Yes, Transformers 7, officially titled Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, is indeed a prequel within the live-action Transformers film series. It is designed to bridge the gap between the events of Bumblebee (2018) and the original Transformers film (2007) by showcasing the Autobots and Maximals on Earth in the 1990s.
Understanding the Transformers Film Timeline
The Transformers live-action movie franchise has a non-linear timeline, with some films acting as prequels to others. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts specifically serves as a continuation of the story introduced in Bumblebee, which itself was a prequel to the main series directed by Michael Bay.
Key Aspects of Rise of the Beasts's Prequel Status:
- Era Setting: The film is primarily set in 1994, well before the events of the 2007 Transformers movie and its direct sequels.
- Character Introductions: It introduces new factions like the Maximals, Predacons, and Terrorcons, expanding the lore prior to their known interactions in the later films.
- Narrative Connection: It connects the origin stories of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee on Earth to the larger galactic conflict, setting the stage for future events without relying heavily on the continuity of the Michael Bay films beyond Bumblebee.
The Live-Action Transformers Film Order
To better understand the timeline, here is the chronological order of the live-action Transformers films as they are meant to be viewed in terms of story, versus their release order:
| Chronological Order | Release Year | Director | Key Timeline Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bumblebee | 2018 | Travis Knight | Set in 1987, serving as an origin story for Bumblebee. |
| 2. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts | 2023 | Steven Caple Jr. | Set in 1994, directly follows Bumblebee. |
| 3. Transformers | 2007 | Michael Bay | The original film, set in the modern day (2007). |
| 4. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen | 2009 | Michael Bay | Continues the story from the first film. |
| 5. Transformers: Dark of the Moon | 2011 | Michael Bay | Third film in the original trilogy. |
| 6. Transformers: Age of Extinction | 2014 | Michael Bay | Introduces new human and Transformer characters. |
| 7. Transformers: The Last Knight | 2017 | Michael Bay | Continues the narrative from Age of Extinction. |
This timeline clearly positions Transformers: Rise of the Beasts as a prequel to the bulk of the Transformers cinematic universe, building upon the foundation laid by Bumblebee.
