The Maximals are getting ready for their live-action debut and our excitement has soared to new heights. To get you all up to speed before you check out Transformers: Rise of the Beasts on the big sceen in just 16 days, we’ve decided to explore the Maximals that’ll be joining us on this crazy adventure around the world to stop the Unicron and his minions. 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.
Optimus Primal
Optimus Primal is the great leader of the Maximals, and as you can see, Primal transforms into a giant mechanical gorilla. Originally, Primal was going to transform into a Bat. In fact, one of the very first action figures of Primal had him transform into a huge blue bat before he assumed his more popular form. Back in those ancient days, they didn’t have vehicles or aircrafts, so the Maximals opted for members of the animal kingdom.
Just like Optimus commanding the Ark, Primal had the Axalon. Leading his comrades through a transwarp portal to pursue Darksyde, the Predacon ship, Primal ends up stranded on a primitive earth.
While he isn’t Optimus Prime, Primal has many of Prime’s qualities. He’s loyal, brave and powerful. However, he does lack the experience that Prime has. On Cybertron he was simply an officer who was suddenly given a much larger role. His patience is tested often and he sometimes struggles to contain that primal rage… But that doesn’t stop him from being the leader his friends need.
In the original 1996 show, Optimus Primal was voiced by Garry Chalk. In Netflix’s War For Cybertron, Primal was voiced by Justin Pierce. The brilliant Ron Perlman will be bringing Optimus Primal to life in Rise of the Beasts, and it is actually Perlman’s second time voicing the mighty leader. Perlman voiced Primal in the 2018 show Power of the Primes.
Cheetor
You won’t believe what Cheetor transforms into… That’s right! Cheetor does in fact transform into a Cheetah. In the animated series, Cheetor is the youngest and fastest member of the Maximals- And he knows it. His cocky attitude can often get him into trouble, but Optimus and the other Maximals are always there to support him. He gradually matures throughout the series, partly due to his Transmetal mutations which gain him greater strength and an arsenal of new skills.
A Transmetal is a Transformer who has gone through various mutations. These mutations were caused by a quantum surge of energy that swept the earth after the Vok’s Planet Buster (basically a Death Star) was destroyed in a transwarp explosion.
In the Beast Wars series and its sequel Beast Machines, Cheetor was voiced by Ian James Corlett. In Netflix’s War for Cybertron Trilogy, Joe Hernandex voiced Cheetor. For Rise of the Beasts, Tongayi Chirisa will be voicing the fierce and cocky Maximal
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Airazor
Airazor’s role is primarily focused on reconnaissance and surveillance. Transforming into a giant peregrine falcon, Airazor watches from the sky taking in any information that the Maximals could use to their advantage. She is typically very calm, calculative and confident, but don’t let that fool you. Equipped with giant talons, a steady aim, and a dry sense of humor, Airazor is still a deadly opponent. Did we mention she can also breathe fire in Rise of the Beasts?
In Beast Wars, she works closely with Tigatron who often prefers the peace that solitary offers. However, that doesn’t stop Airazor from trying to get him more involved with his Maximal teammates. She also loves her new home. Taking off into the sky to witness Earth’s beauty has allowed Airazor to fully appreciate what Earth has to offer. It’s probably a nice change of pace compared to the industrialised landscapes of Cybertron.
Airazor was voiced by Pauline Newstone in Beast Wars, and Erin Ebers in Netflix’s War For Cybertron Trilogy. She will be voiced by the legendary Michelle Yeoh in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts– What a perfect casting choice.
Rhinox
Rhinox needs no introduction. He’s a transforming rhino. Much like Wheeljack, Rhinox is the tech expert among the Axalon crew. As a close friend of Optimus Primal, he also acted as second-in-command. While he takes on the aggressive form of an unstoppable rhino, with the strength to demolish anything and everything, he is often known as the most spiritual Maximal due to his love of nature.
Equipped with his handy chaingun, Rhinox is an unstoppable force of nature. But he is also the parent of the Maximals. He broke up many fights and arguments between the Maximals- mostly involving Cheetor or Rattrap- and is always keen to keep the peace. When he isn’t keeping an eye on his comrades, or jumping in to lead in Primal’s absense, Rhinox would be busy at work building new gear to give his team an extra edge over the Predacons.
Richard Newman served as the voice of Rhinox in Beast Wars and Beast Machines. Andy Barnett voiced Rhinox in the War For Cybertron trilogy, and Transformers veteran David Sobolov will be voicing Rhinox in Rise of the Beasts. Sobolov previously voiced Depth Charge in Beast Wars, Shockwave in Transformers: Prime, and will also voice the Terrorcon Battletrap in Rise of the Beasts. Can you imagine if Rhinox and Battletrap fought? It would be Sobolov vs Sobolov…
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– 9 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.
