Peter Cullen's final Optimus Prime role revealed in new Transformers short
Per an exclusive from ScreenRant, a new animated short will feature the last original voice performance from Peter Cullen as the iconic Autobot leader Optimus Prime. The 12-minute film, titled 'Optimus Prime: Awakening,' will screen after showings of the 1986 animated 'The Transformers: The Movie' during its upcoming 40th-anniversary theatrical re-release.
The short is described as a cinematic tribute to the character and to Cullen's legacy. According to ScreenRant, Cullen viewed the project as a homecoming to the role he voiced for over four decades, bringing a deeper vulnerability to Optimus while keeping his signature strength.
The project also marks a final on-screen pairing with his longtime co-star. Frank Welker returns to voice the villains Megatron and Soundwave. Welker told ScreenRant that getting to perform opposite Cullen one last time was a meaningful experience, praising Cullen's personal values that he brought to the heroic role.
Hasbro also honored Cullen, stating his voice taught generations about courage and kindness. The short connects the classic 1986 movie with the newer animated film 'Transformers One,' blending the franchise's history with its future.
International screenings of the 40th-anniversary event are scheduled from September 17-22, with new countries added including France, Singapore, and several in Latin America.
