Convention - SDCC 2024 : Transformers One Unveils an Epic Animated Journey into Cybertron's Past

By Mulder, San Diego, Convention Center, Hall H, 25 july 2024

San Diego Comic-Con 2024 reached a fever pitch on July 25th as eager fans filled Hall H, one of the most coveted venues at the convention, for the Transformers One panel. This upcoming animated feature, directed by Josh Cooley, has been the subject of intense anticipation as it marks a significant return to the franchise’s roots, being the first theatrical animated Transformers film since the release of the 1986 classic, The Transformers: The Movie. The panel promised a deep dive into the creation of the film, which explores the origins and the tumultuous relationship between the iconic characters Optimus Prime and Megatron, and it certainly delivered.

The panel began with a rousing introduction that set the tone for what would be a comprehensive look at the making of Transformers One. Moderator and Transformers aficionado guided the discussion, beginning with director Josh Cooley, who spoke passionately about his vision for the film. Josh Cooley, best known for his work on Toy Story 4, shared how he was drawn to the project by the opportunity to explore the emotional depth of the Transformers universe. He emphasized that Transformers One is not just another installment in the franchise but a story that delves into the very origins of the conflict between Autobots and Decepticons, with a particular focus on the characters of Optimus Prime and Megatron.

Josh Cooley revealed that the film is set entirely on Cybertron, the home planet of the Transformers, and portrays the early lives of two brothers-in-arms—Optimus Prime, originally known as Orion Pax, and Megatron, formerly D-16. The narrative traces their evolution from close allies to bitter enemies, a journey that ultimately leads to the catastrophic civil war that defines the Transformers saga. Cooley discussed how the film draws inspiration from classic stories of brothers turned foes, aiming to create a narrative that is both epic in scope and deeply personal. He noted that the emotional core of the film lies in the tragedy of their falling out, making it relatable even to those unfamiliar with the Transformers lore.

A significant portion of the panel was dedicated to the impressive voice cast assembled for the film. Chris Hemsworth, who voices a younger version of Optimus Prime, was a major focus. Josh Cooley shared how Chris Hemsworth brought a fresh perspective to the character, aiming to convey a sense of youth and idealism that contrasts with the more seasoned and stoic Optimus Prime portrayed in previous films. Chris Hemsworth himself, who appeared via a pre-recorded message, expressed his excitement about joining the Transformers universe and how he approached the role with the intent to honor the legacy of the character while making it his own.

Equally compelling was the discussion around Brian Tyree Henry’s portrayal of Megatron. Josh Cooley explained that Brian Tyree Henry’s performance adds a new layer of complexity to the character, portraying Megatron not just as a villain, but as a deeply conflicted individual whose choices set him on a dark path. This nuanced portrayal aims to challenge the audience’s perceptions and make the character’s motivations understandable, even if not entirely justifiable. The film's exploration of Megatron’s descent into villainy is designed to evoke empathy and tragedy, making him one of the most multifaceted characters in the Transformers universe.

Josh Cooley also touched on the contributions of the other key members of the voice cast, including Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee, Jon Hamm as Sentinel Prime, Steve Buscemi as Starscream, and Laurence Fishburne as Alpha Trion. Each actor was selected not only for their talent but also for their ability to bring something unique to these iconic characters. For instance, Keegan-Michael Key’s casting as Bumblebee was influenced by his ability to bring humor and warmth to the character, which aligns with the more talkative version of Bumblebee seen in other Transformers media. Josh Cooley mentioned how Keegan-Michael Key’s comedic timing and natural charisma made Bumblebee one of the standout characters in the film.

The discussion then shifted to the visual and technical aspects of the film, which are equally impressive. Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a name synonymous with groundbreaking visual effects, was responsible for the animation. Josh Cooley praised the team at ILM for their ability to create a visual style that pays homage to the original 1980s animated series while incorporating modern technology to enhance the cinematic experience. The designs of the Transformers in the film are heavily influenced by the original series, with clear, recognizable silhouettes that stay true to the characters' classic appearances.

Josh Cooley elaborated on the decision to make the Transformers more emotive in this film. Unlike previous Transformers movies, which often focused on the action, Transformers One places a strong emphasis on character-driven storytelling. To achieve this, the animators worked meticulously to ensure that the Transformers’ facial expressions and body language conveyed a wide range of emotions, making them more relatable and human-like. Josh Cooley highlighted how this approach was crucial, given that the film features no human characters, relying entirely on the Transformers themselves to carry the emotional weight of the story.

Another exciting reveal during the panel was the film’s musical score, composed by Brian Tyler. Brian Tyler, who previously worked on the animated series Transformers: Prime, returns to the Transformers franchise with a score that aims to capture both the epic scale and the emotional depth of Transformers One. Josh Cooley described how Brian Tyler’s music plays a vital role in enhancing the film’s atmosphere, adding to the tension and drama of the unfolding conflict on Cybertron. The score is expected to resonate with longtime fans of the franchise while also appealing to a new generation of viewers.

The panel wrapped up with the much-anticipated debut of the second trailer for Transformers One, shown exclusively to the Hall H audience. The trailer, which was set to the energetic and iconic tune of "Start Me Up" by the Rolling Stones, offered a thrilling glimpse into the action-packed sequences and the intense emotional dynamics between the characters. The crowd erupted in applause as they got their first real taste of the film’s visual spectacle and the powerful performances of its voice cast. The trailer also hinted at the film's broader themes, including the struggle for freedom, the pain of betrayal, and the hope for redemption—elements that are sure to make Transformers One a memorable addition to the franchise.

As the panel concluded, Josh Cooley and the producers hinted at the possibility of Transformers One being the first in a trilogy of films. Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura mentioned that the story has been mapped out to span three movies, which will explore the development of the characters and the events leading up to the depiction of Optimus Prime and Megatron in the live-action Transformers films. He also teased that Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal of Optimus Prime will evolve over the course of these films, eventually leading to a seamless transition to the more familiar version of the character voiced by Peter Cullen in the existing movies.

As the September 20, 2024 release date approaches, Transformers One continues to build anticipation, promising to be a groundbreaking entry in the Transformers saga that will appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. With its rich storytelling, impressive voice cast, and stunning animation, Transformers One is poised to be one of the standout films of the year, offering an epic journey into the origins of the Transformers universe.

itw Josh Cooley

itw Chris Hemsworth

itw Lorenzo D iBonaventura

itw Keegan Michael Key 

itw Brian Tyree Henry 

You can discover the official photos in our Flickr page here : panel, pressroom

Synopsis : 
Set entirely on Cybertron, the film tells the story of how two brothers-in-arms, Optimus Prime and Megatron, became sworn enemies, leading to the greatest of battles between Autobots and Decepticons.

Transformers One
Directed by Josh Cooley
Written by Eric Pearson, Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari
Story by Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari
Based on Transformers by Hasbro
Produced by Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Michael Bay, Mark Vahradian, Aaron Dem
Starring  Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Hamm
Edited by Lynn Hobson
Music by Brian Tyler
Production companies : Paramount Animation, Hasbro Entertainment, New Republic Pictures, Di Bonaventura Pictures, Bayhem Films
Distributed by Paramount Pictures (United States, France)
Release date : September 20, 2024 (United States), October 23, 2024 (France)
Running time : 104 minutes

Photos : Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Video : Paramount Pictures