The Transformers franchise has captivated audiences for decades, and this fall, it is set to make a grand return with the animated film “Transformers One.” The excitement surrounding the film was palpable at the San Diego Comic-Con 2024, where the cast and crew gathered in Hall H to share exclusive insights and footage from the upcoming release.
The panel featured franchise producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, director Josh Cooley, and stars Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, and Keegan-Michael Key. The event kicked off with a sizzle reel that showcased the cinematic history of Optimus Prime and Megatron, culminating in a glimpse of their origins. Di Bonaventura humorously noted that the film’s origin story would have cost an estimated $500 million if it had been made with live-action actors, emphasizing the creative freedom that animation provides. He confirmed that the film would not include any human characters, allowing for a deeper exploration of the Transformers’ lore.
Cooley expressed his enthusiasm for the project, revealing that the original Transformers cartoon had inspired him to pursue a career in animation. He was particularly excited to delve into the relationship between D-16 and Orion Pax, exploring how they evolve into the iconic characters of Optimus Prime and Megatron. Hasbro provided Cooley with an extensive “bible” of Transformers history, which he described as a treasure trove of ideas that allowed him to play with the characters’ backstories and motivations.
The panel showcased three exclusive clips from the film, each highlighting different aspects of the story and character dynamics. The first clip featured a race at the Icon 5000, Cybertron’s version of the Olympics. D-16 and Orion Pax had differing opinions on entering the race, but ultimately, they decided to participate, inspiring the citizens of Cybertron. The clip ended with the duo narrowly securing a spot in the top three, showcasing their determination and camaraderie.
In the second clip, the characters faced a challenge when they discovered they were missing their transformation cogs, which are essential for their ability to transform. They received assistance from Alpha Trion, voiced by Lawrence Fishburne, who was described as a character reminiscent of Morpheus and Obi-Wan Kenobi. The crew’s dynamic was further explored as they worked together to outrun their adversaries.
The third clip introduced Starscream, voiced by Steve Buscemi, who, along with the High Guard, kidnapped the main characters. In a humorous twist, Bumblebee, voiced by Key, was portrayed as overly talkative, leading to comedic moments as Starscream argued that all bots must fend for themselves. The tension escalated as Megatron fought against Starscream, showcasing the complexities of their relationship.
Throughout the panel, the cast shared their personal connections to the franchise. Hemsworth, who voices Orion Pax, reminisced about his childhood love for Transformers toys and the nostalgia that the franchise evokes. Henry, voicing Megatron, expressed his fascination with the character’s origin story, emphasizing that Megatron is not inherently evil but shaped by his experiences. Key, who voices B-127, aimed to capture the character’s childlike essence, contributing to the dynamic between the trio of Orion Pax, D-16, and B-127.
The panel concluded with the premiere of a new trailer for “Transformers One,” leaving fans eager for the film’s release. The animated feature is set to hit theaters exclusively on September 20th, promising to deliver a rich and engaging story that explores the origins of two of the franchise’s most iconic characters.
As the anticipation builds for “Transformers One,” fans can look forward to a film that not only pays homage to the beloved franchise but also offers a fresh perspective on the characters and their journeys. The combination of nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt performances from the talented cast is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Source: Various
