Key Takeaways:
– Chris Hemsworth to voice Optimus Prime in the upcoming Transformers animated film set to hit screens in September 2024.
– Reports indicate Hemsworth’s involvement in a Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover film.
– Concerns rise over the commercial success of the projects due to the poor box office records of the previous Transformers film.
The Hemsworth-Transformers Connection: A New Direction for the Aussie Star
In a significant shift from his role as Marvel’s Thor, Chris Hemsworth is expanding his repertoire with a new voice role in an animated Transformers film. The movie, titled Transformers One, is set to release in September 2024 and will feature Hemsworth as the voice of the iconic character, Optimus Prime.
Reports are also abuzz with the possibility of Hemsworth’s involvement in a crossover film between Transformers and G.I. Joe. As reported by Deadline, the concept of the collaboration was teased during the ending of Steve Caple Jr.’s Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts. However, the casting details for Hemsworth are yet to be confirmed.
Unpredictable Box Office Fortunes: A Challenge Ahead?
But turning his attention to the Transformers franchise could prove to be a commercial risk for the Australian actor. The series has had inconsistent records at the box office in the past. The last film, for example, Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts, turned out to be the lowest grosser of the series, drawing in a paltry sum of just over $437 million.
To add a twist to the tale, the poorly performing Rise Of The Beasts had a high Rotten Tomatoes audience rating of 91%. Meanwhile, Transformers: The Last Knight, another film from the series which was deemed inferior by critics and audiences alike with a 43% audience rating and 16% critics rating, surprisingly brought in over $600 million globally. The murky correlation between quality and commercial success in the franchise raises questions about the potential performance of Hemsworth’s upcoming ventures.
Hemsworth Beyond Thor: Showcasing Versatility
Despite the uncertain prospects, Hemsworth’s career has successfully showcased his versatility beyond the God of Thunder persona. The Australian actor’s recent role in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga exhibited his ability to delve into complex, darker characters. As Warlord Dementus, a villainous biker group leader, Hemsworth commanded the screen with an eeriness far removed from the heroic Thor.
Hemsworth confessed to Vanity Fair that his 2013 role in the sports biopic Rush, directed by Ron Howard, was another feat that allowed him to unravel the multilayered persona of racing driver, James Hunt. The actor acknowledged these challenging roles as a thrilling departure from his typical ‘muscly action guy’ image.
Looking Ahead: More Surprises From Hemsworth?
While audiences eagerly anticipate Hemsworth’s new ventures, his role in the Transformers franchise presents a possible turning point. Will his star power help uplift the series from its previous low performances? Or will it be another stumbling block in the series’ inconsistent run?
Hemsworth’s next role, whether as Optimus Prime or as a G.I. Joe hero in the proposed crossover film, will certainly mark a defining moment in his illustrious career. As fans await the release of ‘Transformers One’ on September 20th, 2024, Hemsworth’s foray beyond the Marvel Universe continues to set the stage for more ambitious and impressive performances.
