We haven’t even begun to talk about Predacons and Terrorcons!
But the blockbuster franchise is officially booting back up following 2018’sBumblebee.
The question now is, what the heck is that giant gorilla robot with the voice ofRon Perlman?
Optimus Prime meets Optimus Primal in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'.Paramount Pictures
What is Transformers: Rise of the Beasts about?
They confirmed Optimus Prime is still the main character.
“He’s new to earth.
Ron Perlman voices Optimus Primal, leader of the Maximals in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'.Paramount Pictures
Rise of the Beastswill still have the Autobots, like Bumblebee, and their primary adversaries, the Decepticons.
Yeah, so… let’s start with Maximals, a.k.a.
what the giant robo-gorilla is.
Cheetor dashes alongside Bumblebee in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'.Paramount Pictures
The Maximals were originally depicted as descendants of the Autobots who could take different forms like their ancestors.
These origins may be tweaked for the film.
Optimus Primal (don’t laugh!)
Rhinox, the rhinoceros Maximal, roars in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'.Paramount Pictures
is the leader of the Maximals.
His animal form is a gorilla.
“He’s the beating heart to the Maximals,” Caple explained.
The Maximals assemble in ‘Beast Wars: Transformers,’ the Saturday morning cartoon from the 1990s.Everett Collection
“If you look at what Prime is to the Autobots, he’s that to the Maximals.
He’s older by design but has wisdom that goes beyond us.
He takes care of his own.”
Peter Cullen returns to voice Optimus Prime in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'.Paramount Pictures
TheRise of the Beaststrailer revealed a few more Maximals.
There’s Cheetor, who can turn into a giant robo-cheetah.
There’s also Rhinox, who can, obviously, turn into a rhinoceros.
“Rhinox is the muscle of the group and the brains of the Maximals,” Caple said.
“This character just wants to ram stuff.
He wants to ram it all,” Di Bonaventura added in a totally serious, non-sexual innuendo manner.
“He’s gonna always be the one who’s like, “Can I do it now?
Can I ram them now?”
“She’s very nurturing, but don’t test her,” Caple warned.
“Underneath her regal design, she’s still a beast.”
The nemeses of the Maximals are the Predacons, similar to the strife between the Autobots and the Decepticons.
Caple said the Predacons are more reptilian in nature when they appear inRise of the Beasts.
Is this all based on something or what?
Oh, you bet!
Allow us to introduce you toBeast Wars: Transformers.
Beast Warswas set hundreds of years in the future after the earlierTransformers.
The Maximals and Predacons were descendants of the Autobots and Decepticons.
What a wild time!
Who’s in the movie?
Saturday Night Liveveteran and serial celebrity daterPete Davidsonvoices Mirage, an Autobot who can turn into a Porsche 911.
Di Bonaventura described him as “anti-authority.”
Liza Koshy voices the main female Autobot, Arcee, who can turn into a Ducati 916 motorcycle.
Said Caple, “She’s super tough and fierce.
She’s very much a loyal soldier to Prime and the voice of reason at times.”
Rounding out the Autobots are Cristo Fernandez as Wheeljack andJohn DiMaggioas both Stratosphere and Transit.
For Team Maximal, Perlman voices Optimus Primal, David Sobolov speaks for Rhinox, andMichelle Yeohvoices Airazor.
Now come the villains.Game of ThronesalumPeter Dinklagevoices Scourge.
Actually appearing as humans areIn the HeightsstarAnthony RamosandJudas and the Black Messiah’sDominique Fishback.
Fishback plays Elena Wallace, an artifact researcher who works at a museum.
Tobe Nwigwe has also been cast in the role of Reek.
When does Transformers: Rise of the Beasts premiere?
Transformers: Rise of the Beastsis currently scheduled to open in theaters June 9, 2023.
