Reaction

Transformers fans were initially divided over the film due to the radical redesigns of many characters, although the casting of Peter Cullen was warmly received.^[21] Transformers comic book writer Simon Furman and Beast Wars script consultant Benson Yee both warmly received it as spectacular fun, but Furman argued there were too many human storylines.^[63] Yee felt that being the first in a series, the film had to establish much of the fictional universe and therefore did not have time to focus on the Decepticons.^[64] Nonetheless, the film created a greater awareness of the franchise and drew in many new fans.^[65] Transformers' box office success led to the active development of films based on Voltron and Robotech,^[66] as well as a Knight Rider remake.^[67]

Box office performance

The film was released in ten international markets on June 28, 2007, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the Philippines. Transformers made $29.5 million in its first weekend, topping the box office in ten countries including a $1.7 million four-day weekend gross in Singapore.^[68] It grossed $5.2 million in Malaysia, becoming the most successful film in the country's history.^[69] Transformers opened in China on July 11, and became the second highest-grossing foreign film in the country (behind Titanic), making $37.3 million.^[70] Its opening there set a record for a foreign language film, making $3 million.^[71] The film was officially released in the United Kingdom on July 27, making £8.7 million, and helped contribute to the biggest attendance record ever for that weekend. It was second at the UK box office, behind The Simpsons Movie.^[72] The film has grossed $706.5 million worldwide, including $319 million in the United States, making it Michael Bay's highest grossing film to date, not adjusting for inflation.^[73]

The film was released in the United States and Canada on July 3, 2007, with 8 p.m. preview screenings on July 2. The US previews earned $8.8 million,^[74] and in its first day of general release it grossed $27.8 million, a record for Tuesday box office attendance. It broke Spider-Man 2's record for the biggest July 4 gross, making $29 million.^[75] On its opening weekend, Transformers grossed $70.5 million, amounting to a $155.4 million opening week, giving it the record for the biggest opening week for a non-sequel.^[76] The opening's domestic gross was 50% more than Paramount Pictures expected. One executive attributed it to word of mouth that explained to parents that "it [was] OK to take the kids". A Cinemascope poll indicated the film was most popular with children and parents, including older women, and attracted many African American and Latino viewers.^[77