Optimus Prime (films)

Template:Transformers character Optimus Prime is a character from the Transformers universe. In the live action films Transformers and Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen, he appears as the leader of the Autobots.

Design

Prime transforms into a conventional Peterbilt cab, rather than the cab over design of his original Generation 1 body. Also straying from the G1 design, Prime's vehicle mode is now decorated with red flames painted onto a blue body (a la Rodimus Prime, his Generation 1 successor), often incorrectly rumored to be inspired by NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon's current paint scheme at the time. The reason for the change was due to Director Michael Bay's decree that no "mass displacement" occurs when they transform, thus requiring Optimus's vehicle form to have more mass to achieve the desired size in his robot form. Michael Bay stated Optimus stands 28 feet, but in an interview, ILM's Scott Farrar stated "The movie's Optimus Prime is 32 feet tall and made of 10,108 parts - and every single one had to be modeled and painted when they came within camera range. This puts him on the same height as the movie's Starscream and 2 to 4 feet smaller than Megatron as well in the film.

Although heavily redesigned like the other characters in the film, some classic design elements remain in his robot mode, including a predominantly red torso, primarily blue legs, the presence of windows in his chest, smoke stacks on his shoulders, and a head design influenced by the original, featuring the iconic faceplate and ear finials. This faceplate is able to retract to reveal a mouth. His weapons include an energy rifle that he unveils from his back, and two retractable energon blades that extend from both forearms (a homage to Prime's energy axe in the Generation 1 animated series), Ion cannons on both of his arms, as well as two retractable energon hooks on both of his forearms. In the later IDW comics he displays the ability to produce a holographic driver mentioned in the early versions of the script. The appearance of this driver seems to be based on Peter Cullen himself.

It was publicly announced at San Diego ComicCon 06 that original Optimus Prime voice actor Peter Cullen would reprise his role for the film. Cullen has commented that Prime is basically the same, and retains the same basic personality.

Storyline

IDW Publishing

The back story of the Transformers on ancient Cybertron is told in Transformers: Defiance. In this story Starscream returns to Cybertron after encountering an enemy scout ship in the Eshems Nebula. After being repaired for minor damage by Ratchet, Starscream and Ironhide report to Optimus Prime and Megatron. In issue #2 Optimus Prime was ordered by Megatron's order to counter-attack Cybertron's invaders, but Optimus instead organized a resistance to Megatron's decision. In issue #3 Optimus Prime, Jazz and Prowl broke into Megatron's quarters while he was away looking for clues as to his current unusual behavior. What they found was an ancient artifact recently uncovered that Megatron had restored.

According to IDW Publishing's Transformers: Movie Prequel comic book, Optimus Prime and Megatron co-ruled Cybertron. Then Megatron began a war for control of the Allspark. To counter Megatron, Optimus formed the Autobots, a militia of civilian Transformers sworn to protect the Allspark. Optimus fought back as best he could, and was willing to even doom Cybertron itself to deny Megatron the Allspark. His reasoning was that a new homeworld could simply be rebuilt with the Allspark once Megatron was no longer a threat. He entrusted Bumblebee with the task of distracting Megatron at Tyger Pax, long enough for the Allspark to be sent into space.

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Optimus Prime disables Barricade

In the film adaption comic Optimus Prime is shown disabling Barricade on the highway, a scene not in the film.

In Transformers: Alliance the Autobots aided the human soldiers after the battle in Mission City, destroy the Allspark powered machines that were created. A trailer was obtained for Optimus Prime to carry the remains of Jazz. The Autobots then left Mission City before the Sector-7 personnel arrived to claim the remains of the Decepticons. About a month later Epps and Lennox contacted Optimus Prime, Ratchet and Ironhide about aiding them in escorting the remains of the Decepticons to the naval yard, but they were spied on by Barricade, who transmitted the information to Starscream.

Titan Magazines

In Titan Magazines' UK Transformers magazine, a comic strip on Prime (written by Simon Furman) would reveal where he was during the events of Movie Prequel #1. Hesitating as he carried out his fateful plan to send the Allspark into space, the Autobot base was then attacked by one of Megatron's drones with specific orders to kill him. As it located the Allspark, Prime did the only thing possible to prevent it transmitting its location to Megatron - transforming to protoform mode and physically ramming through it. Recovering in time to see the Allspark blast off, Prime was granted a vision of their war on Earth.

In "Twilight's Last Gleaming" part 3 Bumblebee attempted to take on Megatron in the Sector 7 base as Mikaela Banes attempted to free Optimus Prime, but she was attacked by Frenzy. In part 4 Mikaela frees Optimus Prime and freezes Frenzy just as Bumblebee gets some unexpected help fighting Megatron by the arrival of Elita One, Skyblast and Strongarm.

Optimus Prime would return in issue #22 of the Titan Transformers Magazine series in a story called "The Decepticon who Haunted Himself."

Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday

Prime also appeared in the prequel novel Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday, in which he and a group of Autobots traveled in the Ark with the sole purpose of locating the Allspark, battling Starscream's Decepticons along the way. While going through a worm hole the Autobots find themselves encountering a group of humans in a spacecraft reverse engineered from studying Megatron, Prime realized the significance of Earth, as both Megatron and the Allspark were there. Saving Bumblebee from a pit of rock-chewing cave worms, Prime then battled Starscream. He was about to be gunned down by Starscream and Bonecrusher, when he was saved by the human craft. In retaliation, Starscream obliterated it.

Movie plot

Transformers (2007 film)

Optimus Prime's alternate mode on Earth

Optimus Prime arrives on Earth at the same time as Ironhide, Jazz and Ratchet, landing in a field. He scans the new alternate mode of a semi-truck and quickly joins up with Bumblebee and his human companions. The Autobots then go with Sam to retrieve his ancestor's glasses, on which a map to the Allspark is engraved. While waiting for Sam and Mikaela to find the glasses, Optimus and his comrades inadvertently destroy the backyard of Sam's parents. They recover the glasses, but a secret government organization, Sector 7, arrests Sam Witwicky and Mikaela Banes, and capture Bumblebee. Before it is discovered Sector 7 also has Megatron hidden under the Hoover Dam, Ironhide questions Prime on why they should protect the humans, seeing them as primitive and violent. Prime replies that the Autobots themselves were not so different from them once, quoting "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings." Before the final battle with Megatron, he says, "By the end of this day, one shall stand, one shall fall." This is a tribute to the 1986 animated film, in which Optimus Prime delivers the line, "One shall stand, one shall fall." before his final battle with Megatron.

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Optimus Prime's blade weapon

While evacuating the Allspark from Hoover Dam, Optimus Prime attempts to thwart the Decepticon Bonecrusher's pursuit. After a short battle, Prime beheads Bonecrusher with his retractable blade. Although Prime fights Megatron in a final battle, Sam was liable for Megatron's death when ramming the Allspark into Megatron's chest. Prime, who had planned to destroy the Allspark by placing it into his own chest, is immensely grateful to Sam for saving him. Afterwards, Optimus then takes the remaining fragment of the Allspark. Despite all that has happened, Prime deeply regrets Megatron's death, evidenced by his parting words: "You left me no choice, brother." In the comic adaptation of the film Optimus and Megatron refer to each as "brother" several times, but in the film, only once. What "brother" means to a Cybertronian is never explained in the film. In times of war and battle, which Optimus knows all too well, men at arms have been known to call each other brother:soldiers fighting alongside each other as a team, but more than that, as a family. Like the other Autobots featured in the film, he chooses to remain on Earth after the battle with the Decepticons. The film ends with Optimus sending out a deep-space signal, inviting other Autobots to join them on Earth.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

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Optimus Prime combined with Jetfire

Optimus Prime returns in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, taking down in Shanghai, China the massive Decepticon Demolishor who tells him the "Fallen will Rise Again". Later, Galloway chastises Optimus for the damages done during the fight and deems that the Decepticons only remain because the Autobots are on Earth. Though Optimus warns him that there's a chance he might be wrong while telling him the Autobots would leave if requested, he attempts to ask Sam for help. He later fights to a standstill Megatron, Starscream and Grindor on his own to protect Sam from the three Decepticons. Though he manages to kill Grindor, and rip Starscream's arm off, Optimus is impaled in the chest by Megatron from behind, killing him as he searches for Sam. However, learning that the Matrix could revive Optimus (who is the only one capable of defeating The Fallen, since being the last Prime), Sam has his body transported to Egypt for the final battle. He is revived once Sam puts the Matrix of leadership into his circuits. Still not at full strength as a result, Optimus uses parts from Jetfire to upgrade himself and successfully defeats The Fallen and heavily damages Megatron. At the end of the film he again transmits a message to space in hopes to find more Autobots. Optimus is shown as much more powerful in this film, simultaneously attacking three Decepticons at once (Including Megatron) in physical combat although it can be inferred that during his fights in the second film, there were no pedestrians present and as such Prime had no reason to concern himself with harming them whilst in combat. Optimus' personality changes drastically in the second film, appearing much less forgiving, often slaughtering Decepticons with no remorse.

Video games

In the Autobot Campaign Optimus Prime provides intelligence and missions to Bumblebee in his search for the Allspark. Eventually, the clues lead the Autobot to Sam Witwicky. After saving Sam from Barricade, Bumblebee finally completes preparations for the Autobots to arrive on Earth. Once on Earth, and having informed the two teenagers of their mission, Prime and the Autobots are discovered by Sector 7. Optimus sends Jazz on a high-speed destruction distraction mission, then sends Ironhide to rescue Jazz from a double-threat posed by the government agents and various Decepticon scouts. When Bumblebee is captured, Prime transforms and chases the chopper which from which the small Autobot is tied. After a lengthy chase, Prime manages to catch the net, only to be thrown off by another Cybertronian meteor. As Bumblebee is carried away, Optimus promises he will not fail him again. Jazz informs him that the meteor is not an Autobot. Prime confronts the new threat, who turns out to be the Decepticon triplechanger Shockwave. The two battle it out across Tranquility before Optimus finally destroys him. But not without overhearing Starscream's transmission revealing the location of the Allspark. Optimus then returned to an intel role as he guided Bumblebee in his mission to retrieve the Allspark from Hoover dam. Unfortunately, the Decepticons manage to free Megatron, leading to the final battle in Mission City. As the Autobots battle it out with the Decepticons to protect Sam and the Allspark, things seem to take a turn for the worst as Megatron finally arrives. But before he can claim the Cube, Optimus attacks him. Optimus and Megatron fight a final battle. Optimus defeats Megatron and leaves him on the ground, seemingly devoid of life. However, just as Sam is giving the Allspark to Optimus, Megatron awakens, leaping at Optimus with his chain-flail out, and making one last attempt at defeating his adversary. Optimus grabs the chain, pulling Megatron in closer, and with the Allspark clutched in his fist, delivers a punch through Megatron's spark, killing him. Optimus reflects on the losses and rewards of this battle, as the Autobots have a new home. The story ends with Optimus and the Autobots choosing to remain in Earth, proclaiming it as their new home.

In the Decepticon Campaign Optimus Prime appears near the end of the story. Sam and Mikaela inform Optimus that all the Autobots were killed by the Decepticons. Optimus proclaims that they sacrificed their lives to protect the Allspark, and their sacrifice will not be in vain. Leaving Sam and Mikaela in a safe place, Optimus faces Megatron, but is defeated. Weakened and damaged, Optimus crawls to reach the Allspark. However, Megatron attacks Optimus with his chain-flail, killing him. Megatron then uses the Allspark to conquer Earth.

Arriving late on Earth in Transformers: Autobots, Optimus Prime meets up with the other Autobots to give further commands to his troops. Create-A-Bot, the new rookie, is eager to help in the cause, but Optimus tells him to sit back while the other Autobots fight the Decepticons. Create-A-Bot finally defies orders and completes a mission against Optimus's council. After nearly getting himself and the other Autobots killed, Create-A-Bot apologizes to Optimus personally. Taking pity on the newcomer, Optimus lets him off with a stern warning, and they move out together to face Megatron, who has absorbed the power of the Allspark. Optimus fights Megatron, but Megatron gains the upper-hand. Optimus is on the verge of defeat until Create-A-Bot takes the Allspark and drives to Megatron's chest, weakening Megatron but mortally wounding himself in the process. Optimus fights Megatron again, defeats him. Just as Megatron is on the ground, he tells Optimus that if he kills Megatron, the Allspark will be destroyed, and Cybertron will never be restored. Optimus says to Megatron that he will do what he must do, then he raises his sword and kills Megatron, destroying the Allspark in the process. Create-A-Bot dies but not before telling Optimus his last wish: make Earth the new home of the Autobots and to protect the humans. The game ends with Optimus sending a message to all surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars.

in Transformers: Decepticons Optimus Prime lands on Earth along with the other Autobots to stop the Decepticons. Optimus doesn't actually appear on the game until Megatron is released and Starscream escapes with the All Spark. Optimus fights Megatron but is defeated and is killed while Megatron gives chase to his traitorous second-in-command.

Optimus Prime is among the playable characters in the 2009 Revenge of the Fallen video game by Activision.

Other media

Scenes with the film version of Optimus Prime were used in a commercial for Chevy cars. Prime also appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, presenting one of the show's celebrated top ten lists, in this case the "top ten things that sound cool when spoken by a giant robot."

Toys

• Transformers Preview Protoform Optimus Prime (2007)

A Deluxe class toy of Prime in his Protoform stage. One of the first released movie figures, Prime's Entry Mode resembles a huge metallic asteroid. With this figure standing 5.5 inches tall and Optimus being 28 feet (336 inches) tall, the toy is about 1/61 scale. This rock-like alternate mode has led some fans to sarcastically refer to the movie protoform toys as Rock Lords.

• Transformers Preview Protoform Fusion Cluster Optimus Prime (2007)

This Japanese exclusive version of Protoform Prime is molded in transparent cyan, while his chest is painted yellow-orange. In Entry mode, he appears to be glowing from entering Earth's atmosphere.

• Transformers Legends Optimus Prime (2007)

A Micro class toy. With this figure standing three inches tall and Optimus being twenty eight feet (336 inches) tall, the toy is about 1/112 scale.

Chinese made knockoffs of this toy have surfaced in larger sizes and with reversed colors (blue and red swapped).

• Transformers Jollibee Optimus Prime (2007)

A kids meal toy promotional item available at Jollibee restaurants in the Philippines from June to July 2007. This toy was a slightly enlarged and simplified version of the Movie Legends mold.

• Transformers Cyber Slammers Optimus Prime (2007)

A Scout class toy aimed at younger children. Features a very simple transformation and a pull back motor. Upper portion of the vehicle springs up into robot mode when it hits an object.

• Transformers Fast Action Battlers Power Hook Optimus Prime (2007)

A Deluxe class toy aimed at younger children. Features a power hook and some rope. Chinese made knockoffs of this toy have surfaced with the Autobot logo removed.

A set called "Optimus Prime: Leader for the Ages" was released as a Wal-Mart exclusive, featuring the Fast Action Battlers Prime figure and the Deluxe Prime figure previously released in the Optimus Prime vs. Megatron: The Ultimate Battle 2-pack.

A Target exclusive version was bundled with Optimus Prime Battle Rig Blaster, a truck that transforms into a foam dart gun.

• Transformers Fast Action Battlers Fire Blast Optimus Prime (2008)

A red repaint of Fast Action Battlers Prime.

• Transformers Voyager Class Optimus Prime (2007)

A medium-sized version of Prime, featuring Automorph technology and an intermediate level of transformation. With this figure standing 7.5 inches tall and Optimus being 28 feet (336 inches) tall, the toy is about 1/45 scale.

• Transformers Robo-Vision Optimus Prime (2007)

A Target exclusive. A repaint of the Voyager Class toy, with the gray components painted a more metallic color, and packaging featuring a hidden "Robo-Vision" code used to unlock a hidden feature on Target's Transformers movie/toy website.

• Transformers Leader Class Optimus Prime (2007)

A larger version of Prime, with Advanced Automorph technology and a more complex transformation procedure. Has two sets of electronic sounds and lights that activate when the head pops up or when you press a button on the roof (in truck mode), and a single projectile weapon that can swing over the toy's right hand. Unlike Megatron (whose head is fixed) and Brawl (whose head is connected with a ball joint), Prime's head is limited to side movement due to the circuitry on his LED eyes. This figure has a folding cannon and a firing missile. With this figure standing nine inches tall and Optimus being 28 feet (336 inches) tall, the toy is about 1/37 scale.

"Movie Leader Class Optimus Prime Extra Value Pack" was a Costco exclusive package, bundled with Legends Class Bumblebee and Autobot Jazz figures.

• Transformers Spy-Changer Optimus Prime (2007)

A redeco of Robots in Disguise Spy Changer Scourge in the colors of movie Optimus Prime. This toy was a Takara exclusive release and came packaged with the movie DVD in Japan as a bonus item.

• Transformers Voyager Class First Strike Optimus Prime (2008)

Similar to the Voyager Class toy, but repainted with Generation 1 Prime colors instead of the flame paint scheme. This supposedly represents Optimus Prime after his body absorbs all the power of the Allspark after the movie.

• Transformers Voyager Battle Damage Optimus Prime (2008)

A special bonus package contains Voyager class Starscream together with battle damaged editions of Voyager class Optimus Prime and Deluxe class Arcee.

• Transformers Leader Class Nightwatch Optimus Prime (2008)

A blue and black repaint of the Leader Class Prime. According to the biography from Hasbro for this toy it represents Optimus Prime enhanced by the power of the Allspark with enhanced stealth capabilities.

• Transformers Micro IR Optimus Prime (2007)

A RadioShack exclusive. This micro Radio-controlled car moves forward and back, and features simple transformation to robot mode. The gun-shaped controller doubles as a ball-point pen.

• Transformers Legends Nightwatch Optimus Prime (2008)

A redeco of Legends Optimus Prime with blue paint. Comes in a 2-pack with Stealth Starscream.

• Transformers Premium Leader Class Optimus Prime (2008)

A redeco of the Movie Leader Class Prime with metallic paint and a new weapon: a blade on his right hand (where the gun was). He also has a remolded head and the mechanical sounds are replaced with the traditional transformation sound effect.

• Transformers Screen Battles: Freeway Brawl Voyager Class Set (2008)

A Target exclusive bundle package featuring Voyager Class Prime and Deluxe Class Bonecrusher.

• Transformers Trans-Scanning TS-01 Optimus Prime (2008)

A Deluxe-sized figure sold only in Japan and Asian markets by Takara Tomy. The package consists of a highly-poseable skeletal frame called a Core Body, along with parts to assemble the Core Body to either a Protoform mode or robot mode. In Protoform, the figure can transform into an atmospheric Entry Mode. The figure with robot parts is able to fully transform into vehicle mode.

• Revenge of the Fallen Legends Class Optimus Prime (2009)

A new, more movie-accurate mold of the Legends Class figure.

• Revenge of the Fallen Gravity Bots Optimus Prime (2009)

A toy car that automatically transforms when tilted upright.

• Revenge of the Fallen Fast Action Battlers Double Blade Optimus Prime (2009)

A new mold of the Fast Action Battlers figure.

• Revenge of the Fallen Voyager Class Optimus Prime (2009)

A repaint of the Voyager Class figure from the first film, using a darker shade of blue with gold Kanji and Cybertronian characters printed on the body panels.

• Revenge of the Fallen Leader Class Optimus Prime (2009)

An all-new Leader class toy of Prime, featuring a robot design and transformation that is closer to its film counterpart than the 2007 Leader Class toy. Features retractable blades on both forearms. New "MechAlive" feature consists of visible moving gears in the chest behind the cab windows. At the push of a button on the back of the cab, the truck mode emits an engine idling sound. The transformation sound is played when the upper torso and lower torso are connected. A recording of Peter Cullen saying, "I am Optimus Prime!" is played when his chest is pushed upward via a lever on his waist.

Optimus Prime can also combine with Leader Class Jetfire.

• Revenge of the Fallen Leader Class Buster Optimus Prime (2009, not released)

A Japan-only exclusive redeco of Prime. New head sculpt lacks the faceplate, showing Prime's mouth. The exhaust pipes transform into his guns.

• Revenge of the Fallen Voyager Class Stratosphere with Optimus Prime (2009)

A transformable micro-sized Prime figure fits inside the cargo bay of Stratosphere, a Voyager Class Autobot that transforms into an Antonov An-225 cargo plane. This enables owners to replicate Prime's drop scene in the beginning of the film.

Stratosphere was originally planned to be packaged with a space shuttle, which mounted on the top of the plane mode and transformed into a projectile weapon, but the shuttle was dropped from production due to cost issues.

Non-transforming merchandise

• Transformers Cyber Stompin' Optimus Prime (2007)

A large, non-transforming toy than can create sound effects and say a few quotes. Two versions were released: The first one featured Gary Chalk's voice. A second version, released shortly after the film hit theaters, featured Peter Cullen's voice and was labeled, "Featuring the Real Movie Voice."

• Transformers Robot Replicas Optimus Prime (2007)

A poseable, non-transforming action figure.

• Transformers Robot Replicas Optimus Prime vs. Megatron (2007)

A Wal-Mart exclusive gift pack of Robot Replicas Prime and Megatron.

• Transformers Unleashed Turnarounds Optimus Prime (2007)

A non-poseable, non-transforming sculpture featuring Prime's robot mode on one side and his truck mode on the other.

• Transformers Attacktix Movie Prime (2007)

An Attacktix version of Prime from the live action movie appears in a Tournament Pack.

• Transformers Optimus Prime Voice Changer Helmet (2007)

A plastic helmet that resembles Prime's head and fits head sizes from age 5 to adult. Buttons play transformation sounds and movie quotes, and also changes the users voice. Initial releases featured Gary Chalk's voice. A second release, labeled, "Featuring the Real Movie Voice!", used Peter Cullen's voice.

A Wal-Mart exclusive version was bundled with T.E.C.H. Digital Dagger, a non-working cellular phone that transforms into a dagger.

• Transformers 2-in-1 Beamers Optimus Prime (2007)

A fully detailed sculpt of Prime's head that doubles as an LED flashlight and night light. Also emits sound effects at the push of a button.

• Transformers ZipZaps Micro RC Optimus Prime (2007)

A RadioShack exclusive. Part of the ZipZaps line, this is a micro Radio-controlled car that runs on a rechargeable battery (the controller doubles as the charger).This is notable as the first and thus far only Three Axle Zip-Zap made.

• Revenge of the Fallen Robot Replicas Optimus Prime (2009)

A redeco of the Robot Replicas figure from the 2007 film toy line.

• Revenge of the Fallen Optimus Prime Voice Changer Helmet (2009)

A re-release of the helmet from the first film, but with a brushed metal look. Features additional voice tracks by Peter Cullen.