Mark Ryan Interview

IFMagazine.com has posted an interview with Mark Ryan, the voice of Bumblebee and was also the on set voice for most of the Transformers to help the actors in their roles.

The full interview is here.

Some highlights:
- Was hired by Michelle Lewitt to do the on set work since was able to throw up different voices for each Transformers as needed.
- First scene he shot was the house sequence with Shia LaBeouf.
- Poles with red and green lights represented the robots to help with line of sight for the actors so looked at right spot correctly.
- On set, played Jazz as Sean Connery and other voices, Ironhide was a southern character and so forth.
- Did the post production work for Decepticons until the roles where cast (Probably to help with timing and the like for editing scenes and animatics. This explains why the casting of roles was able to wait so long. Usually the voice work is done before the animation so can match mouth movements. For example Disney/Pixar cartoons, usually the voice work was done up to 2 years before the movie even comes out.)
(source)

Mark Ryan Hints At Transformers II Prequel

Mark Ryan, the voice of Bumblebee in Transformers, had an interview with sknr.net talking about working on Transformers and also hinted at a DVD special feature, "I recently recorded more material for the DVD release of the film. It has to do with the Prequel that will set up the second film."

Main parts of the interview:

GVK: How did you get involved with “Transformers”?
MR: I have done 10 years in theater, some have said I have had a varied career, and I look at it as a shotgun blast of creativity. I got a call, it was all very secret and I was not even sure what I was reading for. I was not to learn the lines given to me, simply come in and read them. Since I did not know the project, you have to come in with your take and hope your personality and talent are right for the job. I actually read 5 characters doing the same scene at different times.

GVK: What sort of prep work did you do once you had landed the part?
MR: I did not see the television show when it aired in the U.K. as I was doing a lot of acting at the time so I came into it very fresh. I went online, did research, and talked to friends and fans of the show to get a take on the characters.

GVK: You were the onset voice for the characters during filming, what was that like and was it difficult acting against virtual elements?
MR: It was a lot of fun; I fed lines to Shia who was acting against giant poles with lights on them. Shia is very funny and spontaneous, and is actually very good at what he does as Michael would explain the scenes to us, and we had to imagine that the poles were gigantic robots, and make sure to really allow the characters to come through.

GVK: During the studio process of recording the voices, was Michael Bay present?
MR: He was there every day; often he was the only person there. It was the most fun I had, as during post production, Michael would shoo people from the studio so we could get the lines down. Michael likes to have fun and he has a very cheeky, child like humor to him. He would say a line and then ask me to say it like he just did, only to make it funny.

GVK: Did you see a complete script while filming or did you just have your lines?
MR: The script on set changed a lot. One day I noted some new lines in, and thought that it would change the plot in a dramatic way. Michael was very guarded on the
project as they had a computer hacked and someone got a copy of the script as well as some of the graphics for the film.

GVK: Since you did all the voices on set, how did you end up being Bumblebee?
MR: I got a call saying I was doing the Bumblebee character, and I said I do not believe I have done the lines for that. Since I had recorded many voices and lines in studio, they played me back a recording and sure enough, it was me doing the lines that came to be Bumblebee. When I had read them, they were not assigned as lines to Bumblebee, and since I had not read that he had his speech restored in the
script, it was a pleasant surprise.

GVK: Did you get to work with Stephen Spielberg at all?
MR: No, I would have liked to, but I think Stephen is a very smart director. When I was doing King Arthur, I saw Jerry (Bruckheimer) twice. Stephen is very wise in that he has hired a good Director and lets him do the job that he was hired to do, without interfering with his work. Michael was very good and really did very well with the film.

GVK: What were your thoughts about Bumblebee being a Camaro over a Volkswagen?
MR: Having not seen the original show when it first ran, I did not have an emotional connection to him being a Volkswagen. When I saw the Camaro shot though, I said “that isn’t Herbie that is one sexy beast”.

GVK: You also do all the voices in the video game, what was that like and did you use lines from the film or all new lines?
MR: I had a lot of fun with Iron Hide, and some of the other odd voices. We had a mix of lines as well, old and new.

GVK: Final question, have you heard anything about a sequel or been asked to be a part of future films?
MR:(Chuckles), funny you should say that so I will tell you what I can. I recently recorded more material for the DVD release of the film. It has to do with the Prequel that will set up the second film.

(source)

Mark Ryan Confirms Bumblebee Voice Work

As previousily reported via movie pre-screenings, Mark Ryan is the voice of Bumblebee in the movie. On his website he had confirmed he was cast as the voice of Ironhide for Transformers The Game and not the movie. No mention of Bumblebee was made so no connection was made at the time.

The other day though, Mark Ryan finally was able to confirm that he is doing the voice of Bumblebee in the movie. Bumblebee doesn't have a voice box thanks to Megatron (see prequel comics) so I would assume that the lines are very few, maybe one or two. Thanks to Maximus for pointing the update.

From Mark Ryan's site:

Folks!

I know there's been a lot of speculation about this issue online, so Paramount Pictures has given me official permission to now confirm that I am voicing Bumblebee in the new Transformers movie.

I was asked by studio publicity boss: Carl Williams, not to do interviews or reveal what actually happens until after the US release and I don't want to spoil the surprise for anyone! So my lips are sealed on that front!

Recent rumors that I actually look like BB under my clothes are however misguided, although I have been spotted walking like an Autobot at various conventions in the past...

I can say on a personal note that I like Bumblebee, as he's portrayed in this film very much. Michael Bay and ILM really succeeded in bringing him to life and imbuing him with so many human qualities and emotions. The relationship between Sam and BB is developed extraordinarily well and is both hilarious and moving. Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman gave him so many human facets, including heart and humor that leap out from the screen.

Bumblebee's trademark characteristics as the loyal, courageous and dedicated warrior-scout were already enshrined in Transformers lore and the relationship with Sam is developed so well in this film, in terms of his befriending this "alien human' ally and finding common elements, both romantic and humorous, that it's a pivotal part of the plot. I think it's an experience that people will personally be able to relate to.

In an odd twist of personal fate, my Bumblebee experience also mirrored the journey with Nasir from Robin Of Sherwood (a character close to my heart of course) as the quiet and stoical "stranger in a strange land." I'll talk more about that later...

I did however recognize early on, the simple human traits of compassion, sacrifice and humor that Bumblebee depicts and thought: “This is one very cool dude.”

I also think the new Camaro is pretty damn awesome as well...."

So! In other news I just finished playing “Boris” a dodgy Russian character for my old pal: Michael Monks. Michael makes his directing debut with “Joe And Brodie” and I'm very pleased for Michael as he's a very respected and experienced actor and coach, as well as a dear friend. This is an independent movie filming in LA and Michael's intelligent and insightful skills will be brought fully to bear as a director, I have no doubt. It's a very funny script and I wish the crew all the best for the shoot.

I can also now also announce I'll also be attending Comic Con in San Diego with Green Arrow pal: Mike Grell. We will be making an announcement regarding a new joint Graphic Novel project that we've been working on for about fifteen years!

And for those who asked very interesting questions on the mailing list and have been patiently waiting for the answers, I'll be working on them this weekend and will post replies during the coming week.

Thanks again to Mary for all the hard work and also for keeping the "Bumblebee issue" secret for all these weeks!

Best wishes to all,

Mark

Full Transformers Voice Cast Revealed

Someone at the Sydney screening wrote down the names of the voices for all the Transformers in the movie. My understanding is "voice" might be a reach in some cases with some characters at most only getting a few lines. Thanks to Maximus and other site readers for the list. The links with each name may help with some "who is that?" questions.

Optimus Prime: Peter Cullen - The one and only
Megatron: Hugo Weaving - If don't know, doesn't really matter
Bumblebee: Mark Ryan
Ironhide: Jess Harnell - Lots of roles, but learning he was the voice of Wakko in the Animaniacs is pretty cool
Barricade: Jess Harnell
Ratchet: Robert Foxworth - One of those actors that is the unrecognized grease that keeps the industry wheel going. Not famous, but a face you go "hmm he looks familiar, what have I seen him in?"
Bonecrusher: Jimmie Wood - Beats me
Jazz: Darius McCrary - Ditto
Starscream: Charlie Adler - Voice of "Optimatus" in Loonatics Unleashed
Frenzy: Reno Wilson - Another one of those familiar but unknown face.

Mark Ryan Is NOT Ironhide?

I previously reported that Mark Ryan might not be Ironhide for the TF movie. Turns out that may or may not be correct. The only confirmed part is he is doing the voice for the video game. Its hard to tell with the secrets that Bay and co are trying to keep about the film.

From Mark Ryan's site:

Folks!

Just a quick note to clarify the present raging online debate about being cast as "Ironhide" in the film version of Transformers. The reports that I'll be voicing "Ironhide" in the movie are mistaken or misquoted lifts from various sources. Even Wikipedia has it wrong.

The post clearly states: "I've recently recorded two voices for the Activision game based on the film to be released at around the same time as the movie. I voiced both Ironhide and Hoist for the game."

I was also very careful to say: "I recently got called back to the studios by Michael Bay to voice more material to be utilized in editing the Transformers movie to be released during the summer."

So to be clear; I have recorded voices for the game but I cannot confirm (due to obvious contractual reasons) if any of that Autobot/Decepticon material will make it into the final cut of the movie.

As previously stated in my updates; I worked both on the set and in the post production phase directly for Michael Bay for the purposes of timing and pacing for the actors and then character material used for the purposes of editing scenes and guide-tracks for dialogue. This was a unique experience and great fun to be involved in, both on the set and in the editing suite. Michael was great fun to work with and we had plenty of laughs trying out various humorous ideas for the Autobot characters.

I have total respect for the voice actors who did the original material and really hope the fans enjoy all the creative effort that has gone into this production, which looks absolutely amazing!

Best wishes to everyone in "Dear Old Blighty" and especially all those fanatical and excited Transformers devotees, waiting with bated breath for July 4th!

Mark Ryan

He is right. Does state just the game, but the mention of Bay allows one to infer the movie too. Does seem strange to cast one voice for the movie and another for the game but the precedent has already been set with Frank Welking doing Megatron in the game but not the movie.

The game needs the voice work done sooner rather then later to make its release date because of programming, testing and the like. The movie though, they really have up to the lock date to finalize those details as the recording of the voices might take a day at most and then just issue of editing it in. The game folks are simply working on a different deadline then Bay is and probably couldn't wait on the casting to finalized.

Or it could just be a voice announcement is forthcoming, maybe an attempt to make it a mini-marketing event to help promote the movie and they don't want any leaks to mess up those plans. After all the only confirmed voice cast is Peter Cullen and Hugo Weaving. Everything else is mostly rumors since none of it has been official confirmed by Dreamworks. No telling what the real story but some of the details will come out soon as the film release date is closing quickly.

Mark Ryan Is Ironhide?

According to what I guess is the "official" Mark Ryan website, he has been cast in the role of Ironhide by Michael Bay for the movie and the games. He will also perform the voice of Hoist, I guess one of the hidden characters of those games. Even odder, apparently Carl Weathers of Rocky fame, is the voice director for the game. A little "where did they go" moment there.

From the site:

MAY 2007

Well! It's almost summer! So time for a quick update folks!

I recently got called back to the studios by Michael Bay to voice more material to be utilized in editing the Transformers movie to be released during the summer. Michael was again in great form and having a lot of fun with the characters of the Autobots. The material I saw was truly spectacular and I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it in a motion picture before. The action sequences look extraordinary and the scenes were funny and thrilling. The ILM/Special Visual Effects were unprecedented in their complexity and vision. From what I understand the previews of the film seem to be testing very well with selected audiences and I think it's going to be a monster!

So now I can also announce that I've recently recorded two voices for the Activision game based on the film to be released at around the same time as the movie. I voiced both Ironhide and Hoist for the game, directed by legendary "Rocky" star: Carl Weathers, who is an all round gentleman and an excellent voice-over director! More info on Transformers later in the summer!

So your asking "Who is Mark Ryan?" For one thing, he is somebody that might need to look into myspace and other web hosting possiblities as angelfire will probably crash his site soon. Checking out his IMDB entry...well I still have no idea who he is. Seems most of his work was done in the U.K. with a little US work here and there. He is not a known "voice" for cartoons and the like so this is probably all a new experience for him. It also makes it difficult attack or defend his credibility as Ironhide cause have no idea what he sounds like. I guess get to find out in a few months.

My curious question of the moment is when will Frank Welker be announced as the voice of Starscream?
(source)

Cullen and Welker Sign On For Transformers Game

Gamespot.com is reporting that the Peter Cullen and Frank Welker have agreed to reprises the voices of Optimus Prime and Megatron for the upcoming Transformers: The Video Game coming out for the movie. Game photos are at end of the post.

Gamespot also interviewed Peter Cullen and Frank Welker about the roles. In addition there is a brief audio file with Welker where he talks about and uses the Megatron voice. The interviews cover how Cullen got the role of Optimus back in the 80s and what they like about each of the characters they voiced. No movie information is revealed but worth reading for any Transfan.

Full Article
Peter Cullen Interview
Frank Welker Interview
Welker/Megatron Audio

This announcement does beg the question...is Hugo Weaving doing any voice work for the video game and if not, why? Any case, this is one of the cool things about using the original voices when possible and not focusing on "stars" for the voices. A star tends to complicate everything usually due to ego and money reason (probably in that order). By getting experienced and willing voice talent, you get things like from Cullen voicing the video game, to the "Make Prime Speak" contest, Agent X voicework and so forth. I don't really imagine Hugo Weaving doing a "Make Megatron Speak" contest for instance or a podcast. So hats off to them for humoring us Transfans and seeming to enjoy the work rather then giving the impression of resenting it like many stars over the years. Thanks to Kevin for the link.

Transformers 2.5 Hours Long, Welker Confirmed In Another Role?

According to an interview with Shia LaBeouf from Collider.com while promoting his movie Disturbia, Transformers might be a 2 and half hour long movie with 20 set pieces or action sequences if the Spider-Man analogy is an indication. Also just as important is this is the first movie insider confirmation that Frank Welker may still voice one of the Transformers in the movie, even if its not Megatron.

From the interview:

On the running time and the amount of action he said:
It's going to be long. He's going to give you a lot. You've got 20 set pieces. You like at Spider-Man and it had five big action sequences — five set pieces. We have 20, and you've got to get storyline in, you've got to get the narrative in — so a lot of explanation. You can’t just have robots fighting for no reason. You've got to explain it. The movies going to run, I think, about two and a half.

And then I asked him why all of Michael Bay’s movies look like all the money was spent on screen and I got an extremely honest response:
Because he’s not putting all the actors in huge trailers, and we’re not staying in four class resorts and craft service isn’t shrimp cocktail. It’s a movie set and all the money is going into the film. You feel it on set. You know none of us got paid millions of dollars to be in that movie. That’s one of the lowest paying jobs I’ve been in, in my career. And that’s the way it goes. You do that movie not because of the paycheck, I know that everybody thinks “oh you’re in Transformers because of the paycheck.” And I’m sure eventually it will lead to a paycheck – when you have a Japanese following and a following you never had – but the initial being in the movie was never a paycheck. None of us got paid above $70,000 dollars. We were all there to blow shit up.

As a fan of Transformers you’re reaction to Hugo Weaving getting cast as the voice of Megatron?
Look as long as you make sure (Frank) Welker is in and you make sure that (Peter) Cullen is Optimus. If anyone else is Optimus the movie is terrible. It has to be Cullen. Now Welker is older, much older than Cullen and his voice has changed. I’ve heard him in sessions. He’d be great as another robot but to play Megatron you need somebody powerful and Hugo Weaving is powerful.

The rumor of Frank Welker remaining involved in the Transformers production started pretty much the same day of the Hugo Weaving announcement but this is the first time I have read someone directly involved with the movie speaking about it. With plenty of roles available and Frank's ability its a toss up on what role he will have but for giggles I am guessing Starscream.

As for the 2.5 hour length, I am thinking that's the rough cut length of the film. Its not that I wouldn't want to see the movie that long, but studio economics 101 is to go for a two hour or shorter film length as that means at least one more play time each day. One more play time mean more tickets sold, so more money made. That use to not matter but no business decisions are often made just on the first weekend take, not even the long haul results so getting huge numbers up front is usually paramount. Of course this is a Bay/Spielberg movie so the usual rules can get tossed at any time.

Keith David Is the Voice of Barricade

IGN has confirmed that Keith David has been cast as the voice of the Decepticon Barricade, the Ford Mustang police cruiser. To some, he is familiar as the voice of Spawn and Goliath in Gargoyles. Others might recognize him from the Chronicles of Riddick. Either way, the man has got a voice he can't help but recognize when you hear it even if don't know the name it goes to. Excellent news to me, as I am a fan of the man.

Hugo Weaving Is The Voice of Megatron

According to a new email posted on the Sector Seven website, Hugo Weaving has been cast as the voice of Decepticon Leader Megatron. Considering the site is an official arm of the Transformers advertising campaign, its sounds pretty darn official. Also AICN has confirmed the news. To get to the email, go to Sector 7, use password NBETWO, and then click the scorpion icon at the bottom.

The email text:

Operation Hungry Dragon 2 continues. As of today agent H. Weaving has officially convinced S.S., M.B., R.D and A.K. to oversee the Megaman issue. The recording will commence immediately.

All the years of investment into Agent Weavings public persona have finally paid off. We will monitor the campaign from the inside and report on its progress free from suspicion.

By this summer, the population will think N.B.E.'s are nothing more then figments of an overactive imagination.

Our power lies in our secrecy.

So to analyze the email. H. Weaving is Hugo Weaving. S.S. is Steven Spielberg, M.B. is Michael Bay, R.O. is Roberto Orci, and A.K. is Alex Kurtzman. Megaman is reference used on the Sector 7 site to reference the "captured" Megatron, who is still in stasis lock. Of course recording is referring to getting his voice for Megs.

I can't say I am 100% happy with choice, but as a fan of Hugo Weaving, can't say I upset by it either. With his credentials from the Matrix and Lord of the Rings trilogy among others, he is definitely has the chops for the role without a doubt. Besides with the probably heavy sound work that will be done to his voice to give it a dangerous and alien sound, I having a feeling that it will work out and the original voice will only be one aspect of the whole. Its still kind of sad though to not see a Frank Welker / Peter Cullen team-up 20 years later though.

Maybe, tossing this out as a suggestion, since Frank is not the voice of Megatron for the official release of the movie, wouldn't it be interesting to record him as an alternate track as a goodie for the DVD release?

Another (non) Update Regarding Welker as Megatron

Don Murphy provided an updated on his message board about his movie projects including Shoot Em Up, Faces of Death and few others.

For the one we care about, Transformers, he posts:

--- ITEM!- TRANSFORMERS- The cut screened for the studio last week. I am up in the rain so I missed it. The studio is excited. This blockbuster continues to show just HOW big it will be. You will believe a robot from space can kick ass. Here are the answers to all the questions I get on this one-

---------- No decision from Michael about Welker yet. Honestly I don't know how that is going to turn out. I know that I am on the record as wanting Frank. I know that the fans have made it clear that it must be Frank. I don't think it would be ludicrous to have him. But it is Michael's call.

---------- No I won't be with Skorponok at the Vegas ShowWest. It will be fun to hear about what a great idea he thought Transfomers was since he wasn't involved with it from the beginning. I don't know if anyone noticed a previous interview I did, but let's repeat it- EVERY studio passed on this movie. EVERY STUDIO. Only after that happened did all of a sudden interest reappear. The only people who KNEW this was going to be huge were Tom Desanto and that guy with the goofy picture above. Believe it as you hear about history being rewritten. Or ask Skorpy about it yourself. In the meantime Shia will be there too. He is a GREAT GREAT guy. Hi Five him for me if you are there.

-----------Yes there will be another trailer with more details. Probably at the start of the summer season. But you can watch the one we have a few more times if you want to. It is still on line.

Thanks for everything Stooges.
Hang tight!

So new trailer is coming, I am thinking (hoping) with Spider-Man 3. Sadly I think they dropped the ball on the second trailer as I get the impression it was seen by a very few in actual movie theatres. Netizens are more informed then the average movie goer, but its the average movie goer that allows movies to make the megabucks that equal sequel so theatre eyeballs are more important then online eyeballs (for now anyway). 300 is proof of that (go see if haven't).

As for the pic above, that is Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) and Frank Welker (Megatron) together. So now you see the men behind the voices of the TFs you grew up on. The pic is from Shia LaBeouf's MySpace page. I like the Teenage Ninja Turtles in the background but no hint is given on context but I would guess a recording studio office (only offices have plants in corners). Maybe together for Transformers post production recordings perhaps? I guess time will tell.

Tranformers Movie Bay, Gibson and DeSanto Interviews

IESB.net took advantage of the General Motors Oscar Party to score some video interviews with Transformers Director Michael Bay, Producer Tom DeSanto, and star Tyrese Gibson.

The main piece of information of note is that Bay indicated that the announcement for the voice of Megatron and the casting in general. Bay said it "is getting down to the wire...some of [the cast] will be unknowns because we tweak them out alot." By tweak I think adding, warping, whatever to make the voices more otherworldly. The sound effects are being done by the same folks that did Peter Jackson's King Kong.

Adding fuel to the speculation is an insider for the site indicated that Welker was cast in the movie, but not as Megatron, something that 71 year old Welker didn't confirm or deny on his official website, "As of this moment, to my knowledge, they have not cast Megatron and I am still very much in the running."

Tom DeSanto was asked if rumor regarding if Tom Kenny was voicing Starscream in the movie. Tom will be Starscream for the upcoming animated series "Transformers: Heroes", but Tom DeSanto didn't confirm or deny the rumor. DeSanto was very pleased with fan reaction to the footage shown at Toyfair. Future reveal plans include possibly Wondercon and ShoWest. In regards to Welker and Megatron "plans are inching forward....think fans will be happy." Slightly out of context but basically the idea is still wide open for Welker to reprise his role. In unrelated TF news, DeSanto also said working on a City of Heroes movie and adapting the Splitting Infinity book. The cartoon will be its own universe, set in the future that isn't related to the movie.

Tyrese didn't add any new info, just warned to summer movie competition to steer clear as "Transformers will take over the summer" and that there is no forward movement on the Luke Cage movie.

Click name below for video of each interview:
Michael Bay - Director
Tom DeSanto - Producer
Tyrese Gibson - Master Sgt. Epps

Frank Welker Not In Transformers Movie

Its seems that its just recently been discovered by various websites that Frank Welker has briefly posted on the Transformers movie in regards to his casting as Megatron. The post is from 12/8/06 but no one noticed until now it seems.

The post from his official site:

Are you going to do any voices in the upcoming live-action TRANSFORMERS movie?

I am not really sure what's happening with the "Transformer" movie other than my talented friend Peter Cullen has been cast. Presently, I have not been offered any roles. They are doing a new series based on our old shows which neither Peter nor I were cast. I think Corey Burton is playing the new Megatron. He is a wonderful voice talent and a great guy, so it's nice to be replaced by folks you like at any rate.

Happy Holidays!

Frank (12/8/2006 9:49:54 PM PST)

One month after that was a rumor from IESB.net that claimed Frank Welker might be days away from signing for the roll. Obviously anything from the horse's mouth so to speak is the more reliable source but a lot could have changed in the month and half since that post. Also notice the phrase of "offered any roles" which is much different then auditioned for roles or discussed roles. In other words, the possibility is still open to him being cast.

Considering the relatively small role Megatron plays in the movie, I don't see why not, but if spending $150 million to make a film and probably another $25 million plus to promote it, then I am sure there is pressure to get some A-list stars into the movie in some capacity while not costing a ton of money which voice work would fit the bill nicely. Either way, the movie opens soon, the advertising campaign has to gear up so an announcement has to come in the next few months one way or the other.

Frank Welker Will Be Megatron?

IESB.net is reporting that multiple studio sources are reporting that Frank Welker, the original voice of Megatron, man of crapload of voices, could be days away from signing the contract that will have him reprise his role as the voice of Megatron. Frank would join fellow Transformers G1 alumni Peter Cullen creating the voice matchup that fans and the movie producers have been pushing for.

But before you get your hopes up, other sources also where indicating that Hugo Weaving, from Lord of the Rings and Matrix films, was also being considered to voice the iconic villain. Considering the $150 million dollar budget of the film and a cast of unknowns, Hugo could add a little star wattage to the film to help in its promotion to those who don't know what Transformers are.

No date on when final casting will be announced but here is hoping it will be soon to put the speculation out of its misery.

Optimus Prime Voice Announcement Video

During the San Diego Comic Con, towards the end of the Paramount/Stardust panel, TF Producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura had a voice recording of Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime saying "...in chaos and those of us who follow freedom. All of you here must join me in this fight for freedom next July 4th. I am Optimus Prime. Transform, roll out."

The video is here from blackfilm.com.

(pic source)

The Voice of Optimus Prime is ....

Peter Cullen!

At the San Diego Comic-Con Paramount Panel, right at the end, it was announced who would be the voice of Optimus Prime for the Transformers movie in 2007. In a generous nod to the fans, Peter Cullen, the original voice of OP for a generation of TransFans, has been cast as the voice.

I was expecting news such as a few images, discussions of the plot, maybe a reveal of the Transformers in the movie. Nice information but mostly shrug worthy. Instead you get something that for Transformers fans probably caused a collective orgasm of glee even if for most outsiders, its a shrugworthy piece of news. Shows sometimes the small stuff can have as much impact as the big.

As for those that may not know, Peter Cullen is the voice that you hear anytime you think Optimus Prime. He voiced the character throughout the 80's in the series and the cartoon movie.

Additional little tidbits came up in a live interview on G4 for their "Transformers Exclusive" (not sure which was first, them or the panel) where Transformers producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura made it official. During the interview, he indicated that the announcement of who the voice of Megatron is will occur during post-production. Does that mean he is already cast? Hmm.

Also, Lorenzo shared his belief of how the live action has an advantage over the animated cartoons, "We are going to be able to do things the animated series could never do. The Transformers can have more moving parts, because they can move better, therefore they can fight better, they can do more things and they can blow up more things."

Give credit to show hosts Olivia Munn and Kevin Pereira for attempting to dig more dirt out of him. They tried to get him to confirm internet rumors ("some are true") and reveal alt modes and did more or less confirm that the Optimus Prime pick is true ("...he is a big semi").

So there you go. Nice reveal but man those TF producers are doing an awesome job of keeping the information tight. Darn it.