As the Annecy Animation Festival hit its stride on Monday, “Transformers One” kicked off the festivities with its much-anticipated debut. Director Josh Cooley and Paramount Animation president Ramsey Naito introduced a nearly completed version of the movie.
The film boasts a stellar voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm, though none were present at the screening.
“So much talent and nostalgic love has gone into this movie,” Cooley shared with the eager audience ahead of the film’s September 20 theater release. He praised the team behind the movie, calling them the “greatest animators and CG artists in the world,” and highlighted the contributions of Industrial Light & Magic. He thanked the crowd for being the “audience one” for this screening.
Throughout the film, the audience responded with enthusiastic applause, especially during a key scene involving a major character. Keegan-Michael Key’s humorous lines also drew significant laughter. The screening concluded with a standing ovation, and Cooley acknowledged the positive reaction.
“Transformers One” explores the backstory of the iconic characters Optimus Prime and Megatron, detailing how their friendship evolved into a fierce rivalry. Hemsworth voices Orion Pax, while Henry takes on the role of D-16. Johansson voices Elita-1, and Key brings B-127 to life.
The movie’s trailer, which first premiered at CinemaCon in Las Vegas in April, set the stage for its upcoming release. Hemsworth promised fans a fresh perspective on Optimus Prime, showcasing a new side of the beloved character.
Produced by Paramount Animation and Hasbro Entertainment, in collaboration with New Republic Pictures, “Transformers One” is the franchise’s first animated theatrical release since “The Transformers: The Movie” in 1986. Based on Hasbro’s beloved Transformers action figures, this film aims to captivate both new audiences and long-time fans.
