Transformers is returning to celebrate its 40th anniversary with an even bigger treat for the fans of the Autobots. The franchise debuted in 1984 with the launch of the original Transformers toy line, followed by the iconic animated series that introduced the war between two groups: the Autobots and the Decepticons. What made these characters so iconic was not just their visually striking designs but also the stories behind them.

If anything, the brilliant voice performances brought these characters to life and made them even more memorable. One such unforgettable performance came from the late Peter Cullen, who voiced the Autobots’ leader, Optimus Prime. With a new special, Optimus Prime: Awakening, featuring Cullen set to arrive this year, here is how fans can watch it.

The 40th anniversary celebrations of Transformers will include the theatrical return of the original movie, The Transformers: The Movie. The film will premiere in theaters internationally from September 17 to September 22, 2026. While many know that Optimus Prime dies in the movie, the character will return for a brief appearance after the heartbreaking end of the film.

The screenings will also feature Optimus Prime: Awakening, which is a new 12-minute animated short. And the short will premiere after the film’s credits and feature the Autobot leader on one final adventure. Peter Cullen also returned to voice the character, making it his final original voice performance as Optimus Prime, as confirmed by ScreenRant.

However, the short is more than just a post-credits scene. It has been billed as a complete cinematic event created as a tribute to the Transformers community and Cullen, as ScreenRant shares the reveal. The event becomes even more emotional for longtime fans, who will get one final chance to hear Cullen’s unmistakably deep voice as Optimus Prime on the big screen.

Gary Oldman’s ‘Darkest Hour’ Transformation Took $20,000 Worth of Cigars, Apart From Tons of Prosthetics

The legend passed away this year breaking millions of hearts.

Peter Cullen’s four-decade career left a huge impact in the animation world, but few roles were as defining as Optimus Prime. He first voiced the Autobot leader in The Transformers in 1986 and went on to portray him across animated films, live-action movies, TV shows, and video games. Over the years, Cullen’s warm voice turned Optimus into one of animation’s most recognizable characters, while giving fans some of the most memorable lines in Transformers history.

Apart from Optimus, Cullen was also beloved as the voice of Eeyore in several Winnie the Pooh projects and King Kong. He passed away at the age of 85 on August 28, 2026. Now, as fans hear his voice as Optimus one final time, it will be a deeply emotional farewell to a voice that defined generations.

“Not Something I’ll Do Anymore” - Matt Damon Draws the Line After Grueling ‘The Odyssey’ Transformation

Will you watch the film? Let us know in the comments.