The animated feature Transformers One explores the untold origin story of Cybertron, focusing on the early relationship between Orion Pax and D-16 before they become bitter enemies. Directed by Josh Cooley, the film relies heavily on a star-studded voice ensemble to breathe life into these legendary robots long before they earned their iconic titles.
Understanding who voices each bot helps unpack how the character dynamics shift throughout the narrative. Below is a breakdown of the primary cast members, the characters they play, and how their performances shape the Transformers franchise.
The Core Autobot Cast
The heroes of the story start out as low-level workers in the bowels of Cybertron, far removed from the legendary leaders they eventually become.
Orion Pax / Optimus Prime Voiced by Chris Hemsworth
Chris Hemsworth voices Orion Pax, an idealistic and rebellious Energon miner who refuses to accept his assigned caste. Unlike the stoic, battle-hardened commander seen in later iterations, this version of Optimus Prime is youthful, talkative, and eager to prove that lower-class workers deserve a better future. Hemsworth brings an energetic, approachable quality to the role that contrasts sharply with Peter Cullen's classic authoritative delivery.
D-16 / Megatron Voiced by Brian Tyree Henry
Brian Tyree Henry plays D-16, Orion's best friend and fellow miner who eventually walks a dark path. At the start, D-16 is fiercely loyal and shares a desire for systemic change. However, Henry infuses his performance with a growing resentment and rigidity. As betrayals mount, his shift from a protective companion into the ruthless founder of the Decepticons becomes the emotional anchor of the movie.
Elita-1 Voiced by Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson takes on the role of Elita-1, a capable mining supervisor who initially follows the rules more closely than Orion. Johansson portrays her with sharp wit and tactical intelligence. Elita isn't just a background companion; she serves as a vital voice of reason who challenges Orion's reckless schemes while proving herself an elite fighter on the surface of Cybertron.
B-127 / Bumblebee Voiced by Keegan-Michael Key
Keegan-Michael Key voices B-127, a high-energy garbage sorter who desperately wants friends. Long before he loses his vocal cords or adopts his signature yellow vehicle mode, this version of Bumblebee is a nonstop motor-mouth who uses humor to mask his loneliness. Key delivers rapid-fire comedic relief that lightens the tension during early exploration scenes.
The Decepticons and Cybertronian Leadership
The political landscape of Cybertron is propped up by deceptive rulers and militant groups who set the stage for civil war.
Sentinel Prime Voiced by Jon Hamm
Jon Hamm portrays Sentinel Prime, the ruler of Cybertron who presents a charismatic, heroic facade to the public. Hamm leans into the slick, authoritative persona he perfected in past dramatic roles, masking a deep-seated corruption and a secret alliance with the Quintessons. His performance makes the eventual betrayal sting all the more for the younger bots.
Alpha Trion Voiced by Laurence Fishburne
Laurence Fishburne voices Alpha Trion, an ancient and grizzled member of the original Primes discovered deep within a cavern. Fishburne uses his trademark deep, resonant cadence to give the character an immediate aura of ancient wisdom, serving as the catalyst who unlocks transformation abilities for the main quartet.
Starscream Voiced by Steve Buscemi
Steve Buscemi voices Starscream, the leader of the militant High Guard. Eschewing a traditional booming alpha-male voice, Buscemi lends a raspy, squirmier villainy to the character, capturing the ambitious and volatile nature of a commander ready to overthrow the status quo.
Supporting Cybertronian Cast
- Airachnid Voiced by Vanessa Liguori: A multi-armed insectoid antagonist who clashes with the Autobots during their initial surface expedition.
- Shockwave Voiced by Jason Konopisos-Alvarez: Represents the cold, analytical scientific mind that aligns with the emerging Decepticon faction.
- Soundwave Voiced by Jon Bailey: A loyal enforcer whose iconic robotic audio filter is brought back by veteran voice talent Jon Bailey.
- Zeta Prime Voiced by James Remar: The former wielder of the Matrix of Leadership whose mysterious disappearance sparks the film's central mystery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Peter Cullen in Transformers One?
No, Peter Cullen does not voice Optimus Prime in this film. Because the story is set during the characters' youth on Cybertron long before they take up their mature mantles, the filmmakers cast Chris Hemsworth to portray a younger, pre-prime Orion Pax.
Are classic vehicle modes featured in the movie?
Not immediately. The characters begin the film without the ability to transform. Receiving their transformation cogs from Alpha Trion is a major plot milestone, leading to experimental and primitive cyber-vehicle modes rather than Earth-based cars and jets.
Does the voice cast feature any franchise veterans?
Yes. Jon Bailey, who previously voiced Soundwave in Bumblebee (2018), returns to voice Soundwave here. Additionally, voice acting legend Steve Blum makes cameo appearances as a speedway announcer and a guard.
How does D-16 become Megatron?
D-16's transition is driven by disillusionment. After discovering that Sentinel Prime lied to and exploited their entire planet, D-16 embraces a violent ideology inspired by Megatronus Prime, leading him to reject Orion's mercy and form the Decepticons.
