Paramount Goes All In With TRANSFORMERS
Paramount Pictures has decided to further develop the Transformers universe, announcing plans to build a franchise based on the Hasbro toy line in a manner similar to the Harry Potter, Avatar, Star Wars, and Marvel films.
The studio is currently in negotiations with writer Akiva Goldsman to work with director Michael Bay, executive producer Steven Spielberg, and producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura to assemble a “writer’s room” and develop multi-part sequels to the four existing Transformers films, along with spinoff movie projects.
The original report in Deadline notes that Goldsman is likely to be in a supervisory role, and may not actually be writing any of the scripts himself. The deal is a priority for Marc Evans, Paramount’s new Motion Picture Group president, who’s been told to increase output at the studio. It seems Paramount is focusing more on tentpole blockbusters instead of stand-alone films.
Transformers: Age of Extinction, the most recent entry in the franchise, grossed almost $1.1 billion and was the top grossing release ever in China. The film was also named “Most Valuable Blockbuster” in Deadline‘s annual breakdown of top domestic tentpole films.
