Earth toward Unicron, whose colossal mechanical form becomes visible in space.
Optimus Prime, initially tempted by Unicron’s offer to restore Cybertron, rejects him, fully embracing Earth as a home worth protecting. This marks a crucial evolution in Prime’s character, transforming him from a reluctant leader into a true guardian of humanity.
Noah dons a prototype exo-suit built from Mirage’s remains and fights alongside the Autobots, proving that humans can stand shoulder to shoulder with Transformers. Bumblebee unexpectedly returns, having survived and been repaired, turning the tide of battle.
Optimus Prime kills Scourge in a brutal and decisive confrontation, destroying the Transwarp Key and severing Unicron’s connection to Earth. However, Unicron is not destroyed, only banished, making it clear he remains an existential threat for future films.
The Autobots and Maximals decide to stay on Earth together. Optimus Prime delivers a final message to unseen Autobots across the universe, signaling that Earth is now under their protection.
The film ends with Noah being recruited into a secret organization revealed to be G.I. Joe, directly setting up a crossover and expanding the franchise into a shared cinematic universe.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
There is no mid-credits or post-credits scene, but the G.I. Joe reveal occurs just before the credits, functioning as the movie’s franchise-expanding tease.
Type of Movie
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is a science-fiction action blockbuster with strong elements of adventure and mythology, blending large-scale robot combat with character-driven storytelling and world-building.
Cast
- Anthony Ramos – Noah Diaz
- Dominique Fishback – Elena Wallace
- Peter Cullen – Optimus Prime (voice)
- Ron Perlman – Optimus Primal (voice)
- Pete Davidson – Mirage (voice)
- Michelle Yeoh – Airazor (voice)
- Peter Dinklage – Scourge (voice)
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Jongnic Bontemps, blending orchestral themes with 90s-inspired beats. The soundtrack prominently features hip-hop classics, grounding the film firmly in its 1994 setting.
Filming Locations
- New York City, USA – Used for urban action scenes, reinforcing the human-scale impact of Transformer battles
- Peru (Cusco and Machu Picchu-inspired locations) – Provided ancient, mystical environments that connect the Maximals to Earth’s history
- Montreal, Canada – Served as a major production hub for controlled action and VFX-heavy scenes
These locations help contrast modern civilization with ancient mythology, a key thematic element of the film.
Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for Best Visual Effects at several technical and critics’ awards
- Recognized by fan-voted awards for action and sci-fi entertainment
While not an awards juggernaut, the film was praised for its improved character focus and creature designs.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Director Steven Caple Jr. aimed to make the Transformers feel larger, heavier, and more physical than in previous films
- Ron Perlman recorded Optimus Primal’s dialogue with minimal effects to preserve emotional weight
- Practical reference suits were used extensively to improve CGI realism
- The Maximals’ animal movements were studied from real wildlife footage
Inspirations and References
- Inspired by the “Beast Wars” animated series
- Visual and narrative influence from Bumblebee (2018)
- Mythological elements drawn from Mesoamerican culture
- The concept of Unicron echoes classic cosmic horror tropes
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- Early drafts featured Unicron partially entering Earth’s atmosphere
- A longer epilogue explored the Autobots integrating into human society
- Deleted scenes expanded Bumblebee’s recovery arc
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is not a direct adaptation of a single book but draws heavily from Transformers lore. Unlike Beast Wars, the Maximals here coexist with Autobots rather than replacing them, creating a unified continuity.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Optimus Prime confronting Unicron through the portal
- Bumblebee’s return during the final battle
- Noah fighting Scourge in the exo-suit
Iconic Quotes
- “This planet is under my protection.” – Optimus Prime
- “I’m nobody… but today, I fight.” – Noah Diaz
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Mirage transforms into a Porsche 911, a nod to Generation 1 designs
- Unicron’s design subtly mirrors his 1986 animated appearance
- G.I. Joe logos are hidden in early government scenes
- Maximal symbols appear on ancient stone carvings
Trivia
- This is the first live-action Transformers film to feature Maximals
- Set entirely before the events of the Michael Bay films
- Pete Davidson improvised several Mirage lines
- Bumblebee’s Camaro form is intentionally absent until later films
Why Watch?
If you want a more character-driven Transformers movie with clearer stakes, improved emotional arcs, and a setup for a larger shared universe, this film is a strong step forward. It respects legacy while building something new.
Director’s Other Works
- Creed II (2018)
- The Land (2016)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Bumblebee (2018)
- Pacific Rim (2013)
- Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
- Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
- Power Rangers (2017)
