Rise of the Beasts Fits Into the Confusing Timeline, Explained
Written by on June 17, 2023
Sometimes we don’t start at the beginning; we must work our way back. That is the best way to describe many film franchises in the cinematic universe. A moviegoer’s first introduction to a story is rarely at the beginning. Often, they are drawn into the story somewhere in the middle, put in the thick of the mix. And for more than a few, this is puzzling.
However, one must understand that for a creative whose bent is to tell a rich story, the choicest selection is where one must start. The magic element of the draw is a proper hook. One of the greatest lines to be highlighted in a movie is found in Field of Dreams, “Build it, and they will come.” One can say the same about great franchises. Hook them, and they will commit. Once an audience engages, you have something to build upon, even if that means presenting a story out of sequence.
Admittedly, it confuses fans when franchises vacillate between timelines as movies are added. It seems as if they are constructed to disrupt the continuum of time. A few films that have done so include Star Wars, Insidious, Nightmare on Elm Street, and the Alien Saga. The way the films have been released starts in the middle of a story, and years later, films are tacked on, taking viewers back to the earlier moments in time. Or they fill in the blanks. So they often leave fans with reframing or re-ordering where each film fits to determine the logical flow of time.
The Transformers franchise has been no different. The addition of the newest film, Transformers: Rise of The Beasts, serves as a primary example. But fans need not fear. Sometimes we get by with a bit of help from our friends. And this is such a time. Here’s a guide to how Transformers: Rise of the Beasts fits into the confusing timeline.
Transformers Cinematic Origin
2007 marks the introduction of the first live-action model of the Transformers in major motion pictures. This alien species of bots from Cybertron thoroughly entertained fans. While the film Transformers was the first time they were introduced to cinema-goers, it was not the beginning of the franchise timeline. If considering chronological order, Michael Bay’s 2007 offering falls third. And the recently released Transformers: Rise of the Beasts comes in second. But how?
Setting Up the Chronology
In Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, the Autoboots are still relatively new to the planet. And they are actively seeking a way to return to Cybertron. Luckily, an archeological dig uncovers something instrumental which will ultimately fulfill that mission. But the Autobots are not the only ones who seek it. This is essential information to remember in determining timeline placement.
When looking at dating this film in relation to other films, the primary factor is the time frame of the setting. Looking at the period in which the events of this film unfold gives a 1994 date stamp. Feature film Bumblebee, however, pre-dates Transformers: Rise of the Beasts as it is set in the ’80s. That makes the newest installment second in placement while the 2007 film, the story of the Allspark, sits in third.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts: Chronological Confirmation via Revelation
Some crucial moments in the newest feature indicate where the film falls in the timeline. The most significant indicator is Prime’s continued focus on current affairs. Most familiar with the series understand that until this point in the movies, the Autobots have long been on Earth. However, in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, they have not been on the planet long enough to have allied with their human counterparts.
Viewers make this distinction, given Prime’s overemphasis on his distrust of humans and attempt to dissuade teaming up with them. Another clue is Prime’s persistent exclamations of extreme remorse for the situation he has led his fellow Autobots into.
It is apparent that Optimus feels the ultimate burden for leading them into what he feels is a trap. Those factors are key to understanding the placement of this film in the franchise.
Putting the Rest in Order
The chronology of the fourth through the sixth films falls in line according to the year they were released. Revenge of the Fallen comes in fourth. In Revenge of the Fallen, The Transformers are settling in as Earth’s protectors. As IGN notes,
“As the Autobots work with a secret military organization and try to make a home for themselves on Earth, The Fallen returns to wreak havoc.”
The fifth is Dark of the Moon. This feature was set in 2011. And in the plot of this film, the Decepticons and Sentinel Prime team up as the Autobots do what they do well, serve the role of protectors. The sixth in the franchise takes place in the 2014 Age of Extinction. In this film, audiences meet the Dinobots and Galvatron, and as in the films prior, the aim is to keep humans from extinction. The last and final film to watch in the series is the 2017 feature, The Last Knight.
It is essential to know that Optimus departed Earth between the sixth and the seventh films. And the relationship between humans and Transformers is now strained in The Last Knight. As Screenrant notes,
” The main story of Transformers: The Last Knight saw the humans hunting Transformers yet again, this time under a new task force called the TRF (Transformers Reaction Force).
However, The Last Knight comes through with one of the most imaginative narratives in the franchise. This plot is set around an account of knights and, most unexpectedly, Merlin, giving the franchise historical ties dating back to the Dark Ages. In this film, the stakes are a little higher, and the grouping of heroes is a bit different. A most unlikely group comprising Bumblebee, Cade Yeager, an English Lord, and a professor collaborate to save Earth from the wrath of Megatron, who is after Merlin’s staff.
Chronology Not a Big Factor For Enjoyment
Making sense of the chronology of films is difficult, especially when features are presented out of order. But with a bit of sleuth work, it is possible to put together the puzzle pieces to make it less confusing. Besides, the most recent installment is entertaining enough to make chronology the last on the list of things to worry about.
For fans of The Transformers, the epic installment of Transformer: Rise of the Beasts, where fans meet Optimus Primal and his crew, is now showing in theaters.
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