The power of the consumer or maybe this time the fanboy once again shows itself in casting choices for the new Transformers movie. No, I’m not talking legions of Holes fans rooting for Shia LeBouf or a grassroots college movement pushing for a leading role for FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World hottie, Megan Fox, but a whole different sort of casting…that of the voice of Optimus Prime. While Megatron’s voice acting comes courtesy of all around Hollywood big-time bad guy Hugo Weaving of Matrix fame, Transformers cartoon fans wouldn’t stand for Michael Bay’s likely Hollywoodization of Optimus Prime.
In what I think is a pretty amazing move, and a testament to fan power, legions of Transformers fans rallied for Peter Cullen, the original voice of Optimus Prime, since Transformers was only a twinkle in Michael Bay and Spielberg’s eyes. This legendary voice actor has touched all of us 80s kids, voicing K.A.R.R. in Knight Rider, as well as several G.I. Joe characters. In addition, Cullen also served as narrator for Voltron and voiced several characters in GoBots a series I remember little about except for the fact that the one toy I had from the series was a crappy robot named Nugget who could turn into a gold nugget. While I suppose that’s what you get when your mom shops for toys at Odd Job that’s a whole different story. Anyhow, kudos to fanpower, Peter Cullen, a legend in my book, and the power of nostalgia in general. Look for Transformers in theatres everywhere July 3rd.
www.transformersmovie.com
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