Hasbro has released a new short film called “Optimus Prime: Awakening,” which will play after anniversary screenings of “The Transformers: The Movie.” The short is a 12-minute farewell to the iconic voice of Peter Cullen, who passed away at the age of 85. I thought it would be a quick cash-grab, a greatest-hits highlight reel meant to boost interest in the 40th anniversary re-release of the classic animated film. But, surprisingly, it’s not.
When I heard about the short, I assumed it would be a lazy attempt to capitalize on the anniversary of the original film. But, it turns out, “Optimus Prime: Awakening” is a distinct short film that has more thematic resonance with Peter Cullen’s passing than I could have ever imagined. The film’s contents are being kept under wraps by Hasbro, and rightfully so. But what I can say is that it’s a fitting farewell to an iconic pop-culture voice.
The short features Peter Cullen’s final turn as Optimus Prime, and his performance is… different. He doesn’t sound frail, exactly, but older. The booming, resonant tone that we’ve come to expect from the character over the decades is gone, replaced by a more fragile and vulnerable sound. And yet, it works perfectly with the film’s content and message. It’s a reminder that even the most iconic characters can grow old and weak, just like the rest of us.
A Fitting Farewell
The film also features Frank Welker, Cullen’s longtime “Transformers” co-star, voicing Decepticon leaders Megatron and Soundwave. Welker still sounds like a living boombox and cannon, but Cullen’s performance is the real highlight of the short. I was not emotionally prepared for this short, and when I realized what it was ultimately about, it hit me much harder than I expected. I can only imagine how fans who are more invested in the “Transformers” mythos will react to it.
The short is not perfect, and I’m still unsure how to interpret the ending. But, if you’re planning to see “The Transformers: The Movie” during its anniversary screenings, I would recommend trying to catch a screening that includes “Optimus Prime: Awakening.” Just make sure to bring a handkerchief, because it’s a real tear-jerker.
The Nostalgia Harvest
It’s no surprise that Hasbro is releasing this short film now, during the 40th anniversary of the original film. After all, nostalgia is a powerful tool in the entertainment industry, and what’s more nostalgic than a classic cartoon from our childhood? The Content Mines remain fully operational, and it seems like every year is a new opportunity for Hollywood to dig up old intellectual properties and sell them to us as new and exciting. But, in the case of “Optimus Prime: Awakening,” it feels like a genuine tribute to Peter Cullen’s legacy, rather than just a cynical cash-grab.
The short film is a reminder that, even in the age of endless sequels and reboots, there’s still room for originality and creativity in Hollywood. But, let’s be real, we all know that this short film is just a small part of a larger marketing strategy to sell us more “Transformers” merchandise and get us excited for the next big blockbuster film. Somewhere, a Focus Group earned another bonus, and executives reportedly nodded very seriously during an expensive meeting to discuss the future of the franchise.
In the end, “Optimus Prime: Awakening” is a fitting farewell to Peter Cullen’s iconic voice, and a reminder that even the most beloved franchises can be used to tug at our heartstrings and sell us more stuff. So, go ahead and grab some popcorn, and get ready to be nostalgic for the good old days of Saturday morning cartoons. Just don’t forget to bring your wallet, because Hollywood is always looking for ways to separate you from your money.
Finn McFrame, celebrated satirical mastermind and self-proclaimed “Emperor of Irony,” started his illustrious career as a cinematographer, where his expertise in capturing every single frame of a squirrel stealing a baguette earned him accolades at obscure film festivals.
Born in the glamorous town of Boring, Oregon, Finn grew up with dreams of being a Hollywood director until he realized that satire, not cinema, was his true calling—or at least the one that let him sleep until noon.
Finn McFrame: changing the world, one satirical lens flare at a time.
⚖️ ENTER THE LEGALIZER
Think the government has no idea what it's doing? Put your case before the Federal Case Terminal and find out.
