Transformers One marks a significant return to animated storytelling within the beloved Transformers franchise. This upcoming film delves into the origins of two iconic characters, Optimus Prime and Megatron, set against the backdrop of Cybertron.
Director Josh Cooley has taken on the challenge of creating a fresh narrative that balances realism with artistic inspiration. He draws from various influences, notably Art Deco, to shape the visual style and character design of the film. Cooley’s vision is to present a world that feels tangible and believable, while still embracing the fantastical elements of the Transformers universe.
In a recent interview at San Diego Comic Con, Cooley shared insights into his creative process and the unique inspirations behind Transformers One. He emphasized the importance of realism in animation, stating, “Knowing it was going to be animated gives you some leeway to exaggerate things and make things a little bigger and broader, but I didn’t want to go full cartoony with it. I never thought of this as a cartoon. It was always, ‘I want this to be believable.’”
Cooley’s approach aims to create a visual experience that resonates with audiences. He wants viewers to feel as though they can reach out and touch the characters, experiencing their weight and the physics of their movements. This ambition is rooted in a desire to craft something entirely new, while still paying homage to the original material that fans cherish.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Cooley’s vision is his use of Art Deco as a guiding inspiration. He cites the work of painter J.C. Leyendecker, whose art captures the essence of living sculptures. Cooley aims to infuse this aesthetic into the character designs, blending the robotic nature of the Transformers with humanistic characteristics. This combination seeks to create a unique visual language that sets Transformers One apart from previous entries in the franchise.
The narrative of Transformers One takes place millions of years before the events of the live-action films, which began with Michael Bay’s 2007 release. This prequel is set entirely on Cybertron, allowing for a deeper exploration of the characters’ backstories without the interference of human elements. Fans will witness the evolution of Optimus Prime and Megatron, who were once allies before their friendship was shattered by civil war. This tragic tale has primarily been explored in books and comics, making the film a highly anticipated addition to the Transformers lore.
The trailers released so far have showcased the vibrant and stunning animation that fans can expect. Alongside the visual spectacle, the film boasts an impressive voice cast, featuring Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime, Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron, Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee, and Scarlett Johansson as Elita. This new ensemble brings fresh energy to the characters, promising to deliver memorable performances that resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.
Transformers One is set to hit theaters on September 20, 2024. As the franchise celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, fans can look forward to revisiting the origins of their favorite characters in a way that has never been seen before. With Cooley’s artistic vision and the rich storytelling potential of the Transformers universe, this animated adventure is poised to captivate audiences and reignite their love for these iconic characters.
Source: Collider
