Paramount’s latest Transformers movie, an animated prequel called Transformers One, has struggled at the box office despite positive reviews. The film debuted with $24.6 million in its first weekend, below projections of $30-35 million.
Instead, another animated movie called Beetlejuice Beetlejuice topped the box office with $25.9 million in its third week. Industry insiders are surprised by Transformers One’s weak opening as it has a 98% score from audiences and stellar reviews from critics.
The film explores the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron on their home planet of Cybertron. Josh Cooley directed the $75 million film, which uses animation to depict Cybertron more affordably than live-action. Voices include Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry.
While reviews praised Transformers One, box office data show some potential issues. Only 24% of its audience was aged 18-24, key for past Transformers films, compared to 40% for last year’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Paul Dergarabedian of Comscore said animated reboots can be tricky but good word-of-mouth may help in coming weeks, like with Spider-Verse. However, Eric Handler called the start “very disappointing” given reviews.
The film has released in just 40% of international markets so far. Paramount and Hasbro, who split costs with New Republic Pictures, say the budget means it’s not in financial trouble. They plan sequels and a live-action crossover with G.I. Joe starring Hemsworth.
It remains to be seen if positive buzz can boost Transformers One at the box office in coming weekends against competition like The Wild Robot. The performance questions how to transition franchises between formats and evolve with audiences.
