Transformers’ 40-Year Apology Tour Rolls Out for Optimus Prime (Ep. 375)

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dig into Hasbro’s “Transformers: The Apology Tour,” marking 40 years since Transformers: The Movie traumatized a generation by killing Optimus Prime. They also look at Peter Cullen’s final performance as the Autobot leader, his lesser-known Disney animation work, and Jim Cummings’ pointed reaction to the latest class of Disney Legends. Plus, there’s animation news from DreamWorks, Netflix and Laika, along with a box-office milestone for Coyote vs. Acme.

HIGHLIGHTS

• DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island heads to theaters on September 25 as the studio previews an extended opening sequence.

• Netflix keeps KPop Demon Hunters in the spotlight with new General Mills cereals while unveiling the trailer for its Cinderella-inspired animated musical Steps.

• Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn is headed to Netflix in December, while Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory is slated for a theatrical run before its 2027 streaming debut.

• Coyote vs. Acme crosses $50 million at the domestic box office, passing the reported price Ketchup Entertainment paid for its distribution rights.

• Hasbro’s “Transformers: The Apology Tour” revisits the still-infamous death of Optimus Prime in the 1986 animated feature.

• The 40th-anniversary theatrical release pairs Transformers: The Movie with the new CG short Optimus Prime: Awakening, featuring Peter Cullen’s final performance as Optimus Prime.

• Jim and Drew trace Cullen’s Disney animation history, including his work as Eeyore and the original voice of Monterey Jack on Chip ’n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers.

• Jim Cummings’ reaction to the latest Disney Legends ceremony sparks a larger discussion about who the honor should recognize.

• Laika releases the final trailer for Wildwood ahead of its October theatrical debut, with Drew’s The Art of Wildwoodarriving from Rizzoli Universe.

HOSTS