Optimus Prime: Awakening Is Peter Cullen’s Perfect Transformers Sendoff

Published Sep 18, 2026, 2:30 PM EDT

Cooper Hood is the Associate Editor for all new movie releases, in theaters and on streaming. In addition to writing articles about these titles and upcoming releases, he also oversees content planning for each, ensuring that ScreenRant continues to cover major releases for months after their release.

He has written various reviews for ScreenRant that appear on Rotten Tomatoes, coordinated Oscars and San Diego Comic-Con coverage, appeared on CNN to talk about Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, and done select interviews with talent over the years.

Peter Cullen has delivered his final performance as Optimus Prime with Optimus Prime: Awakening, and the Transformers short proves to be the perfect sendoff for a franchise icon. When the Autobots and Decepticons were brought to animation with 1984's beloved The Transformers series, Cullen jumped aboard as the voice of Optimus Prime. Little did he know that job would last over 40 years.

Throughout multiple animated shows, video games, animated films, and the live-action Transformers movie franchise, Cullen solidified himself as the undisputed voice of Optimus Prime. His commanding voice and ability to communicate the strength, leadership, and wisdom of the Autobot's leader made him practically irreplaceable.

Sadly, Cullen died in August 2026, abruptly ending his time as Optimus. What was unknown at the time was that the actor had already recorded one final performance as his most iconic character. Hasbro announced a few days later that a 12-minute short film called Optimus Prime: Awakening contained Cullen's last outing as Optimus. It was released in theaters attached to 40th anniversary re-releases of The Transformers: The Movie.

Instead of just being another opportunity for Cullen to voice Optimus, the Transformers short has now become the culmination of the actor's entire legacy with the character. While not the original intent, Optimus Prime: Awakening wound up having a perfect and emotional conclusion to his iconic run.

Optimus Prime: Awakening Is Dedicated To Peter Cullen

Image via INSTAR images

After Cullen's death, it was inevitable that Optimus Prime: Awakening would honor the actor somehow. The short landed on including a dedication to him. During the credits, a text card pops onto the screen that says, "In Loving Memory of Peter Cullen, 1941-2026." The special moment even includes one of Optimus Prime's best quotes, as text reads, "Til All Are One."

Hasbro has made sure to honor Cullen's legacy with the Transformers franchise at every turn after his passing. The company released a statement acknowledging the sadness that came with his death, saying, "His voice was unmistakable. For four decades it taught us what courage and kindness sound like, and it will keep doing that for every fan who hears it for the first time." The statement included the same final quote, too.

While Optimus Prime might have more iconic quotes than "Til All Are One," it is the one that is most fitting when talking about Cullen's legacy. There are several different meanings behind these four words in Transformers lore, such as the desire for Autobots and Decepticons to be united. The phrase can also be used to inspire hope in tough times, as well as refer to the idea that all Transformers become one in the afterlife.

The latter two interpretations are why "Til All Are One" was chosen for Cullen's dedication. Optimus Prime: Awakening leaves viewers with a final reminder that while Cullen is gone, he is certainly not forgotten. Furthermore, fans can find comfort while they grieve knowing his legacy will live on even after his passing.

Optimus Prime: Awakening's Story Ties In Peter Cullen's Transformers Legacy

Beyond the dedication, Optimus Prime: Awakening's story is shockingly fitting for Cullen's final appearance. The entire short is about Optimus' legacy and what he has meant to the Transformers franchise. It focuses on his central role in the endless cycle of war between the Autobots and Decepticons, while acknowledging that he has a greater purpose, both in life and in death.

The self-reflection Optimus undertakes winds up making Awakening a chance to highlight all of his strengths and weaknesses. The decision to do this all through the prism of Optimus experiencing the afterlife makes it all the more poignant and, sadly, relevant. Where the short leaves Optimus works perfectly to be the last time audiences see the character with Cullen's voice behind him.

Through it all, Cullen embodies the character with all the necessary emotion, turmoil, heroism, and wisdom. It's a remarkable final outing for the voice actor, allowing him to repeat some iconic Optimus Prime quotes and deliver a few final memorable ones, such as "As long as I keep fighting, there is always hope."

Cullen's legacy is also touched on by how Optimus Prime: Awakening connects to other Transformers movies and shows. There is the obvious connection to The Transformers: The Movie continuity, but it also takes the time to highlight how the Autobot leader has taken many forms in many realities. Clips from some of Cullen's other credits as Optimus Prime are shown throughout the short, really highlighting the longevity and versatility of his work with the character.