‘Beast Wars’ comes to life in chaotic ‘Transformers’ trailer

The Transformers franchise is acutely aware of just how extra it is. Thus lies its charm.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure and introduce the Maximals, Predacons, and Terrorcons to the existing battle on earth between Autobots and Decepticons. For anyone who was a fan of Beast Wars back in the 90s, seeing Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal on the big screen ought to be a nostalgic hoot.

Back in the 90s, the original Beast Wars took place 300 years after the events of The Transformers and featured Maximals and Predacons, descendants of Autobots and Decepticons respectively. 

“I’m not the one to fear, Prime. There is a darkness coming,” warns Optimus Primal to Optimus Prime. “Of all the threats from both your past and future, you’ve never faced anything like this.”

In the first Transformers installment not directed by Michael Bay, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will feature characters from the epic Beast Wars storyline and is set during the '90s with Anthony Ramos (Hamilton, In The Heights) and Dominique Fishback (The Deuce) leading the cast. Returning as the iconic Optimus Prime is Peter Cullen with Ron Perlman as Optimus Primal — a Maximal with a King Kong looking gorilla when in beast mode. 

And of course, we can’t forget Michelle Yeoh as fellow Maximal Airazor and Pete Davidson as Autobot Mirage. Oh and don’t worry, darlings, Bumblebee will be there, too.

In the words of Optimus Prime: “Let them come.”

Directed by Steven Caple Jr. (Creed II), Transfers: Rise of the Beasts arrives in theaters June 9, 2023.