In an exciting new venture into the Transformers universe, Director Josh Cooley and Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura are bringing fans a fresh look at the origins of the beloved characters in the upcoming animated feature, “Transformers One”. Set to explore the beginnings of the eternal conflict between Autobots and Decepticons, this new animated film dives deep into the mythology of Cybertron and the early days of its iconic leaders, Optimus Prime and Megatron.

With the Transformers franchise primarily known for its live-action blockbusters helmed by Michael Bay, Transformers One promises to offer something entirely new—a story set far before the events fans have come to know, giving audiences a deeper understanding of the bond between Optimus and Megatron before they became arch-enemies. The creative team is betting big on animation to offer a stylistic approach to this untold origin story, giving the film a tone and aesthetic that sets it apart from its predecessors.

Revisiting the Beginning: A Story of Brotherhood

In a recent discussion, Cooley and di Bonaventura shed light on their approach to creating an origin story that digs into the deep lore of the Transformers universe. “We wanted to create something that felt epic yet intimate,” said Cooley. “The focus here is on the relationships, particularly the dynamic between Optimus Prime and Megatron, which has always been at the heart of the conflict but hasn’t been fully explored.”

Cooley, who won an Academy Award for directing Pixar’s Toy Story 4, is no stranger to storytelling through animation. His goal with Transformers One is to breathe life into Cybertron in a way that hasn’t been done before. “Animation allows us to explore these massive battles and the grandeur of Cybertron while also honing in on the personal struggles of these characters,” Cooley added. “It’s about seeing who Optimus and Megatron were before the war—when they were brothers.”

Lorenzo di Bonaventura, a veteran producer of the Transformers live-action films, agreed that this animated format offers the opportunity to give audiences a fresh perspective. “This is the story that Transformers fans have been waiting for,” di Bonaventura said. “It’s been hinted at in previous films, but now we’re finally getting into the complexities of the Cybertronian civil war, and how two brothers—Optimus and Megatron—went from allies to enemies.”

Exploring the World of Cybertron

One of the key elements that excites the creative team is the chance to immerse viewers in Cybertron itself, the home planet of the Transformers. “Cybertron has always been this mystical, almost mythological place in the live-action films,” Cooley explained. “But in Transformers One, it’s very much alive. We’re spending a lot of time there, developing the culture, the society, and showing how it all unravels into war.”

The world-building in Transformers One is expected to be one of its most visually stunning aspects. With an entire planet inhabited by transforming robots, the animation allows for creative freedom that goes beyond what is possible in live-action. “We’re creating something that’s immersive,” said di Bonaventura. “The animation lets us explore Cybertron in all its beauty and devastation.”

The Voices of Cybertron: An All-Star Cast

As with many animated features, the voices behind the characters are crucial to bringing the story to life. Transformers One boasts an impressive cast, including Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime, Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron, and Scarlett Johansson as Elita One. The casting, according to Cooley, was all about capturing the essence of the characters, particularly in their earlier forms. “We needed voices that could convey strength, leadership, and complexity, but also vulnerability,” Cooley noted. “Chris and Brian bring that to Optimus and Megatron in ways that feel fresh yet familiar.”

The film will also feature Keegan-Michael Key, Jon Hamm, and Laurence Fishburne, all bringing new characters or fan favorites to life. With such a diverse cast, the voices are expected to add layers of depth and personality to the iconic robots, contributing to the emotional stakes of the story.

Balancing Action and Emotion

While “Transformers One” promises the high-octane action sequences that fans have come to expect from the franchise, Cooley emphasized that the emotional core of the film is equally important. “Action is a big part of it, of course, but at the center of it all is this tragic relationship,” he said. “It’s about brotherhood, betrayal, and choices. These are characters who are deeply connected, and watching their relationship fall apart is both heartbreaking and compelling.”

For Cooley, the challenge has been balancing the epic scope of the Transformers conflict with intimate character moments. “We’re not just telling the story of a war,” he explained. “We’re telling the story of why this war started and how it impacted everyone involved.”

Di Bonaventura added that, unlike the live-action films which often focus on large-scale destruction, Transformers One will zero in on the emotional stakes behind the battles. “It’s not just about who’s fighting whom—it’s about why they’re fighting, and what’s at stake for each side.”

A New Beginning for the Franchise

Transformers One represents a new chapter for the Transformers franchise, one that allows for storytelling outside the constraints of the established live-action universe. It’s a bold move, but both Cooley and di Bonaventura believe that audiences are ready for a deeper dive into the history of Cybertron and its characters.

“We’ve seen what happens when Optimus Prime and Megatron are enemies, but now we get to see what happens when they’re brothers,” Cooley said. “This is a story that expands the mythology, but also redefines how we see these characters.”

As the Transformers universe continues to grow, Transformers One could serve as a foundation for future stories, both in animation and beyond. With its focus on character, world-building, and emotional depth, the film promises to offer a rich, engaging experience that will appeal to both longtime fans of the franchise and new audiences alike.

In the words of Lorenzo di Bonaventura: “This is the origin story we’ve always wanted to tell.” With Josh Cooley at the helm, Transformers One is poised to bring the rich history of Cybertron to life in a way that’s never been seen before—through a lens of brotherhood, betrayal, and the power of choice.

No comments yet.