I Loved Transformers One, And Now I Really Want An Animated Beast Machines Movie

As a child of the ’90s, I have fond memories of growing up with Transformers, and Beast Machines was one of my favorites. The philosophical discussions and Optimus Primal’s journey resonated deeply with me, even if I didn’t fully understand it all at the time. To see those conversations play out on the big screen would be a dream come true for me.

For two decades now, I’ve been deeply involved in crafting live-action Transformers movies. But this year, the franchise has taken a thrilling turn back to its animated origins with the highly praised Transformers One. This prequel, delving into the complex friendship-turned-rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron, has been one of my most enjoyable cinematic journeys in 2024. As I watched it unfold, I found myself yearning for an animated Beast Machines film to continue this exciting narrative.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the captivating series known as Beast Machines, a 1999 follow-up to the iconic 1996 animated show, Beast Wars. This intriguing saga continues the relentless struggle between the Maximals, animal-form Autobots, and the Predacons, descendants of the Decepticons.

Fear not, I’ll make certain to avoid any spoilers regarding “Transformers One”. However, I plan to delve deep into the intricate details of this 25-year-old animated series that aired on Saturday mornings.

I Loved Transformers One, And Now I Really Want An Animated Beast Machines Movie

While Watching Transformers One, I Kept Thinking About Beast Machines’ Version Of Cybertron

The story of Beast Machines unfolds following the conclusion of Beast Wars, where Optimus Primal, Cheetor, Blackarachnia, and Rattrap successfully vanquished Megatron and the Predacons. However, they soon realize upon their return to Cybertron that Megatron has surreptitiously seized control of their home planet. He’s imprisoned all the Transformers, confiscated their sparks, and replaced them with mindless automatons called Vehicons. To add fuel to the fire, our heroes find themselves trapped in their beastly forms, escalating an already precarious situation.

Redesigning my phrasing a bit: The show portrayed Cybertron as a forsaken and spooky world, devoid of happiness, life, and transformers that Optimus and his team abandoned years ago. On the other hand, while enjoying Transformers One with its exceptional production quality and animation, I couldn’t help but imagine how breathtaking Beast Machines’ depiction of their home planet would be if it had such meticulous detail and visual panache.

I Loved Transformers One, And Now I Really Want An Animated Beast Machines Movie

I Think A Further Exploration Of Optimus Primal And Megatron’s Relationship Could Be Captivating

“The dynamic of friendship turned enmity between Optimus Prime and Megatron is the core essence (or driving force) of ‘Transformers One’, and I believe it would be fascinating to delve into the rivalry between Optimus Primal and Megatron from ‘Beast Machines’ in a similar manner.

Similar to other shows in the Transformers universe, this short-lived animated series primarily focused on its main protagonist and antagonist, constantly driving each other’s actions, either directly or indirectly. Watching these characters develop over the course of their individual and collective adventures would be engaging for both long-time fans and new viewers.

There Are So Many Other Great Beast Machines Characters That Have Never Gotten Their Due

But it isn’t just Optimus Primal or Megatron I’d love to see in a Beast Machines movie, as Beast Machines has many great characters on both sides of the fight for Cybertron. And while the likes of Cheetor and Rhinox popped up in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, that’s barely scratching the surface of the roster of Maximals, Predacons, and even Vehicons from the animated series.

As a diehard Transformers fan, I can’t help but dream about the day when Rattrap, Blackarachnia, Nightscream, Jetstorm, Tankor, and more of my favorites make an appearance, shaking hands with a new generation of fans. The way Transformers One revitalized iconic characters from the original series and toys has me believing it’s possible, especially for those who didn’t get their time to shine in previous films.

Beast Machines Goes Heavy Into The Philosophical, And I Love To See Those Conversations In A Massive Movie

One aspect I consistently appreciated about “Beast Machines” was its bold approach to incorporating profound philosophical themes into Optimus Primal’s storyline. As the Maximal leader progressed, he experienced significant emotional transformation through his dialogues with the Oracle, an advanced computer possessing numerous abilities. Even more remarkable was his encounter with the afterlife, where he reached a higher level of awareness – albeit, it must be acknowledged, this aspect could be quite thought-provoking for a children’s program.

As a devoted fan, I may not consider “Transformers One” to quite reach the same heights as it revisits the tumultuous bond between Optimus Prime and Megatron. However, this movie’s exploration of themes like heroism, friendship, and the dangers of false idols has ignited a thought-provoking reflection in me. It’s fascinating to contemplate how “Beast Machines” tackled these very issues a good 25 years prior.

The Maximals Finally Receiving Their Upgrades Would Make For Such An Epic Big-Screen Moment

The moment the Maximals receive their upgrades in Beast Machines is honestly one of my favorite scenes from the show and one that I’ve revisited multiple times over the years. To see those epic transformations as Optimus Primal, Cheetor, Rattrap, and Blackarachnia are gifted their new and more powerful forms on the big screen would be epic. Similar to some of those great transformations from Transformers One (both those seen in the first trailer and then again in the final act of the film), these evolutions would look so awesome and would definitely have the audience clapping and cheering.

But I’m Not Going To Lie, I’d Love A Proper Beast Wars Movie As Well

Despite many praising “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” as the top live-action franchise installment, and my own appreciation for its 2023 action extravaganza, I can’t help but wish for a genuine “Beast Wars” movie that stays truer to the animated series. To be clear, a “Beast Machines” film is my ultimate desire, but why not have two great movies instead of one?

It’s likely that Paramount Pictures is developing an entire animated Transformers franchise following the events hinted at in the end credits of Transformers One. If the movie turns out to be successful, it might convince the studio to produce more animated Transformers films, including fan favorites like Beast Machines and Beast Wars. I, along with my college roommate who we watched both series together, would certainly be thrilled if this were to happen, and I believe many others would feel the same.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed about the future of the Transformers series. In the meantime, there’s a host of exciting sci-fi movies set for release this year and beyond in 2025, so we have plenty to look forward to!

2024-09-22 01:07