Unveiling the Heartfelt Backstory Behind Optimus Prime's Voice in Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts Trailer

Peter Cullen's iconic voice as Optimus Prime in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts has a touching backstory. Having voiced the character since the 1980s in The Transformers animated series and subsequent films, Cullen will once again lend his voice to the role in the upcoming blockbuster. In a recent trailer released on Twitter, Cullen revealed that the inspiration for his portrayal of the heroic truck came from a conversation with his brother, a US Marine, who provided him with valuable advice on how to approach the character's softer side, ultimately leading to a transformative role in the franchise.

Optimus Prime's Role In Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts

When I first auditioned for the role of Prime, I was living with my brother Larry, a Marine. I remember telling him, "I'm going to be a truck." He burst out laughing, but I was determined to embody the characteristics of a leader and a hero. Larry's response to my ambition was unexpected. He said, "Well, Peter, if you're going to be a leader, be strong enough to be gentle." Those words stayed with me as I walked into the audition room and confidently declared, "My name is Optimus Prime, from the planet Cybertron." I knew in my heart that this was the voice of a true hero and I was certain that I would land the role.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is set to take audiences on a thrilling ride as it explores a previously unseen side of Optimus Prime. This prequel to the Transformers movies will showcase a vulnerable Optimus who faces a formidable enemy in the form of Unicron. With his leadership skills and confidence put to the test, Optimus will have to rise to the challenge and prove himself as a true hero. Although we caught a glimpse of this version of Optimus in Bumblebee, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will be the first time audiences get to see him in action.

In order to establish himself as a leader and Transformer, Optimus Prime will need to exhibit both the strength he is known for and the good heart that sets him apart. This will be particularly challenging as he begins without a band of followers already at his side. However, if Cullen's interpretation of Optimus as a hero is any indication, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will provide a gratifying opportunity to showcase how he became a hero in the first place. The movie may explore an emotional arc between Optimus and Optimus Primal, an established leader who could serve as either a mentor or rival depending on how Prime responds to the challenge of the beasts. Ultimately, Prime will need to prove himself in order to become the legendary figure he is known as throughout the series.

Source: Transformers/Twitter