Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura has established himself as a prominent figure in the film industry, particularly through his involvement in the Transformers franchise. However, with his latest project Madame Web, his first Marvel film, he aims to venture into new territory. During a recent press tour, we had the opportunity to speak with di Bonaventura and inquire about the much-anticipated crossover between Transformers and GI Joe, which was teased at the end of Rise of the Beasts. His response shed light on the future of these beloved franchises.
Di Bonaventura revealed that they are currently in the exploration phase of determining how to bring the two universes together. Although he acknowledged the discussions surrounding a crossover, he emphasized that it should be viewed as GI Joe characters entering the Transformers world, rather than a straightforward mashup of the two franchises. The initial step towards this union is to incorporate some elements of GI Joe in the upcoming live-action Transformers movie, set to release in 2026.
Furthermore, when questioned about the potential revival of dormant franchises, di Bonaventura expressed his interest in developing another standalone GI Joe movie. He acknowledged that GI Joe has been perceived as inactive in recent years, but his desire to bring it back to the silver screen remains strong. While this statement does not guarantee a new GI Joe film, it exemplifies the enthusiasm behind the GI Joe brand and the possibility of future projects.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to the release of Transformers One, an animated film set on Cybertron, which serves as a prequel to the live-action Transformers movies. Di Bonaventura highlighted the decision to make it an animated feature, as it offers creative freedom and affordability that would not have been feasible in a live-action production. This approach aims to appeal to both dedicated fans and newcomers, as it delves into the rich storytelling that defines the Transformers universe.
Although di Bonaventura has an extensive background as a blockbuster producer, his involvement with Marvel is relatively new. Madame Web marks his third collaboration with Sony, and the opportunity emerged through the director SJ Clarkson’s recommendation. The studio had their eyes set on Clarkson for this venture, and di Bonaventura was delighted to finally work with her. Interestingly, he had previously offered her various projects, all of which she had declined. This unforeseen turn of events brings di Bonaventura into the Marvel world, introducing a fresh dynamic to his portfolio.
As fans eagerly anticipate the intersection of the Transformers and GI Joe universes, Lorenzo di Bonaventura’s insights offer a glimpse into the future of these iconic franchises. From integrating GI Joe into the Transformers world to the possibility of a standalone GI Joe film, it is clear that the desire to expand and reignite these beloved properties remains strong. Additionally, the upcoming animated Transformers One film showcases the studio’s commitment to exploring new storytelling avenues. As we step into this new era, the anticipation builds, and fans can rest assured that the future of Transformers and GI Joe will hold exciting and captivating adventures.
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