Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Shines in Peru, Boosting Hollywood's Hopes in Latin America

The seventh installment of the Transformers franchise, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, has roared into theaters with a global debut of $170.5 million, according to Comscore. While China was the biggest market for the film with $40 million, one of the most surprising and impressive results came from Peru, which was heavily featured in the film, where it earned $5 million from 107 locations, setting a new record for the biggest opening weekend for a Transformers movie, a Paramount movie, and any movie in 2023.

This is especially remarkable considering that Peru is a developing country with a population of about 33 million and a GDP per capita of $6,762. The film's success in Peru shows that there is a huge potential for Hollywood movies to connect with audiences in Latin America, a region that has often been overlooked by the industry.

Hollywood has struggled to make an impact in China, the world's second-largest movie market, due to various factors such as censorship, quotas, competition from local films, and political tensions. However, Latin America offers a more friendly and accessible environment for Hollywood movies, with a growing middle class, a strong affinity for American culture, and a shared language across most countries.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts may have benefited from its filming locations in Peru, which were prominently featured in the local marketing campaign. The film also stars Anthony Ramos, a Puerto Rican actor who plays Noah Wyle, an ex-military electronics expert who teams up with Optimus Prime and other Autobots to stop an ancient evil. Ramos is best known for his roles in Hamilton and In the Heights, two musicals that celebrate Latino culture and identity.

Peru is not the only Latin American country that embraced Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. The film also performed well in Mexico ($7.3 million), Argentina ($2.6 million), Brazil ($2.4 million), and Colombia ($1.9 million), among others. In total, Latin America accounted for about $25 million of the film's international gross.

Hollywood has a history of finding success in Latin America when it represents the region positively and authentically on screen. For example, Pixar's Coco, a film that celebrates Mexican culture and traditions, grossed $189 million in Latin America, including $57 million in Mexico alone. Disney's Moana, which features Polynesian characters and mythology, earned $34 million in Brazil, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time in the country.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is not only a thrilling action-adventure movie that appeals to fans of the franchise, but also a testament to the power and diversity of Latin American audiences. By showcasing Peru's beautiful landscapes and culture, and by casting a Latino lead actor who brings charisma and humor to his role, the film has proven that developing countries can contribute to Hollywood's bottom line and deserve more representation and recognition on screen.

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