Inde Navarrette "Meets" Childhood Hero

No new movie news to currently report. In the meantime in a movie adjacent way, currently red hot celeb Inde Navarrette got to meet her childhood crush Optimus Prime at Universal Studios Hollywood on Sunday November 8. The normally brunette actress, now sporting blonde hair (or a wig), may be familiar to many for her role in Obsession, recent Halloween night hosting Saturday Night Live or from Superman & Lois CW series (highly recommend watching). The pics are by Hamilton Pytluk via Universal Studios Hollywood.

During Complex's "hear me out cake" segment (or full interview), she revealed that she had a childhood crush on Optimus Prime, Shrek, Baymax (Big Hero 6) and Mufasa. Given her age, it is safe to assume she was referring to the Michael Bay version of the character.

On a related note, if happen to be clear across the country to Universal Orlando, they have renamed their parking decks floors to various movies with Transformers being the fifth level. Should make finding your car a little easier if get a chance to visit. Pic via @magiccitymayhem.

Hopefully as the merged Skydance gets up to speed will start to hear more about future Transformers plans. Considering how in demand Navarrette is right now (just signed on as Rogue in Marvel's X-Men), maybe Bay will make an attempt to cast her.

Skydance Taps Michael Bay, Steven Spielberg for New Transformers Movie

While not officially confirmed by Paramount, Deadline is reporting that the studio has reached out to Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay to return to the franchice. Both had contractually obligated executive producer credit on Bumblebee and Rise of the Beasts but were not really involved in a meaningful way on either picture. 

It seems this time the goal is to restore that first few films magic with more input from both with Bay directing once again. Currently the film will be based on a script by Jason Fuchs (Wonder, Woman, Argylle, It: Welcome to Derry). The 8th installment will retain the same producing team of Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Mark Vahradian, Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto and Hasbro. No other details were provided so unknown if this is a reboot or a continuation of the previous films. 

The move is a bit of surprise but the now completed merger of WB and Paramount has changed the needs of the company. The merged company has a value of around $81 billion with a debt load of $80 billion so every single decision for years will be entirely about how to reduce that load. Debt has monthly interest payments even for mega corporations. The result is they need to take big, but safe, swings and the team of Spielberg and Bay has shown with previous films that worst case scenario they will break even at the box office with best case being at least $1 billion at the box office. 

Assuming this rumor is true, still early times as the combined company has ton of projects to cancel, new ones to greenlight, at least 10,000 employees to layoff and who knows what else so its a time of change for Paramount and Hollywood in general. Even if the script was accepted, looking at least two years from now so realistically the earliest the film could hit theaters is possibly Christmas 2028 but probably Summer 2029 is more realistic.

Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Special Features

Amazon has updated their pre-order page for The Transformers: The Movie : 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Steelbook in 4K UHD with verification of new special features. The release will come with two discs. One is regular Blu-ray and the other is 4K UHD Blu-ray. 

Each will have their own special features that are a mix of new content and previous features from 35th Anniversary release. The new stuff is audio in Dolby Atmos, Optimus Prime: Awakening short, new "The Touch" (Reformatted Edition) music video, and the 40th anniversary trailer. 

The previously released special features includes audio commentary with director Nelson Shin, story editor Flint Dille, and voice actress Susan Blu (Arcee), 'Til All Are One' documentary, Stan Bush interview, feature-length animated storyboards, deleted scenes, trailers and tv spots. No indication that the "Till All Are One" tribute to Peter Cullen will be included.

The Limited Edition Steelbook is available now on Amazon to pre-order.

Transformers and G.I. Joe Crossover Cancelled

The planned crossover with G.I. Joe has been cancelled. A G.I. Joe film is moving forward but it "will be uncoupled from a previous crossover film with Transformers that is no longer in development. The planned G.I. Joe film has cast Bradley Cooper (voice of Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy, Jor-El in Superman) as Duke with Danny McBride (The Righteous Gemstones) directing for the first time from a script by Jeff Fradley (Halloween) and John Carcieri (The Righeous Gemstones). No details on the story or when it could move forward to production were revealed. 

The decision is likely driven by Transformers: Rise of the Beasts under performing at the box office by Paramount's standard which played a part in Hasbro deciding to quit co-producing movies on its properties and shift to a licensing model.

Till All Are One: A Tribute to Peter Cullen

Over the weekend, The Transformers: The Movie screened at theaters in the USA and many locations around the world. Depending on location, you may still be able to see the movie in theaters, check local theater to see. As part of that screening, before the movie Hasbro added a tribute to the late, great Peter Cullen who died on August 27 at the age of 85 that they have no made available online. For the description of the video they wrote:

For generations, one voice taught us what it meant to be brave, to be kind and strong enough to be gentle. 

Peter Cullen didn't just give Optimus Prime a voice. He gave him a heart, and in doing so, inspired millions of fans around the world to believe that true strength comes from compassion.

The Transformers community has lost a legend. But the lessons Peter shared, the memories he gave us and the voice that brought so many of us together, will live on across generations.

Thank you, Peter. For the voice. For the heart. For everything.

Till all are one.

Optimus Prime: Awakening Score

The full score for Optimus Prime: Awakening has been posted online. The score by Bobby Krlic (aka The Haxon Cloak) is for the 12 minute short that screened for the 40th Anniversary of Transformers: The Movie. Krlic also provided the score for The Wrecking Crew, Invasion, Snowpiercer (TV series), and Blue Beetle. The short is the last time Peter Cullen voices Optimus Prime. The short is expected to be part of the home video release of the movie

Happy Transformers Day

Friendly reminder that today is Transformers Day as it is the day that the cartoon series first premiered on September 17, 1984. This is also the day that Transformers: The Movie returns to theaters for its 40th anniversary. Don't forget after the credits there is a 12 minute short that is the final time the late, great Peter Cullen voices Optimus Prime. I think the movie will be in US theaters until September 22nd but dates vary by region so check your local theater.

Clip From Optimus Prime Awakening Short

Below is a clip from Optimus Prime: Awakening that will premiere after the credits of Transformers: The Movie when it starts in theaters starting September 17. This will also be the last time the late great Peter Cullen voiced the character. The 12 minute short will also be part of the 40th anniversary home video release of the movie.

Details on Final Performance of Peter Cullen for Transformers 40th Anniversary

Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment have provided more details on the end credits sequence that has been teased for the last few months for the re-release of Transformers: The Movie to theaters from September 17 to 22 (but varies by region). Tickets can found found at Fathom Entertainment. It has been confirmed this is the final performance of Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime.

From the short writer Ryan Parrott on Twitter saying "I can confirm that I wrote "OPTIMUS PRIME AWAKENING," the upcoming 12 minute short following the 40th anniversary celebration of "THE TRANSFORMERS THE MOVIE" and the final performance of the iconic PETER CULLEN as Optimus Prime. It was a dream come true and I hope you enjoy it."

In relation to this there is a new 40th Anniversary 40th 4K UHD Steelbook set for release on November 17. Referenced as "Animated Coda", confirming it will be included with the release. Full details on the special edition is here. Pre-orders are up too. 

Press release:

R.I.P. Peter Cullen 1941 - 2026

Peter Cullen has died at the age of 85. He is the voice of what heroism sounds like. He is the voice of so many characters over his long career that he is knowingly and unknowingly influenced generations with his voice work. His most famous role is the voice of Optimus Prime in the animated series and live action movies and second most famous is Eeyore for Winnie the Pooh but his voice work went well beyond that. 

His family spoke to TMZ, "Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family - and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide. His family asks that you honor his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember 'be strong enough to be gentle."

Peter Cullen was born on July 28, 1941 in Montreal, Canada where he began his career in Canadian radio. His big break came when he was hired to be the announcer for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in 1967. From there he moved into doing various shows on TV but starting in the 1980s he became a key voice in animation racking up over 200 voice credits, most of them as part of the huge stream of cartoons that hit the airwaves in the 1980s to 1990s. He provided voice work for DuckTales, Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Voltron: Defender of the Universe, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Rainbow Bright, G.I. Joe, Thaedus in Invincible and more.

He continued to provide voice work and was more than happy to answer the call anytime he was asked to reprise voices, something he frequently did especially for Eeyore and Optimus Prime which he did for the movies, video games and more. 

“A lot of us pushed for Peter to be the voice of Optimus in the movie because he was iconic and would be the connection to the classic animated series,” producer Don Murphy told TheWrap. “He was incredible. All of his voice work, not only ‘Transformers,’ will always be the stuff of legend. A great man.”

“He was a wonderful human being who understood the responsibility he had to millions of fans and gave it his all in every performance. His spark will live on forever.” said FJ DeSanto (Transformers: War for Cybertron).

Condolences to his family, friends and the wide Transformers community. A true legend who will be missed.

Transformers: The Movie Upper Deck Sets Announced, Future Hasbro Sets Planned (Updated)

If you are into card collecting, keep an eye out in September for a new Upper Deck set featuring the 40th Anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie. The set is part of a merchandising agreement that Upper Deck signed with Hasbro to bring their various properties to trading cards and games. Future plans will including Power Rangers, G.I. Joe, M.A.S.K. and more. 

Upper Deck has been a long time producer of sports related trading cards for decades as I know I have their cards from long ago sitting in storage somewhere but they frequently spread out to other areas like comic related cards. I think this is the first heard of toy franchise related sets. I am interpreting the press release as two Transformers related sets are coming out. One with Upper Deck branding and another with Fleer (owned by Upper Deck). Details like price and release date were not revealed.

Press release:

Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Ticket Now on Sale, DVD for Pre-Order (Update)

The tickets for the September 17 to 21st run of Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary theatrical release are now on sale. Fathom Entertainment is release the film using the 4K release of the film which will include a "brand new post-credits cinematic chapter created exclusively for this release." Head over to Fathom Events if interested in buying tickets. 

Along with the tickets, the 40th anniversary home video release of the film will come out on October 13 November 17, 2026. It is now available for pre-order on Amazon. Information is light on special features so no idea if that post credits sequence will be part of the release. Nor are there indicates of a Blu-ray or 4K 40th anniversary release. Keep in mind that the 30th and 35th anniversary releases are still available so can get whatever format suits you.

Update: The Blu-ray version has now been announced with The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Edition 4K UHD Steelbook with the Apology Tour cover. It is set for release in November with current MSRP of $50.

Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Trailer

Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment have release the below trailer for their 40th anniversary theatrical release of Transformers: The Movie. The re-release will use the 4k version of the film release to disc I think for the 30th anniversary with the movie in theaters from September 17 to 21.

Cybertronic Spree Announces Summer Tour

The Cybertronic Spree has announced a summer tour in various cities throughout Canada and United States including a stop at DragonCon in September. The rock band performs wearing mostly Transformers: The Movie inspired costumes with a mix of their original work, Transformers inspired music and covers of music from the 1986 movie. Tour dates and tickets can be found here. Press release below.

Transformers: Cyberworld Complete Season Available on YouTube

Hasbro has released the three part season (series?) finale of Transformers: Cyberworld on the official Transformers YouTube channel. The series has 36 episodes but the first 28 episodes are 5 minutes each while 29-36 are 20 minutes each or about the length it would need to be if it had been successfully sold to air on commercial TV like say on Nickelodeon. The result is the true count is 15 episodes.

Below are links to find all the episodes. After that is embed of the two and half hour "movie" that edits together episodes 1-30. It is also worth checking out the official Transformers YouTube channel's playlist section as can find complete series run for Transformers: Prime, Cyberverse, Robots in Disguise, Beast Wars, and more.

Episodes 1-28 playlist | Episode 29 | Episode 30 | Episode 31 | Episode 32 | Episode 33 | Episode 34 | Episode 35 | Episode 36

Paramount Hires Writer for Transformers Movie?

Been awhile but maybe, just maybe, there is movement on the Transformers movie front. The Wrap is reporting that Jason Fuchs (It: Welcome to Derry) has been hired to write a script for Transformers. That is the extent of the information. This has not been officially confirmed, no info on story, time table or other details.

With Paramount still lasered focused on buying Warner Bros., the studio has been in a holding pattern as budgets are mostly in limbo. What can and cannot be spent will is highly dependent on how that merger goes since it will bury the combined company in an estimated $79 billion in debt which works out to around $400 million in just interest payments per month. This kind of debt is going to heavily impact each and every decision the combined company makes for years to come as its begins its new life trying to desperately avoid bankruptcy.

Transformers: The Movie: The Soundtrack Reformatted Edition Available for Pre-Order

As part of the 40th anniversary "Apology Tour", Transformers: The Movie soundtrack is getting a brand new release from Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The album has been re-recorded with new artists bringing their own take to the tracks from the original release from 1986.

The Reformatted Edition is getting released on vinyl, CD and cassette along with a t-shirt. There are 5 different vinyl colors exclusive to various online retailers.

The colors are Quintesson Green (USA,UK RPM), Energon Pink (UK RPM), Energon Purple (Target), Hot Rod Red (BBTS), and Energon Blue (Amazon). The release date for most versions is July 24, 2026, the Target exclusive is September 4, 2026.

The full list of retailers can be found at https://linktr.ee/Reformatted with average price of the vinyl around $30, CD around $16 and cassette around $17.

Track List:

1. The Touch – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Stan Bush (originally recorded by Stan Bush)
2. Instruments of Destruction – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Francesco Cavalieri (originally recorded by N.R.G.)
3. Death of Optimus Prime – Vince DiCola
4. Dare – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Stan Bush and Vince DiCola (originally recorded by Stan Bush)
5. Nothin’s Gonna Stand in Our Way – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Sebastian Bach (originally recorded by Spectre General)
6. The Transformers (Theme) – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Brittney Slayes (originally recorded by Lion)
7. Escape – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON (originally recorded by Vince DiCola)
8. Hunger – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Mark Osegueda (originally recorded by Spectre General)
9. Autobot/ Decepticon Battle – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON (originally recorded by Vince DiCola)
10. Dare To Be Stupid – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Torch (originally recorded by “Weird Al” Yankovic)

Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Screenings

All remains quiet on the Transformers live action movie front. In the meantime, this year is the 40th anniversary of Transformers: The Movie which will return to theaters via Fathom Events from September 17 to 21, 2026 using the 4k version of the film that was released for the 35th anniversary. This is part of Hasbro's "Apology Tour" for killing Optimus Prime which includes releasing a lot of excellent toys related to the movie throughout the year.

Press release:

Paramount Still In Transformers Business

Thursday at CinemaCon, a convention for theater owners, Paramount held its presentation. As part of the that, the new owner of Paramount and soon WB David Ellison made a promise of 30 movies, 45-day window before selling digitally and SVOD (aka streaming to Paramount+) release at 90 days. Along with that he mentioned of vague future plans from Paramount including “World War Z,” “Top Gun,” “G.I. Joe”, "Star Trek", and “Transformers” sequels. None of which have scripts or anywone attached to them to direct. Literally that is the sum total of news. No one is clear how a studio can release 30 films to theaters without competing with its own movies. So good news that Transformers is on the radar of the CEO but that is all it really indicates. A movie is minimally two years out but really longer than that.

Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Apology Tour

After 40 years, Hasbro has decided to apologize for the trauma of killing Optimus Prime in Transformers: The Movie via various celebrations of the movie. The plans are not much different than done for 35th and 30th anniversary but like the angle of approach.

In addition, Skybound has announced a deluxe hardcover edition graphic novel/trade that collects Marvel's The Transformers: The Movie three-issue comic series from 1986 and IDW's 20th anniversary four issue version in 2006. It will release on August 12, 2026 for MSRP of $34.99 but various online and physical comic stores usually provide discounts if pre-order.

Trailer and press release below.