Fathom Entertainment and Hasbro have confirmed the production details for Optimus Prime: Awakening, a 12-minute animated short set to debut alongside the 4K theatrical re-release of the classic The Transformers: The Movie. The short serves as a poignant milestone for the franchise, featuring the final voice performance of the late Peter Cullen as the iconic Autobot leader. Frank Welker is also confirmed to reprise his roles as Megatron and Soundwave.
Behind the scenes, the project is directed by Josh Wassung, working from a script penned by Ryan Parrott. The visual production is handled by The Third Floor, with a musical score composed by Bobby Krlic. Beyond the short itself, the 4K re-release of the 1986 feature film will include an additional post-credits sequence described as a previously unseen cinematic chapter.
The theatrical rollout has expanded significantly, with screenings now confirmed for September 17 in France, Singapore, and several Latin American nations, including Chile, Colombia, and Peru. These join the previously announced regions of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and others. In the U.S., select locations will offer commemorative merchandise, including themed popcorn buckets and drinkware.
While the 1986 original was produced by Toei Animation, this new short represents a modern expansion of the franchise's legacy. Given that this marks the final performance for a voice actor as synonymous with his character as Cullen, how do you think this short will balance its role as a bridge to the 4K re-release with its status as a farewell?
