The explosive crossover between G.I. Joe and Transformers that fans have been yearning for might have happened eight years earlier if not for an unfortunate cancellation of a promising Transformers prequel. While Transformers: Rise of the Beasts teases a potential crossover between the two beloved Hasbro franchises, it turns out that the groundwork for such an epic meeting of heroes was laid years ago.
In 2015, a captivating prequel movie concept called “Operation Skyfire” was presented to Paramount and acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg. The film was set during the turmoil of World War II and delved into an alternate history where a well-known ghost plane from the war, Skyfire, was revealed to be a Cybertronian. Although the project was ultimately shelved, the concept art offered a tantalizing glimpse of a storyline that could have paved the way for the ultimate Transformers and G.I. Joe team-up.
“Operation Skyfire” intended to showcase the Autobots engaging in an all-out battle against the sinister Decepticons, who were cunningly allied with Nazi soldiers. The prospect of humans being pitted against Autobots in the fight against tyranny and evil laid the perfect foundation for an extraordinary collaboration between the Autobots and the G.I. Joe team.
Fast forward to 2023, and “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” brings to the screen the intriguing possibility of a crossover. Set in 1994, the film introduces Noah Diaz, a former military electronic engineer whose life changes dramatically when he encounters the Autobot Mirage. Little does Noah know that this fateful meeting will lead to a grand adventure, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. As the film progresses, the opportunity for a future G.I. Joe and Transformers crossover becomes increasingly apparent.
As “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” concludes, Noah is presented with the chance to join forces with the G.I. Joe team. This sets the stage for an exhilarating live-action crossover that fans have long been clamoring for. But interestingly, this crossover idea had already taken root with the shelved “Operation Skyfire” concept.
While “Operation Skyfire” may never see the light of day, its imaginative and inventive storyline can still serve as a wellspring of inspiration for future Transformers sequels. The notion of time travel introduced in “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” could open the door to alternate history timelines, where the Autobots and Maximals could intertwine with real human historical events and conflicts. By seamlessly weaving in the G.I. Joe characters, these sequels could deliver gripping narratives where the Autobots and G.I. Joe band together to confront the Decepticons and their human allies.
As we eagerly await the next chapters of the Transformers saga, one can’t help but wonder if the time will come when the Autobots and G.I. Joe heroes will stand side by side, united in their quest to safeguard humanity from the forces of darkness. Until then, the possibilities remain endless, and fans can continue to dream of the spectacular crossover that almost was, and perhaps one day will be.
