For Chris Hemsworth, whose career skyrocketed after playing Thor in the Marvel universe, the decision to voice Optimus Prime was easy – especially after consulting his children.
“They said, ‘Absolutely, you have to play this character,'” Hemsworth said.
Transformers One offers a new take on the familiar story, showing a young Optimus, known as Orion Pax, in his early days as a low-key miner on the planet Cybertron. He was once best friends with D-16, who eventually becomes the evil Megatron. Brian Tyree Henry, an Oscar, Emmy and Tony nominated actor, voices the younger version of Megatron.
The film showcases the two characters’ journey, from friends to enemies, leading to a transformation as D-16 transforms into Megatron.
“We never saw them as younger versions of themselves when they were friends,” Hemsworth said.
Stepping into Optimus Prime’s shoes was nothing Hemsworth took it easy. He had to live up to the legendary voice of Peter Cullen, who has been synonymous with the character for decades. That made Hemsworth do his homework to study Cullen.
“He would kind of twist his neck and his, you know, body, into a position,” Hemsworth said. “I used it a little too. I did exactly that, I had to squeeze my vocal cords into a certain position.”
Transformers One marks a return to the animated roots of the franchise, bringing back the nostalgic feel of the original 1980s cartoon. Hemsworth hopes audiences will enjoy the film, both for its action and heart.
“I hope people get something out of it on a deeper level, but mostly for the same reason I went to the movies as a kid, the same reason I go to the movies now, is just to have fun … to laugh, to smile, to cry, take a journey, have an emotional experience,” Hemsworth said.
“Transformers One,” distributed by Paramount Pictures, which is part of CBS parent Paramount Global, will hit theaters today.