Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is set to come out in 2023, but it isn't the first time the Transformers franchise has introduced Dinobots onscreen. Transformers: Age of Extinction was the fourth movie in the Transformers franchise and was the first appearance of the Dinobots. When they were first introduced, they were met with criticism over the sudden appearance of a new type of Transformer, even if the Dinobots are canon in the comics and cartoons. Since giant robot aliens made sense in-universe, the dinobots could have fit in as well, if they had been introduced a bit earlier.
The first live-action Transformers movie was released in 2007, and told the story of Autobots and Decepticons, two warring factions of aliens disguised as vehicles. Since all of that was introduced in the first movie, it makes sense and establishes the rules of the world of Transformers. A big issue with the Dinobots was that Beast Wars wasn't referenced in Transformers at all before Age of Extinction, which made them seem like a last minute addition. By bringing dinosaurs into the world of robots and aliens, it alienated a lot of audiences.
The Dinobots Movie Introduction Was Fun (But Very Risky)
Dinobots have been a part of the Transformers universe since 1996, so it was inevitable they would make their movie debut at some point. When they show up in the middle of Age of Extinction, they're used mostly as powerhouses to help give Optimus Prime and his Autobots the advantage in a massive battle against the Decepticons. The Dinobots are treated as more of a cool action set piece, rather than unique characters with personalities and backstories.
Big action scenes, explosions, and fun above all else are the signature style in the Michael Bay Transformers films, and it's what made them explode in popularity across the world. When it comes to characters like the Dinobots, their massive frames are perfect for Bay's directorial style. That said, they could have been a lot more than just fun on-screen fighters, which led to a lot of confusion among audiences who wondered why they were involved at all. Their inclusion was a big risk for Bay, and while they look incredible, their story could have used some work, especially in earlier films.
Transformers Movies Need To Use All The Toy Lines (Even The Weirder Ones)
The Beast Wars toy line is finally getting a proper adaptation in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, but there are still more toylines that the film series could explore in the future. By experimenting with different iconic characters, Transformers could take advantage of many different tones, settings, designs, and Rise of the Beasts is the first step into expanding the Transformers universe. Cybertron has only been shown briefly, and the follow-up to Beast Wars, Beast Machines, would be a great testing ground without moving too far away from Beast Wars. Transformers has the opportunity to create all sorts of stories, and Rise of the Beasts is only the beginning.
