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 while balancing 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 aims to infuse humanistic characteristics into the robotic figures, ensuring that they resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
The anticipation surrounding Transformers One has been palpable, especially following its recent showcase at San Diego Comic Con. The film is the first animated feature in the franchise since 1986’s The Transformers: The Movie, and fans are eager to see how this new installment will expand the Transformers universe.
In a conversation with Collider’s Steven Weintraub during the Comic Con event, Cooley shared insights into his creative process. He emphasized the freedom that animation provides, allowing for exaggeration and broader expressions. However, he was clear that he did not want to veer into a purely cartoonish style. Instead, his goal was to create a world that feels tangible and believable.
Cooley explained, “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.’” He aimed for a visual experience that viewers could connect with, one that feels weighty and grounded in reality, yet still offers a unique perspective.
The director’s inspiration from Art Deco is particularly intriguing. He cited the work of painter J.C. Leyendecker, whose art captures the essence of living sculptures. Cooley expressed his desire to incorporate that aesthetic into the character designs, stating, “We wanted to use Art Deco as an inspiration. J.C. Leyendecker, the painter, his paintings look like living sculptures of people, and I was like, ‘That’s the kind of feel that I want for our characters since they are still robots.’”
Transformers One is set millions of years before the events of the live-action films that began with Michael Bay’s 2007 release. This prequel takes place entirely on Cybertron, a planet devoid of human presence. The narrative focuses on the relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron, exploring their friendship before the civil war that would ultimately divide them. This tragic backstory has primarily been explored in books and comics, making its cinematic portrayal a highly anticipated event.
The trailers released so far have showcased the film’s vibrant animation and introduced audiences to a new voice cast. Chris Hemsworth lends his voice to Optimus Prime, while Brian Tyree Henry takes on the role of Megatron. Keegan-Michael Key voices Bumblebee, and Scarlett Johansson portrays Elita. This fresh ensemble promises to bring new life to these beloved characters.
Transformers One is set to hit theaters on September 20, 2024. As the franchise celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, fans can also enjoy streaming the original Transformers (2007) and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts on Paramount+.
The film’s unique approach to storytelling, combined with its artistic inspirations, positions Transformers One as a noteworthy addition to the franchise. With Cooley at the helm, audiences can expect a captivating exploration of the origins of two of the most iconic characters in the Transformers universe.
Source: Collider
