Overview
- Hasbro and Paramount announced Tuesday that a remastered version of the 1986 film will return to theaters on September 17 with a newly produced 12-minute animated short titled Optimus Prime: Awakening playing at select screenings.
- Paramount called the short a “love letter” to the Transformers community and the late Peter Cullen and said the film builds on the visuals and storytelling of the original movie.
- Coverage and studio materials identify Optimus Prime: Awakening as Peter Cullen’s last original performance as Optimus Prime following his death last week at age 85 in Los Angeles.
- Veteran voice actor Frank Welker confirmed he returns to voice Megatron and Soundwave and issued a statement praising Cullen and the chance to perform opposite him one final time.
- The limited theatrical event marks the 40th anniversary of the 1986 movie and is positioned as a fan-focused tribute that is likely to concentrate memorial viewings and demand for select screenings.