The plot twist at the end of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts sets the stage for a Hasbro Cinematic Universe, signaling exciting possibilities for future movies and crossovers. The film not only establishes a new trilogy within the Transformers franchise but also teases a connection with another toy-line, which opens up a world of potential storytelling opportunities.
Before you read any further, it goes without saying that this article contains heavy spoilers for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts so consider this your
The mid-credits scene reveals that Mirage (Pete Davidson), an Autobot previously presumed dead, is actually alive. After being rebuilt by the film’s human protagonist, Noah (Anthony Ramos), Mirage returns as a mish-mash of car scraps and parts. This unexpected resurrection not only provides a satisfying conclusion to Mirage's storyline but also hints at the potential for characters to return and play significant roles in future films.
However, the most significant plot twist comes much earlier with the introduction of a certain other Hasbro owned toy-line.
When Noah returns to New York, he unwittingly encounters Agent Burke, who upon first impression, seems to be working for the Sector 7 government agency from Michael Bay’s Transformers franchise. However, a simple name drop on a business card reveals that that he in fact works for…
This explosive revelation suggests a crossover between the Transformers and GI Joe franchises, creating a shared universe that expands beyond the individual series.
The connection between the two makes perfect sense, as both properties are owned by Hasbro and have a history of collaborating in the comics and animated series. This crossover is a natural fit, given the similar origins of both franchises in promoting toy lines. The idea of bringing these beloved characters together on the big screen creates a sense of excitement and nostalgia for fans of both Transformers and GI Joe.
The inclusion of GI Joe in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts implies that the organization will play a larger role in future Transformers films. It also suggests that Noah, the film's protagonist, may potentially become part of the GI Joe team, leading to further crossovers and storytelling opportunities.
This plot twist serves as a stepping stone toward the Hasbro Cinematic Universe, a shared universe that encompasses various Hasbro properties. While Paramount has been developing the concept of a shared universe since 2015, the Transformers and GI Joe crossover paves the way for the integration of other Hasbro properties into this expanding universe.
The success of the Hasbro toy lines and the nostalgia they evoke have fueled the company's desire to create a cinematic universe. While previous attempts to adapt Hasbro properties into successful movies have had mixed results, the potential for a shared universe that brings these beloved characters together holds immense promise.
With the introduction of GI Joe and the possibility of other Hasbro properties joining the universe, fans can look forward to seeing their favorite characters team up, embark on epic adventures, and engage in thrilling crossovers. The Hasbro Cinematic Universe has the potential to captivate audiences with its blend of nostalgia, action, and interconnected storytelling, creating a vast and interconnected world that fans can eagerly explore in future films.
Should the Hasbro Cinematic Universe come to fruition, there are numerous potential toy-line crossovers that could be explored, offering exciting possibilities for both fans and the film franchise. Here are some of the potential toy-line crossovers that could be featured in the Hasbro Cinematic Universe:
The crossover between Transformers and GI Joe has already been hinted at in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. Combining the transforming robots with the elite military unit opens the door for epic battles and team-ups between Autobots, Decepticons, and GI Joe operatives.
This crossover would bring together the beloved Autobots and Decepticons with the colorful and magical world of My Little Pony. Imagine Optimus Prime teaming up with Twilight Sparkle and her friends to defend both Earth and Equestria from a common threat.
The epic fantasy world of Dungeons & Dragons merging with the mechanical wonders of the Transformers would be a captivating crossover. It could explore a world where dragons and wizards collide with powerful robotic beings, leading to extraordinary adventures and battles.
Micronauts, a popular toy line from the late 1970s and early 1980s, featured a diverse array of characters and vehicles from a microscopic civilization. Combining GI Joe's military expertise with the Micronauts' incredible technology could create a thrilling crossover full of espionage, high-tech battles, and miniaturized adventures.
MASK (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand) was a toy line featuring vehicles that could transform into combat vehicles and included action figures with special masks and abilities. A crossover with GI Joe would provide a thrilling blend of military action, cutting-edge technology, and specialized operatives fighting against powerful enemies.
Both Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering have rich fantasy lore and worlds. Combining these two iconic properties could lead to an epic crossover that explores the realms of magic, mythical creatures, and powerful artifacts.
Apart from the previously mentioned franchises, Hasbro owns the rights to several other important properties that could be incorporated into the Hasbro Cinematic Universe. These include:
Hasbro acquired the Power Rangers brand in 2018. The Power Rangers franchise revolves around a team of heroes who morph into powerful warriors to defend the Earth from various threats. The inclusion of Power Rangers in the Hasbro Cinematic Universe could bring a dynamic mix of action, teamwork, and high-stakes battles against monsters and villains.
Nerf is a popular line of foam-based toys, including dart guns and blasters. While not a traditional narrative-based property, the imaginative and action-packed nature of Nerf could be utilized to create exciting action sequences and playful moments within the Hasbro Cinematic Universe.
Monopoly is one of the most iconic board games in the world. While a film adaptation has been in development, as mentioned previously, its status remains uncertain. However, the concept of a Monopoly movie could explore a world where players are transported into the whimsical and competitive world of the game, leading to comedic and adventurous scenarios.
Clue, also known as Cluedo, is a popular murder mystery board game where players solve a crime by deducing the suspect, location, and weapon. A film adaptation of Clue was released in 1985 and is considered a cult classic. A potential crossover or continuation of the Clue film within the Hasbro Cinematic Universe could present intriguing mysteries and detective stories, combining humor, suspense, and unexpected twists.
While Peppa Pig and Ouija are also indeed part of Hasbro's portfolio, their inclusion in the Hasbro Cinematic Universe may present obvious challenges due to their distinct target audiences and thematic differences.
These potential crossovers showcase the vast range of possibilities within the Hasbro Cinematic Universe, allowing beloved characters from different toy lines to interact, team up, and embark on thrilling adventures together. The shared universe would offer fans a chance to see their favorite childhood toys and characters come to life on the big screen in unexpected and exciting ways.
Does the MCU finally have a worthy competitor in its multiversal war? Only Transformers 8 holds the answers now.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is playing in theatres near you.