Get ready to relive some childhood memories, but with a bittersweet twist. Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment are bringing back The Transformers: The Movie for its 40th anniversary this month, and while it’s a celebration, it also marks a poignant moment for fans. Just recently, the legendary voice of Optimus Prime, Peter Cullen, passed away at the age of 80. Now, in what will surely be an emotional experience, fans will have one last chance to hear Cullen’s iconic performance as the Autobot leader, thanks to a brand-new short film accompanying the 4K rerelease.
Optimus Prime: Awakening – A Final Tribute
Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment announced on Tuesday that Optimus Prime: Awakening is a “fully realized, 12-minute animated short designed as a love letter to the Transformers community and the late Peter Cullen.” This special short will be attached to select screenings of the 4K release of The Transformers: The Movie, hitting theaters from September 17th to 22nd. Expect “emotional storytelling” and “electric action,” featuring new performances by Frank Welker (Megatron and Soundwave) alongside Peter Cullen in his final original voice performance as Optimus Prime.
Frank Welker shared, “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.”
In a news release, Hasbro and Fathom emphasized that Cullen’s return “meant a great deal to him,” describing it as a “homecoming” to the character he had embodied for over four decades. This sentiment underscores the deep connection Cullen had with Optimus Prime and the profound impact he had on generations of Transformers fans.
The animation studio The Third Floor, known for its work on Predator: Killer of Killers, is responsible for the stunning visuals and animation in Optimus Prime: Awakening. Their expertise ensures that this tribute will be a fitting farewell to a true icon.
Tickets for Transformers: The Movie’s rerelease – an “Apology Tour” for the film that famously (and controversially) killed off Optimus Prime – are on sale at Fathom’s website”>on sale now. Don’t miss this chance to experience a piece of Transformers history and say goodbye to Peter Cullen’s unforgettable portrayal of the noble Autobot leader.
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