How I Would've Done It

Transformers: Devastation

The Transformers franchise has captivated audiences with explosive action and iconic characters, yet Michael Bay's films often leaned heavily on spectacle, sometimes at the expense of story depth. The 2007 Transformers film captured the right balance, but subsequent installments became somewhat predictable. With Transformers: Devastation, I wanted to bring a darker, more character-focused film that balances humanity's survival with the Autobots' own evolution and struggle. Here's how Transformers: Devastation would unfold, serving as a climactic, high-stakes tale that brings new depth and weight to the saga.

We pick up one year after The Last Knight. Cade Yeager, the reluctant hero, lives quietly in a secluded mountain house, raising Izabella, who has become his surrogate daughter. He's moved on from the chaos of the last battle, and it's the first time they feel like they can breathe. But as peace settles, Earth begins to stir in strange, unnatural ways—tornadoes strike Los Angeles, New York is rocked by a high-magnitude earthquake, and other mysterious weather events start erupting worldwide. Cade's gut tells him something is wrong, but he isn't ready to dive back into the fray. That is until he's approached by Colonel Lennox, who reveals there's been unusual activity—activity that is too familiar. Lennox informs Cade that the mysterious force behind these catastrophes is none other than Quintessa, who has managed to survive and now resides in a human form. The two soon learn that she's been slowly awakening Unicron, the destructive planetary force at Earth's core. To counter this impending doom, the government puts out a signal to summon the Autobots back to Earth.

When Optimus Prime and his fellow Autobots return, they realize Earth is in greater peril than ever before. Unicron's gradual awakening sends seismic shocks through the planet, cracking the ground and throwing cities into chaos. The Autobots understand that Earth's days might be numbered if Unicron fully awakens, and they devise a risky evacuation plan: they will use newly constructed devices called Bridges—interdimensional portals to New Cybertron—to transport humans to safety. As the Autobots prepare for this mass exodus, we witness scenes of Autobots across various cities aiding civilians and escorting them through the Bridges. The visuals capture both the terror and heroism as people entrust their fate to the Autobots. Each Bridge hums with energy, a glimmer of hope in a world on the brink of destruction.

Meanwhile, deep within Unicron, Galvatron is summoned. Transformed by the chaotic power of Unicron, he receives new, resilient armor and commands an elite team of resurrected Decepticons: Cyclonus, Scourge, Barricade, and a revamped Starscream, who is now a deadly, silent enforcer. Galvatron's army emerges to wreak havoc on Earth's last defenses, tearing through a military base and dismantling any hope of organized resistance. The stakes have never been higher, as each skirmish intensifies the dread that Unicron's awakening is imminent.

As people pour through the Bridges, Autobots stationed around the world guide them to New Cybertron. Yet as the last survivors cross over, Quintessa sheds her human disguise, revealing her true form once more. Her power surges, casting fiery waves that burn the surrounding ground as Unicron finally awakens, breaking free from Earth and tearing the planet apart. Galvatron and his Decepticons take to the skies aboard the Nemesis spacecraft, unknowingly carrying Autobots who have infiltrated their ranks. As Unicron ascends into his full planet form, his mere presence causes Earth's remnants to collapse, leaving a shattered, hollowed sphere in his wake.

In the ensuing battle aboard Nemesis, Optimus Prime and his Autobots fight fiercely against Galvatron's forces. The clash is intense and brutal, a relentless fight that challenges each character's endurance and resilience. Amid the chaos, Optimus realizes there is only one way to destroy Unicron: he must sacrifice himself. In his final moments, he entrusts the Matrix of Leadership to Hot Rod, who undergoes a stunning transformation into Rodimus Prime. With renewed purpose, Rodimus leads the surviving Autobots to safety, while Optimus stays aboard, steering Nemesis directly into Unicron's core. As Optimus approaches Unicron's core, he delivers a final, poignant message to his Autobots, urging them to protect life and to find unity, even in a strange, new world. With a surge of energy, Optimus collides Nemesis with Unicron, igniting a powerful explosion that consumes both. The sky over New Cybertron glows as remnants of Earth and Unicron disintegrate in a fiery display visible to everyone below.

As the Autobots, humans, and surviving allies gather on New Cybertron, they stand together, somber yet resolute. Cade and Rodimus exchange a final, quiet conversation, with Cade asking if their battle is finally over. Rodimus, looking toward the future, answers with a confident, "For now." The Autobots have found a new home, but they know they must remain vigilant, ready for whatever threats the universe may yet bring.