Get ready for a wave of nostalgia and a bittersweet moment for Transformers fans worldwide. A brand new animated short, “Optimus Prime: Awakening,” featuring the late, legendary voice actor Peter Cullen in his final performance as the iconic Autobot leader, will be shown before select screenings of The Transformers: The Movie 40th-anniversary event.
A Tribute to a Legend
Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment unveiled this special tribute on Tuesday. “Optimus Prime: Awakening” is described as a “fully realized, 12-minute animated short designed as a love letter to the Transformers community and the late Peter Cullen.” The short aims to capture the spirit of The Transformers: The Movie (1986) while offering a glimpse into the future of the franchise on the big screen.
According to Hasbro and Fathom, Peter Cullen’s performance in “Optimus Prime: Awakening” showcases a vulnerability rarely seen while retaining the strength and authority that made his portrayal so iconic. This is a chance for fans to experience one last performance from a true legend.
Frank Welker Pays Tribute
Frank Welker, who voices Megatron, Optimus Prime’s arch-nemesis, shared heartfelt words about his late colleague: “Optimus Prime and Megatron were made for each other. After all, one needs the perfect hero against the epitome of evil to create great drama. Peter’s portrayal of Prime was born of his own personal beliefs; honesty, loyalty, and always insisting on doing the right thing. This made it easy to be friends. Returning as Megatron and Soundwave for one final story opposite Peter’s Optimus in Optimus Prime: Awakening was a real gift. I will miss my friend, but that voice and his heart and values will always be part of Optimus Prime.”
Remembering Peter Cullen
Peter Cullen passed away on August 26th at the age of 85, leaving behind an incredible legacy. His voice defined a generation of Transformers fans.
Relive the Classics and Experience Something New
The Transformers: The Movie is returning to theaters internationally in 4K from September 17–22, 2026. Fathom has just announced new screenings in France, Singapore, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and Peru. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a piece of Transformers history and celebrate the life and work of Peter Cullen.
For those eager to own a piece of this legacy, pre-orders are now open for The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Limited-Edition steelbook, available on November 17 in both 4K UHD and Blu-ray. This is more than just a movie; it’s a tribute.
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