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Peter Cullen's Iconic Optimus Prime Voice Stuns Director
5 Sep
Summary
- Peter Cullen, the iconic voice of Optimus Prime, passed away at 85.
- Director Michael Bay was awestruck by Cullen's voice during auditions.
- Cullen's final performance is in the new animated short 'Optimus Prime: Awakening'.
Peter Cullen, the voice actor synonymous with Optimus Prime, has passed away at the age of 85. He famously voiced the supreme commander of the Autobots since the original 1984 animated series, continuing through numerous films and shows.
Director Michael Bay recalled being profoundly impressed during Cullen's audition for the 2007 film, stating he was "awestruck" and got chills. Bay's reaction highlighted the indelible impact of Cullen's deep, resonant voice on the character and the franchise.
Cullen's legacy extends to a new 12-minute animated short, 'Optimus Prime: Awakening,' which features his final original voice performance. This marks a poignant farewell to the actor who shaped one of animation's most beloved characters.
Chris Hemsworth reportedly felt pressure to live up to Cullen's foundational performance when voicing a younger Optimus Prime in 'Transformers One.' The enduring power of Cullen's portrayal ensures his legacy will be cherished by fans for generations.
