Buckle up, Transformers fans! Transformers One is revving its engines and ready to roll out a fresh chapter in the iconic franchise. This highly anticipated animated film, the first in nearly four decades, ventures back to the vibrant world of Cybertron, chronicling the origins of the legendary Optimus Prime and his formidable nemesis, Megatron. Before they were locked in an eternal struggle, they were Orion Pax and D-16, brothers-in-arms navigating a society teetering on the brink of war.
With a stellar voice cast led by Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) and Brian Tyree Henry (Bullet Train, Atlanta), and directed by the acclaimed Josh Cooley of Toy Story 4 fame, this prequel promises a thrilling blend of action, emotion, and nostalgia. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the Transformers universe, Transformers One is poised to delve into the heart of Cybertron and the complex dynamics that shaped its iconic heroes and villains.
Here are some details to know before you enter the cinema.
1) It’s the first theatrical animated Transformers movie in nearly 40 years, since The Transformers: The Movie (1986).
Transformers One holds a special significance as it’s the first of its kind in nearly four decades, since The Transformers: The Movie hit theatres in 1986. That 1986 film, while a beloved cult classic today, was a bold departure for its time as it dared kill off major characters, introduce a darker tone, and featured an unforgettable soundtrack with songs like ‘The Touch’ by Stan Bush.
Though initially divisive, it’s now celebrated for its ambitious storytelling and lasting impact on the franchise. Now, Transformers One picks up the animated torch, carrying the legacy forward with a new generation of animation and storytelling, promising to both honour the past, and forge a bold new path for the Autobots and Decepticons.
2) An origin story set before the Cybertronian War, it establishes the friendship between Orion Pax and D-16, before they became Optimus Prime and Megatron.
At its core, Transformers One serves as an origin story, transporting us back to a time before the devastating Cybertronian War. Witness the nascent friendship between Orion Pax and D-16, two idealistic Cybertronians who share a dream of a better future for themselves. Long before they adopted the mantles of Optimus Prime and Megatron, they were comrades and brothers once.
This film peels back the layers of their complex relationship, revealing the shared experiences and ideals that bound them together, as well as the subtle cracks that eventually fractured their bond. Witness the transformation of their friendship into a bitter rivalry, a pivotal turning point that sets the stage for the epic conflict that would engulf their world.
Wait, you say you don’t remember these two as friends? Well, what you might recall is 40 years of splintered history across the many animated series, comic books and video games, each with its own history between the characters and Transformers One offers a new take and a poignant exploration of the choices that shape destiny, reminding us that even the most iconic heroes and villains began as individuals with dreams and aspirations.
3) Optimus Prime and Megatron’s relationship has been referenced in other animated series, comic books and movies before.
Optimus Prime and Megatron’s complex dynamic has always been a cornerstone of the Transformers lore, but the details of their past relationship have often remained shrouded in mystery. Throughout various animated series, comic books, and even Michael Bay’s live-action films, we’ve caught glimpses of their shared history, hints of a bond that once existed before their descent into enmity.
In the original 1980s animated series, their past connection was merely alluded to. Later iterations, like Transformers: Prime (2010) and Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (2020-2021) delved deeper, showcasing them as former comrades or even brothers-in-arms. Comic book storylines have explored their contrasting ideologies and the events that drove them apart.
4) The movie delves into the social structure of Cybertron, showing the different factions and the brewing tensions that eventually lead to the War.
Transformers One reveals a world divided, where privilege and power are concentrated in the hands of the elite warriors, distinguished by their possession of ‘cogs’ that grant them the ability to transform. On the other side of the spectrum, the ‘cogless’ miner bots toil in the depths, their contributions undervalued and their voices unheard.
This stark disparity fuels growing discontent, creating fertile ground for Megatron’s charismatic yet manipulative rise to power. As Orion Pax grapples with the systemic injustices, he becomes a beacon of hope for the oppressed. The film traces the escalating tensions between these factions, culminating in the formation of the Autobots and Decepticons. Witness the birth of these legendary factions, as Optimus Prime and Megatron rally their followers and prepare for a conflict that will forever change the face of Cybertron.
5) It features a new voice cast with Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime, Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron, Scarlett Johansson as Elita-1, and more.
Boasting a star-studded voice cast, Transformers One breathes new life into these beloved characters. Leading the charge are Chris Hemsworth, known for his role as Thor in the MCU, who lends his voice to the young and idealistic Orion Pax, who will later become Optimus Prime. Brian Tyree Henry, acclaimed for his performances in Atlanta (2016-2022) and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), brings his gravitas and intensity to the role of D-16, the future Megatron.
Scarlett Johansson, known for her iconic portrayal of Black Widow, takes on the role of Elita-1, a skilled warrior and close friend to Orion Pax. Keegan-Michael Key, renowned for his comedic talent in films like Wonka (2023), provides the voice of B-127, who will eventually become the fan-favourite Bumblebee. The cast also includes seasoned actors like Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix, John Wick) as Alpha Trion, Jon Hamm (Top Gun: Maverick, Mad Men) as Sentinel Prime, and Steve Buscemi (Reservoir Dogs, Con Air) as Starscream.
6) Josh Cooley, the acclaimed director of Toy Story 4 (2019), helms the project.
Taking the helm of this ambitious project is Josh Cooley, a seasoned filmmaker with an impressive track record in the realm of animation. Cooley’s directorial debut, Toy Story 4 (2019), not only captured the hearts of audiences worldwide but also garnered critical acclaim, culminating in an Academy Award win for Best Animated Feature.
Cooley’s creative talents extend beyond the director’s chair. He also co-wrote the screenplay for the imaginative and emotionally resonant Inside Out (2015), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. With his proven ability to craft compelling narratives and bring characters to life, Cooley’s involvement in Transformers One signals a commitment to quality and a dedication to capturing the essence of this beloved franchise.
7) Megatron’s original name here, D-16, is a nod to the Japanese serial number of the original Megatron toy.
Eagle-eyed fans of the Transformers franchise will delight in discovering the subtle nods and homages woven into Transformers One. Take, for instance, Megatron’s original name in the film, D-16. This seemingly innocuous designation is, in fact, a clever reference to the Japanese serial number of the original Megatron toy.
In the early days of the Transformers toy line, Takara, the Japanese company behind the franchise, used a simple numbering system for their figures. The Megatron figure was assigned the number 16 and Takara introduced a new system using the letter ‘D’ to denote Destron, as the Decepticons were known in Japan. Thus, Megatron’s original Japanese ID number could retroactively be considered ‘D-16’, a detail playfully incorporated into the film as a tribute to his origins.
8) The film’s character designs were inspired by the original 1980s G1 animated television series.
Transformers One pays homage to its roots by embracing the visual style of the original 1980s animated television series. The character designs, in particular, evoke a sense of nostalgia, featuring bold lines, vibrant colours, and iconic silhouettes that will resonate with longtime fans. Director Josh Cooley emphasised the importance of capturing the clarity and distinctness of those original designs, ensuring that each Transformer is instantly recognisable and memorable.
9) While also sharing elements with the live-action films, Transformers One is not a direct prequel to the Michael Bay movies.
Don’t be fooled by the familiar names! While Transformers One shares some elements with the Michael Bay live-action films, it’s not a direct prequel. The story unfolds entirely on Cybertron, delving into the planet’s social structure and the events that lead to the war, aspects not explored in the live-action movies. The Bayverse, after all, takes place on Earth and has, over the years, provided conflicting information about life on Cybertron.
Transformers One carves its own path within the Transformers universe, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic characters and their world. Think of it as an alternate timeline, exploring the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron in a way that complements, rather than contradicts, the established live-action continuity. So, even if you’re a die-hard fan of the Bayverse films, you can approach Transformers One with an open mind, ready to experience a new and exciting chapter in the Transformers saga.
10) It is the first film in an intended trilogy that will chart the growth of Orion Pax into becoming Optimus Prime, referencing Hemsworth’s voice transitioning to that of the original voice actor, Peter Cullen.
Brace yourselves for an epic saga. Transformers One is just the first chapter in a planned trilogy, chronicling the rise of Orion Pax, voiced by Chris Hemsworth, and his eventual transformation into the legendary Optimus Prime.
Listen closely to Hemsworth’s performance, as subtle nuances are said to foreshadow this evolution, hinting at the iconic Optimus Prime voice that will be delivered by veteran actor Peter Cullen in the subsequent films. This trilogy promises to chart the growth of the Autobot leader, taking viewers on a journey that witnesses the forging of alliances, the rise of the Decepticons, and the defining moments that shape the destiny of Cybertron and set the stage for the epic battles to come.
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan eager to witness the origins of your favourite Autobots and Decepticons, or a newcomer curious to explore the rich lore of Cybertron, Transformers One promises an electrifying cinematic journey, reimagined for a new generation.
Prepare to be captivated by the stunning animation, epic battles, and the poignant tale of brotherhood torn apart by ambition and conflicting ideals. Roll out and experience the transformation!
Transformers One rolls into cinemas on 12 September.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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