Peter Cullen’s Final Optimus Prime Performance Debuts in New Transformers Short
Peter Cullen's final voice performance as Optimus Prime will debut in a new 12-minute animated short accompanying the 40th anniversary re-release of Transformers: The Movie.
The update
Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment have announced ‘Optimus Prime: Awakening,’ a 12-minute animated short film featuring Peter Cullen’s final performance as the iconic Autobot leader. The short will accompany select screenings of the 4K re-release of ‘Transformers: The Movie’ for its 40th anniversary, running in theaters from September 17-22, 2026. The animation is being produced by The Third Floor studio, known for its work on ‘Predator: Killer of Killers,’ and promises both emotional storytelling and electric action sequences.
Why it matters
Peter Cullen’s voice has defined Optimus Prime for over four decades, making this final performance a poignant moment for Transformers fans worldwide. The short serves as both a tribute to Cullen and a celebration of the franchise’s legacy, offering audiences one last chance to experience the original voice of Optimus Prime on the big screen. Cullen reportedly called this performance a ‘homecoming’ to the character he had embodied for more than four decades before his passing in late August 2026.
What to watch
How fans respond to this emotional farewell to Cullen’s iconic character. Whether the short film will influence future Transformers storytelling. If additional tributes to Cullen will be incorporated into the anniversary release. The film will also feature new performances by Frank Welker as Megatron and Soundwave, who praised Cullen’s portrayal as being born of personal beliefs of honesty, loyalty, and always doing the right thing.
Sources
- polygon.com — Details about the short film's announcement and context
- ign.com — Confirmation of Cullen's final performance and screening details