As a seasoned movie critic hailing from the bustling city of Hollywood, I’ve seen my fair share of blockbusters and character actors gracing our silver screens. However, when I stumbled upon the names Jon Hamm, Isaac C. Singleton, and Vanessa Liguori in the cast list for the upcoming Transformers: One, I was pleasantly surprised to discover these talented individuals lending their voices to the iconic characters of Sentinel Prime, Darkwing, and Airachnid respectively.
The latest addition to the well-known Transformers series, titled “Transformers One”, marks its debut as an animated film since 1986’s “The Transformers: The Movie”. This fresh installment aims to unfold the prequel storyline that sets the stage for the main conflict in the series, delving into the origins of the war between Autobots and Decepticons. More significantly, it explores the transformation of Optimus Prime and Megatron from comrades to adversaries leading opposing factions. A key aspect that fans eagerly anticipate in each new Transformers movie is the list of characters featured in the storyline and, crucially, the toy lineup.
In honor of the 40th anniversary of the renowned toy series, a variety of characters from Transformers’ rich history are included in this film. The storyline showcases several Autobots and Decepticons before they became part of opposing factions. Furthermore, Transformers One boasts an impressive ensemble voice cast, combining A-list movie stars, Academy Award nominees, veterans of animated films, and talented character actors. Here’s a rundown of the major characters from Transformers One and their respective voice artists.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Transformers One.
Orion Pax/Optimus Prime
In the world of Transformers, it’s Optimus Prime who stands out as the most famous character. However, before he became the brave commander of the Autobots, he was known as Orion Pax. Unlike many stories,
In “Transformers One”, we’ll witness the journey of Orion Pax, a young, impulsive, and slightly immature character, as he matures into the renowned Optimus Prime. His close friend, D-16, will eventually turn out to be his most formidable adversary, Megatron. In this series, Optimus Prime assumes the form of a truck, but it’s a unique Cybertronian truck specifically designed for “Transformers One”.
Hemsworth Has Some Big Shoes to Fill
In a fascinating twist, it’s Chris Hemsworth who will lend his voice to the character Orion Pax/Optimus Prime. Hemsworth has some significant predecessors to emulate as he takes on a role previously brought to life by the acclaimed Peter Cullen, who voiced Optimus Prime in the classic animated series “Transformers: The Animated Series” from 1984, the original 1986 film, all live-action movies, and the 2010 animated series “Transformers: Prime”.
Chris Hemsworth primarily gained recognition for portraying Thor in the Marvel Cinemaverse, yet his prestigious roles extend beyond that. He’s also starred as George Kirk in Star Trek, Tyler Rake in the Extraction series, and more recently, he played Dementus, a malevolent vehicle leader, in Furiosa: Mad Max Fury Road. Interestingly, Hemsworth is set to delve deeper into the Transformers universe, with whispers suggesting he’ll lead the cast in the upcoming G.I. Joe/Transformers crossover.
D-16/Megatron
Prior to assuming the role of the merciless Decepticon leader known as Megatron, he was once D-16, a close friend of Orion Pax. However, they would later become bitter adversaries, leading their respective factions into conflict. As D-16, he was fiercely loyal to Cybertron and adhered to its rules. He respected the leaders of his homeworld and admired Megatronus Prime, the fallen leader from whom he would eventually take his name.
D-16’s discovery of dark truths in Cybertron’s past will lead him to become Megatron, rejecting any Prime, including his former best friend. The movie makes a major change to Megatron’s origin as most continuity has him as Cybertron’s gladiator. His being a Cybertron worker alongside Orion Pax highlights exactly the different paths they went on. Megatron turns into a Cybertronian tank.
A New Angle for Megatron
Brian Tyree Henry lends his voice to Megatron in “Transformers One.” After gaining prominence as Alfred Miles/Paper Boi on the popular FX show “Atlanta,” Henry has become one of the busiest actors around. He’s been seen as Phastos in “Eternals,” Bernie Hayes in both “Godzilla vs. Kong” and “Godzilla X: Kong: The New Empire,” and he gave an Oscar-nominated performance in “Causeway.” Additionally, Henry provides the voice for Jefferson Morales in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and its upcoming sequel, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Instead of Frank Welker being well-known for his deep, villainous portrayal of Megatron, Henry aims to present a younger, yet equally powerful version of the renowned Transformers antagonist.
Elita-1
In the Transformers One series, Elita-1 is portrayed as a supervisor in the mines, overseeing Orion Pax, D-16, and others. However, she’s not depicted as a romantic partner for Optimus Prime. Instead, she’s shown to be confident, assertive, and more decisive than her colleagues. As events unfold, she joins forces with Optimus Prime, becoming one of his early allies and a trusted Autobot leader. Interestingly, Elita-1 transforms into a Cybertronian motorcycle in the storyline.
A No-Nonsense Voice
Scarlett Johansson voices Elita-1. Johnasson is most famous for playing Black Widow in the MCU, making her the third major MCU actor in Transformers One alongside Hemsworth and Henry. Johannson’s voice work includes Mindy in The Spongebob Squarepants Movie, Samantha in Her, Kaa in The Jungle Book, and Ash in both Sing and Sing 2.
Johansson, a globally recognized actress, has graced critically praised films such as “Lost in Translation,” “Ghost World,” and “Aestroid City.” In 2019, she earned two Academy Award nominations – Best Actress for “Marriage Story” and Best Supporting Actress for “Jojo Rabbit.” In the year 2024, she will appear in her second film of the year, “Transformers One,” after starring in “Fly Me to the Moon.
Bumblebee
Bumblebee is best known for being the Autobot who lost the ability to talk due to damage to his vocal cords during battle, a characteristic first presented in the 2007 Transformers movie and continued in later versions.
In the movie “Transformers: One”, it is shown that before Bumblebee, known as B-127 then, lost his ability to speak, he was quite chatty. At this stage, B-127 was young, full of energy, and desired to be called “Badassatron”. This is a stark contrast to the endearing name he would eventually take on. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that in its robotic form, B-127 transforms into a yellow alien vehicle, reminiscent of the Camaro shape he assumes on Earth in the live-action films.
Motor Mouth for Someone Who Won’t Be Able to Speak With Their Mouth
Keegan Michael Key lends his voice to Bumblebee. Best known for his part in the comedic duo Key & Peele, he is no stranger to voice work. He previously voiced Murray the Mummy in Hotel Transylvania 2, 3, and Transformania. In 2019, he pulled double duty of Disney voicing Ducky in Toy Story 4 and the hyena Kamari in The Lion King. He recently voiced Toad in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Keegan Micahel Key has also appeared in films Don’t Think Twice, The Predator, and Wonka.
Starscream
As a devoted fan, let me share some insights about one of my favorite Transformers characters: Starscream. Often portrayed as Megatron’s right-hand man, Starscream is always scheming to overthrow Megatron and seize leadership of the Decepticons for himself. The movie delves into their origin story, focusing on how Megatron usurped command of the Cybertron Kings Guard from Starscream, who, according to the trailer, can be seen seated on a throne surrounded by other renowned Decepticons like Soundwave and Shockwave. Interestingly, Starscream’s iconic form is that of a jet.
The Perfect Voice for Starscream
It’s intriguing to ponder why Michael Bay didn’t cast Steve Buscemi as the voice of Starscream in his live-action Transformers film, given that he later gave Buscemi a minor role as a Junk Trading Transformer in Transformers: The Last Knight, instead.
Steve Buscemi is renowned as one of the most esteemed character actors globally, gracing iconic films such as Reservoir Dogs, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, Ghost World (with Scarlett Johansson from Transformers), and more. He took the lead in the successful HBO series Boardwalk Empire. Known for his unique voice, Buscemi has often been chosen for movies like Randall in Monsters Inc., Monsters University, and Wayne the werewolf in the Hotel Transylvania films.
Alpha Trion
As a devoted cinephile immersed in the realm of transformative robots, I’d put it this way: Amongst the thirteen ancient rulers of the mystical planet, Cybertron, stands Alpha Trion – once Orion Pax, D-16, B-127, and Elita-1’s comrade. Upon his revival, he unveils a forgotten past that has long been veiled from us. He bestows upon us the power to transform, drawing upon the sparks of our fellow Primes, hoping that we, the new guardians, will restore peace to this war-torn world.
A Legendary Voice for a Transformers Icon
As a fellow movie enthusiast, let me share some exciting news: I’m thrilled that Laurence Fishburne lends his voice to Alpha Trion. While Morpheus in The Matrix trilogy is undeniably one of his most iconic roles, it’s essential to remember his early successes such as Cowboy Curtis on Pee Wee’s Playhouse and remarkable performances in films like Boyz N the Hood, What’s Love Got to Do with It, Othello, and many more. Post-Matrix, Fishburne has graced our screens in the John Wick film series, Man of Steel, and Ant-Man and the Wasp as well.
Because Fishburne’s powerful voice makes him a popular choice, he often gets cast for voice roles, such as the narrator in TMNT, The Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, and the villain Thrax in Osmoso Jones.
Sentinel Prime
Sentinel Prime serves as the head of Cybertron, portraying a benign leader with a concealed malevolent side. Fans who recall Sentinel Prime from Transformers: Dark of the Moon will remember him as a covert antagonist who deceives the heroes. Considering how heavily inspired the design of Transformers One is from that movie, it is prudent to assume that Sentinel Prime cannot be relied upon.
In contrast to his significant role within the cast, Sentinel Prime has mostly stayed out of the spotlight during promotions, with the focus primarily on the shifting relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron – a transformation that could potentially have Sentinel Prime as its catalyst.
Jon Hamm Voices the Leader of Cybertron
Mad Men star Jon Hamm voices Sentinel Prime. While Hamm is best known for playing Don Draper on the hit AMC series, he has built up an impressive career in films like Bridesmaids, Baby Driver, The Town, and Top Gun: Maverick. He has also kept himself a presence on television, appearing on The Morning Show, Good Omens, and Fargo. He previously lent his voice to Shrek Forever After and Minions and will next be heard in the Pixar film Hoopers.
Darkwing & Airachnid
Two significant characters from the movie “Transformers One” are Darkwing and Airachnid. Darkwing often exhibits aggressive behavior towards Orion Pax, D-16, and B-127 (later known as Optimus Prime), pushing them into a concealed sublevel. In the movie teaser, Optimus Prime attempts to counter Darkwing’s actions. Given that Darkwing is usually portrayed as a Decepticon, it’s possible he might align with Megatron by the film’s end. Darkwing transforms into a Cybertronian jet.
Although Airachnid doesn’t feature prominently in the trailer, she plays a significant role as one of the primary antagonists in Transformers One, serving as Sentinel Prime’s enforcer. Known for her numerous legs, Airachnid transforms into a Cybertron drone attack helicopter in the movie. Introduced as a new character in the franchise, she made her debut in the 2010 animated series Transformers: Prime.
Rounding Out the Cast With Some Lesser Known But Equally Talented Names
Veteran voice actor Isaac C. Singleton lends his voice to the character Darkwing. Singleton is recognized for voicing Thanos in various Marvel animated series such as “Avengers Assembled” and games like “Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite” and “Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order.” He has also acted in films like “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl” and “Deadpool”. On the other hand, Vanessa Liguori voices Airachnid; she is an actress with a limited portfolio, having appeared in two episodes of “The Sopranos.
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2024-09-19 03:02