Transformers One comes as a dynamic reinterpretation of the popular Cybertronian universe, providing an alternate take on the origin of two of its most memorable characters: Optimus Prime and Megatron. Merging epic power, character-driven drama, and high-octane action, the film plunges deep into the dawn of Cybertron—a planet born of a robotic deity and fueled by pure Energon. For old-time fans and new ones, too, Transformers One is an ambitious installment that seeks to redefine the franchise’s legacy.
The Story
Cybertron is not merely a futuristic metallic planet—it’s a living being, made from the flesh of Primus and nurtured by Energon. The tale starts in the underground metropolis of Iacon, where Orion Pax is a lowly miner with no transformation cog, but aspires for something bigger. With his trusted buddy D-16 by his side, Orion discovers a dark secret: Sentinel Prime, the rigid ruler of the city, has been treacherously betraying the ancient Primes. He’s been redirecting Energon to alien conquerors—the Quintessons—in return for domination and power.
As Orion and D-16 escape the tyrannical government, they’re also accompanied by the vengeful B-127 and the excluded yet effective Elita-1. The escape route leads them through Cybertron’s underground to the surface, where they lay bare the extent of Sentinel’s deception. With the Primes’ transformation cogs that have been lost and key documentation of the conspiracy in hand, the crew sparks a revolution.
But there is a price for triumph. Betrayals and warfare have their costs, leading to a climactic final confrontation between D-16—reborn as Megatron—and Orion, selected by the Matrix of Leadership and reborn as Optimus Prime. Optimus restores the power of transformation among Cybertron’s downtrodden laborers and assumes his place as Autobot leader, while Megatron creates the Decepticons and launches the war that will define the franchise for centuries.
Character Development
Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of the film is its character development. The evolution of Orion Pax into Optimus Prime is physical and psychological, one achieved through struggle and sacrifice and a growing sense of responsibility. His arc feels real and human, even in a robot context.
D-16’s journey into Megatron is also fascinating. Originally driven by idealism and loyalty, he becomes disillusioned and ultimately driven by ambition and treachery. The depth of feeling within their friendship-turned-rivalry is the essence of the movie.
Supporting characters are not background. Elita-1 transcends her demotion to become a character in her own right, and B-127—who fans know will eventually become Bumblebee—injects levity and heart into the team. Even straight-laced villains such as Starscream and Soundwave are fleshed out to become richer, more nuanced characters, so Cybertron’s world feels richer and more lived-in.
Production and the Franchise’s Future
Offscreen, Transformers One was designed to kick off a new trilogy. Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura explained that the arc was mapped out over three films, with a focus on bringing characters further and easing into Chris Hemsworth’s young Optimus and eventually the legendary voice of Peter Cullen.
However, for all its creative ambitions, the film underperformed at the box office. In November 2024, Hasbro indicated that it would step back from co-financing subsequent Transformers films, leaving the financial onus on partner studios solely henceforth.
However, the creative team is optimistic. In December 2024, Megatron actor Brian Tyree Henry stated that he was hoping for a sequel, and the directors have also been working on ideas for sequels that would maintain the emotional and narrative depth established in Transformers One.
Legacy and Impact
It is less a new chapter in the franchise and more of a redefinition of the book on how to make a Transformers film. It explores the origins of the Autobot-Decepticon struggle, not as a simplistic battle between evil and good, but as a sad story of friendship, courage, and choices in the face of hardship.
The film’s risks—both storyteller and visual elements—and while not all risks may have paid off at the box office, the payoff was a thoughtful, emotionally involving origin story. It opens up the mythology, makes the characters more complex, and gives them the courage to explore themes of identity, leadership, and the cost.
Whether or not the trilogy continues, Transformers One is a landmark for the franchise. It proves that even the most iconic legends still have tales to tell—and means of affecting us.