Director Departs from Transformers/G.I. Joe Crossover Amid Alleged Dispute

Not long ago, the anticipated Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover lost its director, Steven Caple Jr., with new reports suggesting his departure followed a heated argument with producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura.

Recently, it was revealed that Caple Jr., known for directing Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, is being considered to helm the sequel to I Am Legend, starring Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan. Caple Jr. and Jordan have previously collaborated on Creed II after Ryan Coogler stepped down from directing the sequel. Although Rise of the Beasts underperformed slightly last year, it garnered better reviews than its predecessors and earned a respectable $439 million worldwide.

Many had expected Caple Jr. to direct the long-awaited Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover featuring Chris Hemsworth. However, Jeff Sneider from The InSneider reported that Caple Jr. left the project following a heated dispute with Lorenzo di Bonaventura. According to Sneider, multiple sources indicated that di Bonaventura made comments interpreted as racially insensitive, suggesting Caple Jr. should be more grateful for the opportunity to direct the big-budget film.

Representatives for Caple Jr. and di Bonaventura at CAA denied any incident, claiming it was merely a negotiation that didn’t work out. However, Sneider maintains that several sources have hinted at a possible racial element to the argument.

At San Diego Comic-Con, Hemsworth commented on the Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover plans, saying, “I keep getting asked about that. Lorenzo [di Bonaventura] had brought it up when I was recording this film, and we started talking about where the universe could expand and how fun it could be.” Hemsworth expressed his interest in working with great filmmakers, scripts, and stories, highlighting the potential in both the G.I. Joe and Transformers universes.

Hemsworth, who voices Optimus Prime in the animated Transformers One, humorously remarked on the uncertainty of his role in the crossover. “Am I going to be, like, talking to myself? Am I still going to play Optimus Prime and then switch over to G.I. Joe? Do I get paid twice? What’s happening here? That’s the important question.”

The untitled live-action crossover movie has yet to receive a confirmed release date.