Hasbro and Paramount are moving forward with a new Transformers animated feature film and, according to Deadline, have hired Toy Story 4 director Josh Cooley to helm the film. There hasn't been much officially announced regarding the film,b ut Deadline reports it will serve as an origin story.
The script was penned by writers Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari, who were both credited writers on Marvel's Ant-Man and the Wasp. According to Deadline, the story will revolve around the relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron.
The animated movie will stand apart from the live-action Transformers film series as well as the Bumblebee spinoff. While Paramount intends to keep the live-action series going, Deadline reasons that work ont he animated film is being accelerated due to working conditions brought on by the coronavirus.
It's easier for production companies to work remotely on animated features such as this rather than a massive live-action tentpole. With the coronavirus pandemic essentially shutting down Hollywood and every major production shoot, studios can work on the animated film while also maintaining social distancing measures. Hasbro's eOne entertainment studio is handling most of hte production wortk.
It doesn't sound like production is very far along. Cooley is currently overseeing the final draft with the writers now. In any case, Cooley is a big get for the studio as he is comin goff winning a Best Animated Film Oscar for Toy Story 4.