First Clip From Peter Cullen’s Final Optimus Prime Performance Released
Transformers enthusiasts have been grappling with a profound loss over the past two weeks, and now they can catch their first glimpse of the tribute created in his honor. Peter Cullen, the iconic voice of Optimus Prime since the character’s inception, passed away on August 26 at the age of 85, surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles.
In the wake of his passing, Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment announced that Cullen had recorded one last performance as the Autobot leader, featured in a 12-minute animated short titled ‘Optimus Prime: Awakening.’ This project was developed as a surprise companion piece to the 40th-anniversary theatrical re-release of ‘The Transformers: The Movie,’ turning into a bittersweet gift for fans mourning Cullen’s loss.
Now, the first clip from this short has been officially unveiled, providing audiences with an early look at Cullen’s final moments voicing the beloved character. The footage comes ahead of the short’s full theatrical debut, which will be shown following select 40th-anniversary screenings of the original 1986 film starting September 17.
The short brings Cullen back together with his longtime co-star Frank Welker, who reprises his roles as both Megatron and Soundwave for one final narrative alongside his old friend. Welker expressed his thoughts on this reunion, stating, “Optimus Prime and Megatron were made for each other. After all, one needs the perfect hero against the epitome of evil to create great drama.” He added, “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.”
Behind the scenes, the short is directed by Josh Wassung, with a script penned by Ryan Parrott, music composed by Bobby Krlic, and animation produced by The Third Floor. Hasbro has described the project as “a love letter to the Transformers community and the late Peter Cullen,” highlighting that his performance showcases a deeper vulnerability while maintaining the strength and authority fans have associated with the character for decades.
The timing of this release carries additional emotional significance, especially considering how ‘The Transformers: The Movie’ originally portrayed Optimus Prime’s story. The 1986 film famously killed off the character early on, only to resurrect him the following year in ‘Transformers: The Return of Optimus Prime.’ While no official plot synopsis for ‘Awakening’ has been released, fans speculate that the short may serve to bridge that narrative gap, though details remain under wraps until it screens in theaters.
The theatrical rollout has expanded significantly since the initial announcement. Screenings are confirmed across the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Germany, and France, with additional markets including Singapore, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Peru added in the weeks following. Fathom Entertainment has confirmed that every screening of the anniversary re-release will include the short.
Cullen’s family addressed his passing shortly after, encouraging fans to honor his legacy by serving their communities and leading with compassion, integrity, and loyalty. For devoted fans who grew up with his voice defining heroism, ‘Optimus Prime: Awakening’ provides a rare and deeply personal way to bid farewell.
As the full short approaches its theatrical debut in just a few weeks, this first clip offers fans an emotional preview of what is set to be one of the most discussed moments in the franchise’s history.
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