Legendary voice actor Peter Cullen's death leaves a massive role in media open, that of Transformers leader Optimus Prime.
Cullen had voiced the noble Autobot leader since the 1980s, spanning from the original animated series to the most recent live-action films. Voicing Optimus Prime made Cullen one of the most recognizable voice actors working.
With Cullen sadly gone, who could voice Optimus Prime next? Cullen's are huge shoes to fill, but there will come a day when another actor gives life to the iconic Transformer in film and television as his main voice.
Who might it be? Let's look at the options from what we already know about other actors voicing Optimus Prime elsewhere.
Chris Hemsworth
If the folks behind Transformers want an A-list talent, they can stick
with Hemsworth, who voiced the character in the 2024 prequel film Transformers One. Young audiences will know Hemsworth from that animated movie; perhaps the Thor actor will be interested in providing Optimus Prime his voice in future film and television projects?
Jon Bailey
The veteran voice actor has played Optimus Prime a number of times, almost as Cullen's primary understudy for the role. If the Transformers decision-makers want a classically trained voice actor with ample experience in the role, choosing Bailey may be the most seamless transition.
Alan Tudyk
The beloved film and television actor doubles as a prominent voice talent, having voiced Optimus Prime in the animated series Transformers: EarthSpark. His was a different take on the role, but he would provide a chance of pace for how Optimus Prime has traditionally sounded with Cullen's performance.
Jake Foushee
Foushee's Cullen impression is pretty uncanny, as he voiced Optimus Prime in the Netflix animated Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy series. Foushee might be the best choice if keeping Cullen's spirit alive is the goal.
Bill Rogers
If the Transformers folks want a actor who has voiced Optimus Prime in a video game, Rogers would be the pick. He's played the Autobot leader in the games Transformers: Galactic Trials and Transformers: EarthSpark – Expedition.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Who will voice Optimus Prime after Peter Cullen's death? 5 'Transformers' options
