A new dawn for Transformers: Exploring the origins of Cybertron’s legends

A fresh take on a classic saga

The Transformers franchise is set to embark on a new journey with the release of “Transformers One,” the first feature-length animated film in 38 years. This highly anticipated movie, directed by Josh Cooley and produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, promises to delve into the origin story of some of the most iconic characters in the Transformers universe.

Unveiling the characters and their voices

The film features an impressive voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth as Orion Pax (later known as Optimus Prime) and Brian Tyree Henry as D-16 (who becomes Megatron). Keegan-Michael Key lends his voice to B-127, an early version of Bumblebee, while Scarlett Johansson voices Elita. Other notable cast members include Laurence Fishburne as Alpha Trion, Jon Hamm as Sentinel Prime, and Steve Buscemi as Starscream.

A glimpse into the past

The panel at the recent event opened with a nostalgic montage showcasing the epic battles between Optimus Prime and Megatron across various iterations of the Transformers series, from the 1980s cartoons to the live-action movies. This set the stage for the new film, which aims to explore the relationship between these two characters before they became adversaries.

Watch the trailer: Transformers One

Extended clips reveal new lore

The filmmakers treated the audience to three extended clips from the movie, each offering a deeper look into the world of Cybertron and its inhabitants.

The Icon 5000

The first clip introduced the Icon 5000, described by Cooley as “basically the Olympics on Cybertron.” This sequence showcased Orion and D-16, who work as miners and cannot transform, participating in an exhilarating race using jet packs. The scene highlighted the vibrant and thriving society of Cybertron before the fall.

Transformation cogs

In the second clip, a new piece of lore was revealed: the transformation cogs. These cogs, which an entire generation of robots, including Orion and D-16, are missing, are bestowed upon them by Alpha Trion. This modification allows them to transform into the more familiar shapes we know. The clip depicted their struggle to adapt to their new forms while fleeing from enemies.

The High Guard

The final clip introduced the predecessors to the Decepticons, known as the High Guard, led by Starscream with his lieutenants Soundwave and Shockwave. The main characters discover that the High Guard has devolved into a group of warriors obsessed with power. The scene culminated in D-16 defeating Starscream and taking over leadership of the High Guard.

Personal reflections from the cast

The panel also featured personal anecdotes from the voice actors, who shared their childhood experiences with Transformers toys. Chris Hemsworth reminisced about the challenge of reassembling the toys, while Brian Tyree Henry revealed that he often turned his villain toys into heroes. Keegan-Michael Key, the biggest fan among the actors, led the audience in a sing-along of the 1980s animated series theme song.

A unique cinematic experience

Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura emphasized that “Transformers One” will offer a unique perspective on the robots, allowing audiences to get to know them in a way that previous iterations have not. Notably, the film will feature no human characters and is set a staggering 3 billion years before the events of the core storyline.

Final thoughts

“Transformers One” promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the Transformers franchise, offering fans a deeper understanding of the origins of their favorite characters. With its star-studded voice cast, rich lore, and stunning animation, this film is poised to captivate audiences and reignite their love for the Transformers universe.

For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Transformers One.