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Transformers: The Last Knight

Transformers: The Last Knight is a 2017 American science-fiction action film directed by Michael Bay and the fifth live-action film in the Transformers franchise.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Transformers: The Last Knight is a 2017 American science-fiction action film directed by Michael Bay and the fifth live-action film in the Transformers franchise. It follows Cade Yeager and other allies as they try to stop Optimus Prime, who has been turned against humanity, and prevent Earth’s destruction. The film ties Transformers mythology to Arthurian legend and was released by Paramount Pictures in June 2017.

Plot

The film depicts a world where humans and Transformers are at war, while Optimus Prime has disappeared or turned hostile. Cade Yeager and his allies search for a hidden artifact tied to Earth’s ancient history and the Transformers’ origin.

Production

Transformers: The Last Knight was directed by Michael Bay and produced by Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, and Ian Bryce. The screenplay was credited to Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, and Ken Nolan.

Release

Paramount Pictures distributed the film, which opened in U.S. theatres on June 21, 2017. It later became available on home media and streaming services in 2017.

Reception

The film received mixed to negative reviews, with critics commonly describing it as visually large-scale but thinly plotted.

Key facts

  • It is the fifth live-action film in the Transformers series.
  • The film centers on Cade Yeager, Bumblebee, Viviane Wembly, and Sir Edmund Burton trying to stop a global catastrophe.
  • The story connects Transformers lore with King Arthur and Merlin.
  • Optimus Prime is a central figure in the plot and is controlled or altered by Quintessa.
  • The film was released in U.S. theatres on June 21, 2017.
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Canadian context

The film was released in Canada in 2017 as part of the globally distributed Transformers franchise and was also covered by Canadian audiences through theatrical and home-media release.

Frequently asked questions

What is Transformers: The Last Knight?
It is a 2017 science-fiction action film and the fifth live-action Transformers movie.
Who directed Transformers: The Last Knight?
Michael Bay directed the film.
When was it released?
It was released in U.S. theatres on June 21, 2017.
Who are the main characters?
Major characters include Cade Yeager, Bumblebee, Viviane Wembly, Sir Edmund Burton, Optimus Prime, and Quintessa.
What is the film about?
It follows a search for ancient secrets and an artifact tied to Earth’s past while the Transformers face a threat that could destroy Earth.

References

  1. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers:_The_Last_Knight
    Supports: Confirms film is a 2017 science-fiction film directed by Michael Bay and the fifth live-action Transformers film.
  2. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/transformers-the-last-knight
    Supports: Confirms release date, director, runtime, MPAA rating, plot elements, and cast.
  3. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/80164399
    Supports: Confirms release year, genre, cast, and plot premise involving Optimus Prime and Cade Yeager.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_the_last_knight_2017
    Supports: Confirms synopsis, director, producer, writers, distributor, rating, runtime, and release date.
  5. Variety — https://www.variety.com/2017/film/reviews/transformers-the-last-knight-review-mark-wahlberg-1202470295/
    Supports: Confirms critical reception and general characterization of the film's style.