Steven Spielberg is taking a more hands-on creative role in the future of the Transformers franchise as Paramount develops its next live-action movie.
Spielberg, who has served as an executive producer across the film series, will oversee the creative direction of the new project alongside longtime producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura. The movie is being written by Jason Fuchs and is expected to return the franchise to a present-day setting.
Michael Bay, who directed the first five live-action Transformers movies, is in early talks to return as director. No deal has been officially announced, so his involvement remains uncertain.
Transformers looks back to move forward
The creative plan appears designed to reconnect the franchise with the energy of its earlier films. Spielberg played an important role in the original 2007 movie, while Bay’s visually explosive style defined the live-action series for a decade.
Recent entries moved into different eras, with Bumblebee set in the 1980s and Rise of the Beasts in the 1990s. The new Jason Fuchs script will instead bring the story back to modern day.
Shia LaBeouf is not expected to return, and casting discussions remain at an early stage.
G.I. Joe crossover plans change
The studio is also changing course on another franchise plan. The previously discussed Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover is no longer moving forward, while a separate G.I. Joe movie is being developed.
With Spielberg taking broader creative oversight and Bay potentially returning behind the camera, Paramount is signaling a significant reset for one of its biggest action franchises.