The Autobots are almost here. To get you all up to speed before you check out Transformers: Rise of the Beasts on the big sceen in just 25 days, we’ve decided to explore the Autobots that’ll be joining us on this crazy adventure around the world to stop the evil Unicron. The lore of Transformers is so very vast, so we hope you walk out wanting more. And there is a lot to choose from. There are games, animated shows, toys, comics, manga, books, and films. With so much content out there, you’ll be introduced to different versions of the same character, but you’ll see that some of their qualities are transferable- it’s part of their DNA. So, let’s jump into it.
Get ready to meet the brave, bold, eccentric and loyal members of the Autobots.
Optimus Prime
The Great leader of the Autobots has had an incredibly rich history, appearing in TV shows, films, video games, adverts and even amusement rides. While he is primarily and more famously voiced by the legendary Peter Cullen, who first brought Prime to life in the original animated series (1984-1987), he has been portrayed by a variety of actors, such as Alan Tudyk (EarthSpark), Jake Tillman (Netflix’s War for Cybertron), David Kaye (Transformers Animated), and Garry Chalk (Transformers Armada).
Depending on the universe and lore, Optimus’ origins can change. Before he joined the Primes, he was simply known as Orion Pax. However, every iteration portrays Optimus as a strong, brave and honorable leader with an unshakeable sense of justice and nobility. There are some things that you just can’t change.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts presents us with a slightly younger version of Optimus. He’s an unrefined leader, but don’t underestimate him for he is still a seasoned warrior who packs one hell of a punch with his Ion Blaster and Energon Sword. Arriving to Earth and hiding in plain sight as a 1987 Freightliner FLA and a more classic G1 aesthetic, Optimus is quickly thrown into a brand new war… A war that could destroy both the Autobots and Earth.
Bumblebee
Typically seen as the voiceless but equally as expressive member of the Autobots, Bumblebee is as loyal as they come. In previous appearances, Bee has been voiced by Danny Pudi (EarthSpark), Jeremy Levy (Cyberverse), Mark Ryran (Transformers 2007), and even Dylan O’Brien in Bumblebee before his vocal cords were damaged. While it is great to hear Bee talk, his radio and R2-D2-esque chattering makes him so much more lovable.
His original G1 form saw him transform into a bright yellow Volkswagen Beetle, but the Michael Bay films decided to give him the Chevrolet Camaro form which has stuck with him in every live-action film. In Rise of the Beasts, Bee will be sticking with his familiar 1977 alt form which first appeared in 2007 and then again at the end of 2018’s Bumblebee.
In the G1 show, Bumblebee befriends Spike and Carly Witwicky. Out of all of the Autobots, Bumblebee seems to get on with humans the most, which is echoed in his live-action appearance through Sam, Mikaela, Carly and Charlie. Towards the end of the animated series, Bumblebee actually gets a brand new look and becomes “Goldbug”. He may be one of the smallest members of the Autobots, but Bee shows a great deal of courage and tenacity. His small size makes him perfect for stealth jobs, and it is also key in tricking the often foolish Decepticons. He may be small, but his size is one of his greatest weapons.
Mirage
We’ve seen Mirage before, but his prior appearance was strikingly different. In Dark of the Moon, Mirage (also known as Dino) appeared as a red Ferrari 458. His role was very minimal in Dark of the Moon, but he’s ready to take the spotlight in Rise of the Beasts. Previously voiced by Shawn Hawkings (War For Cybertron), Francesco Quinn (Dark of the Moon) and Frank Welker (Transformers 1984), Comedian Pete Davidson is the next to bring Mirage to life.
In the original series, Mirage transformed into a Formula-1 racecar, and could even turn invisible. Life on Cybertron for Mirage was slighty different compared to some of the other Autobots. Before the great war ignited, Mirage was a wealthy cybertronian. While he joined the Autobots to defeat the Decepticons, he could sympathise with his enemies and even disagree with the beliefs of the Autobots. His upcoming appearance in Rise of the Beasts mixes things up. Rather than turning invisible, Mirage can create multiple hologram projections of himself- like a mirage. While seeing a transformers F1 car would have been spectacular, Mirage takes a more stylish route transforming into a slick 964-generation Porsche 911.
Even though the looming war could end all life, Mirage is a cool and fun-loving member of the Autobots. He may challenge their rules and even come across as annoyingly egotistical, but Mirage still fights to defend his brothers in arms… He just loves doing it his own way. We’ll have to wait and see how Optimus deals with this potential loose cannon.
Arcee
Much like Optimus, Arcee is a fierce warrior with plenty of experience in the field. She is an incredibly skilled sharpshooter and combatant who is loyal, brave and dangerously focused. In the original series, Arcee transformed into a pink Cybertronian convertible, however, her more recent appearances depict her as a motorcycle. For Rise of the Beasts, Arcee’s alt mode is a luxurious pink and white Ducati 916.
Arcee definitely had a smaller role in the original series and movie. But she has had many adventures with her fellow Autobots. One episode even saw her transform into a human along with Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, and Springer. Similarly to Bumblebee, Arcee befriended a human called Daniel Witwicky who would later take their bond… to the next level. After being injured by Snapdragon, Arcee choses Daniel to be her Headmaster in order to save his life. When a Transformer and another lifeform (usually organic) combine, the smaller being essentially becomes the “head” of the Transformer, thus the term Headmaster.
While Arcee has indeed been around for quite some time, our favourite version of her (so far) comes from 2010’s Transformers: Prime. Arcee has a much larger role in Prime, and even has an episode dedicated to her. It’s a fantastic series that gives Arcee the opportunity to shine bright, and she doesn’t waste it in the slightest.
In previous iterations. Arcee has been voiced by Martha Marion (EarthSpark), Sumalee Montano (Transformers: Prime) and Susan Blu who voiced Arcee in multiple projects including the original series and the 2007 animated series. Liza Koshy will be bringing Arcee to life in Rise of the Beasts.
Wheeljack
Another Autobot who has had a serious makeover since their live action debut. Technically, this is Wheeljack’s third unique appearance in the live-action universe. In Dark of the Moon, Wheeljack (also known as Que) was an intelligent inventor who resembled Albert Einstein. He transformed into a Mercedes-Benz E550. He then appeared in Bumblebee with his more G1 accurate look. For Rise of the Beasts, Wheeljack’s look has changed once more in line with his 1970 Volkswagen bus mode.
There is something that remains consistent with Wheeljack throughout all of his appearances. He is an obsessive inventor who loves a challenge. If there is an opportunity to improve the Autobots’ tech… He’s on it. During the war, Wheeljack served as Optimus’ top scientist. But even scientists have their bad days. Sometimes his own inventions would blow up in his face (literally), but that never stopped him from persevering. We can definitely expect to see some weird and wonderful gadgets in Rise of the Beasts, we’ll just have to see how many of them are actually useful.
Cristo Fernandez will be voicing Wheeljack in Rise of the Beasts. Previous voice actors also include Michael T. Downey (EarthSpark), Bill Rogers (War for Cybertron), James Horan (Transformers: Prime), and Chris Latta (Transformers 1984).
Stratosphere
Stratosphere is an odd one. Unlike the other Autobots, Stratosphere is pretty much a brand new character with practically no backstory. He was part of the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Voyager toyline, he appeared in the Dark of the Moon game for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and briefly appeared in a tie-in comic. However, his purpose remains very much the same. Stratosphere is essentially a method of transportation for the Autobots, transforming into a huge plane.
What’s interesting about Stratosohere is that he is an amalgamation of multiple machines. With the body of a C-130 Hercules, Stratosphere’s advantage is his sheer size. If the Autobots need a lift, Stratosphere is on the job.
In Rise of the Beasts, Stratosphere will be voiced by John DiMaggio. For the Dark of the Moon game, he was voiced by Travis Willingham.
Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce whole new breeds of Transformers – the Maximals, Predacons and Terrorcons – to the existing battle on earth between Autobots and Decepticons.
The upcoming sequel, directed by Steven Caple Jr, stars Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, and Luna Lauren Velez.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will be unleashed in UK cinemas on June 8th, 2023.
Days until Transformers: Rise of the Beasts– 25 Days
Are you excited for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Don’t forget to check out more from the planet Cybertron right here.
