Peter Cullen’s Final Optimus Prime Performance Can Now Be Seen in Movie Theaters
Peter Cullen’s final performance as Optimus Prime can now be heard on the big screen. Transformers: The Movie has returned to theaters for its 40th anniversary with a special new addition.
The restored 4K release began playing on September 17, 2026, through Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment. Select U.S. and U.K. theaters are also showing the film in premium 4DX presentations.
The 40th-anniversary re-release brings more than Peter Cullen’s final performance to theaters
The anniversary event includes Optimus Prime: Awakening, a new 12-minute animated short shown after the credits. It features Cullen’s final original voice performance as Optimus Prime, with Frank Welker returning as Megatron and Soundwave.
Hasbro describes the short as “a love letter to the Transformers community and Cullen.” The actor’s performance also gives the new footage a direct connection to his long history with the character.
The theatrical return is part of Hasbro’s year-long “Apology Tour,” which commemorates Optimus Prime’s death in the 1986 movie. The campaign includes fan events and other franchise celebrations surrounding the anniversary.
The original animated film also features a voice cast beyond Cullen and Welker. Leonard Nimoy voices Galvatron, while Eric Idle plays Wreck-Gar and Orson Welles provides the voice of Unicron.
Set in 2005, the story follows Unicron threatening Cybertron and the Autobots. Optimus Prime leads his team as they face the planet-sized enemy and the Decepticons.
The franchise has expanded considerably since the animated film debuted. It now spans live-action and animated movies, television series, toys, games, and other merchandise.
The anniversary celebration also extends beyond the theaters. The reformatted soundtrack includes the new single “Nothing’s Gonna Stand In Our Way,” featuring Sebastian Bach.
Hasbro has introduced a premium electronic Matrix of Leadership replica inspired by the film, with interactive lights and sounds. The company also added new Studio Series figures based on characters from the animated classic.
Originally reported on SuperHeroHype.
Source: Comingsoon.net