Why Transformers One Starts With The Characters Not Being Able To Transform

The Transformers are known for their ability to transform into different vehicles and creatures, but Transformers One will be a break from the traditional formula. Set early in the Transformers timeline, the movie will serve as a prequel that will explore Optimus Prime’s relationship with Megatron. It will be released on September 20, and is set to feature Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Steve Buscemi, Keegan-Michael Key, and numerous other leading actors.

Screen Rant is currently at San Diego Comic-Con, where Transformers One director Josh Cooley spoke about an early twist that the movie will be introducing. Rather than featuring robots in disguise, the Transformers will be unable to transform. Cooley did not elaborate on the reason that they are incapable of disguising themselves, but he explained that it will represent a serious moment of growth when the characters finally manage to achieve their transformations. Check out his full quote below:

The very first draft that I ever read had that in there and I said, well, what the heck’s going on? But there’s a reason for it. It’s not just because it’s a cool idea or whatever. There’s a reason for it. And once they get those,
it’s a way for them to grow.
So they are literally transforming, but it’s a story about transformation, so it was a really cool idea.

Why Can’t The Transformers Transform?

The Transformers Will Need To Learn How To Transform

It will take some time before Optimus Prime, Elita One, Bumblebee, and Megatron actually gain the ability to transform into different vehicles and creatures. Though Cooley neglected to share it at San Diego Comic-Con, the reason for that development was already revealed in the Transformers One trailer, which was released long before the convention. The Cybertronians require a specialized tool, the Transformation Cog, to transform. The movie’s stars will not be able to transform until they each possess Transformation Cogs.

Each character starts as a relatively lowly worker within Cybertron’s society. With little overall importance and even less control over their lives, they have no ability to access the Transformation Cogs at all. However, the trailer did reveal that Alpha Trion gives the Cybertronians their Transformation Cogs. Afterwards, the characters all attempt their first transformations while running for their lives from terrifying enemies on the surface. The second Transformers One trailer revealed more of their transformations, which will only come when the characters truly achieve greatness.

With the leading stars unable to achieve their transformations early, Cooley intends to use that delayed ability as a sign of growth for the characters. As Megatron slowly distances himself from Optimus Prime, his transformations will likely reflect those changes. After all, the trailer showcases Megatron transforming into a tank, while the excited Bumblebee retains his trusted sports car persona. The Transformers One transformations will directly reflect the character arcs throughout the movie, but the exact extent of their importance has not yet been revealed.

Transformers One

Transformers One is an animated action-adventure movie that marks the first animated feature-length film for the series in decades. The film will be a prequel to the franchise, and will tell the story of Optimus Prime and Megatron in their early years, how they met, and a closer look at the war on their home planet, Cybertron.

 

Director

Josh Cooley

Release Date

September 20, 2024

Studio(s)

Entertainment One , Hasbro , Nickelodeon Movies

Distributor(s)

Paramount Pictures

Writers

Andrew Barrer , Steve Desmond , Gabriel Ferrari

Sequel(s)

Transformers

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