Transformers fans will get to hear the late Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime one final time.
Hasbro has revealed new details about Optimus Prime: Awakening, a brand-new 12-minute animated short that features Peter‘s final performance as the iconic Autobot leader.
The news comes less than a week after Peter died at age 85. Hasbro confirmed the short will accompany the upcoming 40th-anniversary theatrical screenings of the 1986 Transformers movie.
What is Optimus Prime: Awakening?
It’s a 12-minute animated short created as part of the 40th-anniversary celebration for The Transformers: The Movie. Peter returns as Optimus Prime. Frank Welker also returns as Megatron and Soundwave, giving the longtime co-stars another story together.
Hasbro describes the project as “a love letter to the Transformers community and the late Peter Cullen,” according to Animation World Network.
“Optimus Prime and Megatron were made for each other,” Frank Welker said. “After all, one needs the perfect hero against the epitome of evil to create great drama. Peter’s portrayal of Prime was born of his own personal beliefs; honesty, loyalty, and always insisting on doing the right thing. This made it easy to be friends. Returning as Megatron and Soundwave for one final story opposite Peter‘s Optimus in Optimus Prime: Awakening was a real gift. I will miss my friend, but that voice and his heart and values will always be part of Optimus Prime.”
Peter first began voicing Optimus in the original animated series in 1984 and continued playing the character across movies, television projects, and games for more than four decades.
How can fans watch Peter Cullen’s final Optimus Prime performance?
The Transformers: The Movie returns to theaters in restored 4K beginning September 17. The U.S. theatrical engagement is currently scheduled through September 21. Tickets went on sale on August 7. More details at Fathom Entertainment.
There will also be exclusive collectible concessions sold, like popcorn buckets, specialty drinkware, and more.
Optimus Prime: Awakening will screen after the movie, so readers will need to stay through the credits to watch it.
Peter died August 26 at his Los Angeles home. His family said he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Our continued thoughts are with Peter Cullen‘s loved ones and fans.
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