Transformers' Next Movie Should Honor Peter Cullen By Making A Difficult Optimus Prime Decision
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Published Sep 3, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT
Cooper Hood is the Associate Editor for all new movie releases, in theaters and on streaming. In addition to writing articles about these titles and upcoming releases, he also oversees content planning for each, ensuring that ScreenRant continues to cover major releases for months after their release.
He has written various reviews for ScreenRant that appear on Rotten Tomatoes, coordinated Oscars and San Diego Comic-Con coverage, appeared on CNN to talk about Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, and done select interviews with talent over the years.
The Transformers franchise lost a legend this year with Peter Cullen's death, and there is a great way the next movie can honor him, even if it won't be easy. The actor has been tied to the world of Autobots and Decepticons since the 1980s, when he started voicing Optimus Prime in The Transformers animated series and follow-up movie.
Cullen has remained with Transformers throughout the 21st century by continuing to voice the Autobots' leader in Paramount's live-action movies. He reprised the role for all seven entries in the franchise, with his commanding, wise voice becoming synonymous with Optimus Prime. His importance within the franchise can't be overstated, which is why there was never any other choice than Cullen.
Sadly, Cullen died on August 26, 2026, at the age of 85. It's a devastating loss for those who knew him and were fans of his work, in and beyond Transformers. While he still has a final performance as Optimus Prime coming with 2026's animated short film, Optimus Prime: Awakening, Cullen's passing is impossible for the movie franchise to ignore.
After eight movies, dozens of TV episodes, countless other Transformers projects, and iconic Optimus Prime quotes, it is only right for Cullen to be honored when the next Transformers movie comes. If they want to do this the right way, the franchise should move forward without Optimus Prime rather than trying to replace Cullen.
Transformers 8 Leaving Out Optimus Prime Is The Best Way To Honor Peter Cullen
Image via INSTAR images
Making a Transformers movie without Optimus Prime is easier than it sounds, as it's never been done before. The Autobot leader has been in every film to some degree, including the incredible opening sequence on Cybertron in Bumblebee. He's been too big of a character for the movies to ignore, and rightfully so. But that has to change now.
All of those appearances came with Cullen as the voice. Even if Optimus Prime can't stay out of Transformers movies forever, it would be quite respectful for the franchise to leave him out just this once. Doing so would ensure audiences have plenty of time to mourn Cullen and not have to worry about trying to enjoy a Transformers film while someone else takes over the role.
Even something like having Chris Hemsworth start voicing Optimus Prime in the live-action movies after tackling the role in Transformers One would come across as a bit tasteless. Cullen is a big reason why audiences care so much about Optimus Prime. Replacing him so quickly isn't worth it, even if Transformers 8 is years away. Leaving Optimus Prime out is the best way Transformers can honor Cullen after 40 years of voicing the character.
Transformers Can Do More To Honor Peter Cullen Beyond Not Recasting Optimus Prime
Given the legacy that Cullen leaves as Optimus Prime, that is only the beginning of how the franchise can honor him. The next film should absolutely be dedicated to him. This will almost certainly happen with The Transformers: The Movie's re-release later this month, but Transformers 8 should do it too.
It would even be great if the credits of a future Transformers movie were completely taken over by Cullen's legacy. Behind-the-scenes clips of him recording memorable lines and footage of Optimus Prime's biggest moments would be a wonderful way for the franchise to put a cap on the actor's iconic run. If there is anyone who deserves this level of recognition within the Transformers franchise, it's Cullen.
If these dedications are done and Optimus Prime isn't recast immediately, Transformers will do everything in its power to ensure a franchise legend is properly honored. It's the least the series can do for Peter Cullen.
Cast
Frank Welker, Peter Cullen, Corey Burton, John Stephenson, Jack Angel, Michael Bell, Dan Gilvezan, Casey Kasem, Christopher Collins, Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Mark Wahlberg, Hailee Steinfeld, Anthony Ramos
Image via INSTAR images
English (US) ·