I thought I saw that Hasbro is already in discussions for a sequel. Was that just fan nonsense?
Thing is that, when accounting for worldwide gross, TFO has made its budget and advertising costs back and then some. No, it didn't do gangbusters. Yes, it's the worst performing Transformers movie since 2007 by a wide margin, but it still made everyone involved a bit of cash. In a world where even the MCU can take a bath on a movie or two, coming out ahead, if even by a little bit, is enough to be considered a success.
I've seen that as well. Which feels true, beucase Hasbro and Paramount have different measure of success when it comes to these movies. They considered ROTB to actually be successful, even if most everyone else didn't. I feel TFO has managed the same, to be successful even if its not been a box office powerhouse.
TFO made money and is tied to one of Paramount's key franchises. That's enough to get execs to sign off on more.
Plus you have stuff like digital purchases and streaming. I don't think it's hit Paramount+ yet but it is available for purchase on a number of sites. So strong digital and streaming numbers, brand awareness, and heck, toy sales... if the total package (of which box office returns is just part) was a net gain... why not do more?
I'm happy with it. Of course I'd love if the best Transformers movie since 1986 (and arguably better) was seen by more people and did better, but I'll take "made enough money to get a sequel" because it looked like we wouldn't even hit that low bar for a hot minute.