Directed by Michael Bay and released on June 23, 2017, "Transformers: The Last Knight" explored the origins of the Autobots and their home planet of Cybertron. The film delved into Optimus Prime's past and introduced a new human lead, Cade Yeager, once again played by Mark Wahlberg. It grossed over $701 million worldwide.
Following the Bay era, the franchise shifted toward more character-driven stories and period pieces: Bumblebee (2018)
: Sam is dragged back into the conflict as ancient Decepticons return to harvest the sun's energy. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)