Transformers One perfectly paves the way for a potential sequel that could delve deeper into Optimus Prime and Megatron’s Cybertronian narratives. Although loosely connected to Michael Bay’s Transformers movies, Transformers One presents a standalone narrative that solely unfolds on Cybertron. Unlike the live-action films in the franchise, which focus mostly on human characters and less on the titular robots, Transformers One only focuses on the Cybertronians as it gives a glimpse of Optimus Prime and Megatron’s early years on their home planet.
The animated film highlights how Optimus Prime and Megatron were once powerless miners on Cybertron’s surface and often looked out for each other as friends. However, the more they learned about the dark history of their planet, the more they grew apart, marking the inception of the rivalry they are known for in the Transformers live-action movies. These story developments in Transformers One make room for not just one but many potential sequels, making it hard not to foresee how the movie series will potentially progress.
Transformers One’s Sequel Should Show Optimus Prime & Megatron Growing As Leaders
The Two Were Already On The Path Towards Filling Leadership Roles In Transformers One
Orion Pax and D-16 are far from reaching their true potential as leaders in Transformers One‘s opening moments. Like most others of their kind, they spend their time mining for the remnants of Energon on Cybertron, failing to understand how their leader, Sentinel Prime, has been lying to them. However, even in these early scenes, both characters show immense growth potential. For instance, both Orion and D-16 take it upon themselves to rescue Jazz when he gets trapped while working in the mine.
Despite lacking the ability to transform, Orion Pax and D-16 also dare to compete in the IACON 5000 race and even almost win it despite competing against Transformers with powers and abilities. The more the movie progresses, the more the two characters understand their potential to become leaders. However, since D-16 gets too consumed by his anger after learning about Sentinel Prime’s betrayal, he gradually loses his sense of morality and morphs into the evil Megatron.
Megatron’s name, D-16, in
Transformers One
, is a subtle nod to the Japanese serial number of the original Generation 1 Megatron toy.
Orion Pax, too, starts taking the responsibility of leading his fellow Transformers in a battle against Sentinel Prime. However, unlike Megatron, he holds on to his principles and does not mindlessly engage in combat. By the time Transformers One‘s credits start rolling, Optimus Prime and Megatron become worthy leading figures for their respective factions. A sequel could further explore these narratives by focusing on how they grow from strength to strength while rivaling against each other.
Transformers One’s Sequel Should Start The Autobot & Decepticon Civil War
The Seeds Of War Have Already Been Sown In Transformers One
Megatron and Optimus Prime are portrayed as best friends in Transformers One‘s opening arc. They always seem to have each other’s backs and share a deep bond forged through their early adventures in the mines. However, feelings of resentment and hate brew between them when Megatron gradually drifts away from Prime and sets out to tread his own path. The two drift further away when Megatron accidentally shoots Optimus Prime and kills him before justifying his actions.
Transformers One Key Facts Breakdown | |
Directed By | Josh Cooley |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score | 89% |
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score | 98% |
Budget | $75-147 million |
Their rivalry takes a grim turn when Optimus Prime gets revived by the Matrix of Leadership and uses his newfound abilities to overpower Megatron and the High Guard. Determined to rule the planet, Megatron wages war against Optimus Prime and the Autobots in Transformers One‘s ending moments, perfectly setting the stage for a fierce civil war between the two characters and their factions. If a Transformers One sequel sees the light of day, it has the opportunity to expand on this narrative and portray how the two forces fight for power and control on Cybertron.
Transformers One’s Sequel Can Explore Optimus Prime & Elita’s Romance
The Romantic Storyline Would Further Humanize The Two Characters
The live-action Transformers movies have always struggled to depict the titular characters as anything more than highly advanced machines. Transformers One, in contrast, effectively humanizes them by drawing a clear picture of their motivations, rivalries, friendships, and disputes. Transformers One’s sequel could take things further by portraying the romantic developments between Elita and Optimus Prime. The two characters have an incredible dynamic in Transformers One, which can be explored in greater depth in the sequel.
By finally presenting some romantic elements in the
Transformers One
sequel, the movie’s creators could tap into a long-standing desire of the franchise’s followers.
In the original Transformers animated series and comics, the two characters are somewhat romantically tied. Although the franchise has never fully explored Optimus Prime and Elita-One’s potential for romance, audiences have always shipped the two characters because of the bond they have shared in several story arcs. By finally presenting some romantic elements in the Transformers One sequel, the movie’s creators could tap into a long-standing desire of the franchise’s followers. This would benefit the sequel by adding more emotional depth to its story.
Megatron Should Conquer Cybertron In Transformers One’s Sequel
The Third Movie In The Animated Trilogy Could Finally Reveal Earth
In the Transformers One sequel, Megatron could walk further down the path of moral corruption. His moral bankruptcy could eventually help him dominate the initial phases of the War for Cybertron, putting the Autobots in a tough spot heading into the third movie in the series. With these plot developments, the third movie could be about the Autobots fleeing from Cybertron and arriving on Earth. This, in turn, could pave the way for the movie series to introduce human characters. Given how Transformers One sets up several intriguing plot threads, it is hard not to hope for its sequel to happen.
