‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ triumphs over Spidey at the Friday box office

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts opened to a promising $25.6 million at the Friday box office as it appears to reverse its suspension Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse from first place and win a crowded run at the domestic box office.

Friday’s gross includes $8.8 million in previews.

The rise of the beasts — which hopes to revive the Hasbro toy-movie franchise after several fits and starts — is now on track to open in the $60 million range, which is at the high end of expectations. Though reviews were mixed, the Paramount and Skydance film earned an A-CinemaScore from audiences.

Young adults made up the majority of attendees on Friday, as the film is broadcast to an ethnically diverse audience.

The Tentpole is considered a direct sequel from 2018 Bumblebee and a prequel to the first Transformers live-action film series starring Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox. The film, directed by Steven Caple Jr., opens after a five-year hiatus for the series.

The rise of the beasts follows Optimus Prime and the Autobots in their greatest challenge yet, when a new threat emerges capable of destroying the entire planet. Together with the Maximals, who make their big screen debut, they must save the world.

The story’s human heroes include new characters played by Hamiltonby Anthony Ramos e Swarmis Dominique Fishback.

The cast celebrated at the film’s premiere earlier this week in New York City, including Cristo Fernández, who voices Wheeljack, the first Latino Autobot in Transformers history. And Liza Koshy voices the femme Autobot Arcee. Pete Davidson voices the new bot Mirage, while loyal Peter Cullen once again voices Optimus Prime.

The ceilings derive from Beast Wars, a syndicated animated television series that aired from 1996 to 1999, featuring Transformers taking animal forms. In the film, fan-favorite robot beasts include Optimus Primal (Ron Perlman), a gorilla; Airazor (Michelle Yeoh), a peregrine falcon; Rhinox (David Sobolov); and Cheetor (Tongayi Chirisa). Sporting genuine looking fur, skin and wings, this breed of Transformers is a nice contrast to the automotive branding fans have become accustomed to.

Sony’s box office sensation Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Versewhich opened to over $120 million last week, grossed about $16.6 million on Friday for a second weekend expected in the $56 million range for a 10-day domestic tally of about $226 million.

Disney’s live action The little Mermaid is coming in at number 3 in its third outing with an expected weekend of $24 million for a domestic tally of $230 million.