The Transformers franchise has given fans years of enjoyment! However, even this beloved series has its share of drama. One of the biggest moments of intrigue that had fans talking about Shia LaBeouf leaving Sam Witwicky's role as the main character of the films.
The Sam Witwicky Mystery
For years, fans have wondered why Sam Witwicky was no longer part of the franchise after Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011). Even after Michael Bay explained that he loved how the original movie was simple- focusing on a relatable story about a boy getting a special car (an alien robot!) - LaBeouf wasn't needed after three movies.
The series rebooted itself after LaBeouf chose to not reprise the character.
- The Transformers: Age of Extinction movie (2014) saw the introduction of Mark Wahlberg as a new lead.
- Bumblebee (2018) was a soft reboot featuring a totally new story line that left no place for Witwicky.
Why Shia LaBeouf Left
While fans wonder what happened LaBeouf confirmed in multiple interviews that it was his own decision.
- He stated in press tours after Dark of the Moon that he wouldn't continue with Transformers
- LaBeouf claimed that Sam Witwicky's story ended there. Going back would have felt forced.
- In various interviews, like The Guardian and Esquire, LaBeouf didn't seem to appreciate these projects, and considered them to be irrelevant!
The Last Knight and Sam Witwicky's Fate
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) included a clue that some fans missed about Sam Witwicky's history in the series!
The whole thing gets wild as King Arthur and Merlin (a magic figure from Arthurian legends!) fought together with Transformers!
- A society, Witwiccans is also revealed to be involved and have worked to protect the Earth from alien invaders.
- Sam Witwicky was actually part of this! Images are revealed! The professor who shows this ( Anthony Hopkins), hints that only a specific family can use the magic staff that helps fight off this alien group!
Witwicky was a significant part of the family and being the last of his line means he may have perished after Dark of the Moon!
The Future of the Transformers
Bumblebee gave audiences another chance with a big screen production. The story starts from scratch and is really its own universe!
- It seemed impossible to bring back LaBeouf and even if he wanted to come back, Transformers may have already seen its changes after Bumblebee got a $467 million worldwide box office performance.
- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts also has totally new leads who show how great new generations can continue!
A New Era for the Transformers
Although some fans might feel nostalgia about Shia LaBeouf and his Sam Witwicky era, Transformers seems to have continued with flying colors! Replacing those original heroes brought in characters like Anthony Ramos as Noah Diaz (with military skills that come in handy and working together with Optimus Prime) and Dominique Fishback as Elena Wallace (a talented, historical figure known for understanding many things that help support the Autobots!
There are more films planned and the box office continues to rise for these films which include characters that connect directly to "Transformers: Beast Wars."
Despite all these events, the most important factor remains how compelling the story remains and how these projects have done very well and shown just how adaptable the franchise truly is! Although LaBeouf leaving as Sam Witwicky may have felt unusual, that didn't take the franchise away, and as far as Witwicky is concerned it appears Transformers: The Last Knight created the perfect end.
