Josh Cooley breaks down Transformers: One Unpublished story about Optimus Prime and Megatron’s debut.
A trip to the core of Cybertron awaits us in “Transformers One” to reinterpret the origins of two titans: Optimus Prime and Megatron. Directed by Josh Cooley and a departure from Michael Bay’s previous adaptation, this film promises a fresh and engaging narrative.
The original vision
Director Josh Cooley shares fascinating details about his approach to creating “Transformers One.” In interviews with ComicBook.com, Cooley revealed that although the film will be inspired by the wider Transformers universe, it is not intended to be a direct prequel to the Bay-directed live-action films. “We did our own original version of Transformers, but we did something that had never been seen on screen before,” Cooley said.
Set at the beginning of the conflict between the Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron, the film explores the young Optimus Prime, played by Chris Hemsworth, and Megatron, voiced by Brian Tyree Henry. As the director explained, the opportunity to tell the story of how these characters go from friends to rivals was key to his decision to direct a prologue.
Changed relationships
Josh Cooley emphasizes the importance of the dynamic between Prime and Megatron. Formerly known as Orion and D-16, their evolution from friendship to enmity forms the film’s emotional core. “Even if you’ve never seen Transformers or read the comics, this movie will appeal to you. You look at these two characters and think they’re amazing together. “It’s a sad thing when your relationship starts to deteriorate,” Cooley said in an interview with ScreenRant.
The idea that new audiences can fully engage with the plot without needing prior knowledge of the franchise represents an inclusive and refreshing approach on my part. The director also revealed that he was guided by the “Transformers Bible” produced by Hasbro.
Redefining legends in a new animated format
Throughout the history of Transformers we have seen many interpretations and reconstructions of the characters and their origins. However, “Transformers One” seems to be setting an example of how these stories can be told. By opting for an animated film, Cooley not only expands the visual and stylistic scope of the Transformers universe, but also gives the characters a new emotional depth, abandoning the typically more action-oriented focus of previous versions.
This intimate and detailed focus on the emotional bond between Optimus Prime and Megatron before they became enemies could give fans and new viewers a more personal reason to connect with the plot. While the previous films focused on wars and technology, “Transformers One” aims to explore character and personal tragedies, which can greatly enrich the saga.
Star casting and production
“Transformers One” is known not only for its amazing plot, but also for its amazing acting. Scarlett Johansson lends her voice to Elita, Jon Hamm to Sentinel Prime and Laurence Fishburne to Alpha Trion, with performances that promise to make the film unforgettable.
Produced by Lorenzo D’Bonaventura and slated for a September 20 release date, “Transformers One” is shaping up to be an essential cinematic event for saga fans and new viewers alike. In this new installment, Cooley and his team aim to capture the essence of a remarkable friendship that will define the fate of the universe.
Ultimately, “Transformers One” offers a unique opportunity to explore the bonds that shape heroes and villains in a context never before explored in the saga. The question that remains is, how does this new narrative change our understanding of these iconic characters?