Holding to a nice pattern in recent weeks, we are privileged to share another insightful interview with the legendary voice of Optimus Prime while awaiting the latest episode of Machinima’s Titans Return. This time around, Peter Cullen gives valuable advice to future voice actors, touches upon the endurance of the Transformers brand and recalls the experiences of auditioning for both the original Generation 1 series and the Michael Bay films. Imagine yourself as Laserbeak witnessing this scene!
I had to audition a total of three times, they weren’t quite convinced. I don’t blame them, because at the audition Michael asked me if I played any other characters and I said yes, I played Ironhide and Ironhide had a scene with Optimus Prime. There was a girl reading Ironhide not giving it any dimension. I assumed that Michael Bay was at least aware of some of these characters so I said “if you don’t mind I’d like to read that part, I did him two and half years on the television series.” She said ok. (Cullen breaks into the Ironhide voice) “aww come on Prime, lets kick some butt!” Going back and forth between the two characters, I could see Michael Bay was going to be a little bit concerned. “Is this guy gonna give me a cartoon interpretation of this new multimillion dollar movie, or is he going to be able to act the part?” So in retrospect I probably shouldn’t have done Ironhide, because I did have to go back the next time and prove I really could act. I haven’t told that story in awhile.
Read the entire interview here, then share your impressions on the 2005 boards!
pilot00
Well Mr.Cullen you have become my favourite 'star' on the media, and God only knows how difficult it is for me to like a media person, but I have to tell you: You deserved this insolence. Yes you did. I know you acted like this because you are an honorable person and trully a great guy, but putting somepride in there wouldnt have hurt anyone. Had I been in your shoes the moment I would hear that a&#&#e utter the words: "This guy" he would get a middle finger in the face, a smile and I would put on my sunglasses and walked off the stage.
Mattw38
I think Michael Bay should have let Peter Cullen do both Optimus and Ironhide. That smartass remark about 'playing the part in a cartoon' was NOT called for, and an insult to Mr. Cullen.
Music
Did you take in the context of when this happened? This was 20 years after Cullen had voiced Prime. Of course they were going to be cautious of Cullen's performance. Any director would be wary if they were given 147 million dollars to direct a blockbuster.
Cullen may seem like a no brainier right now, but please people, think of the context.
[Wing_Saber-X]
Yup. Same. He sure puts young people to shame!
Venixion
I'm in my mid 30s and I aint exactly fit.
[Wing_Saber-X]
He's already 75 and super fit. Not many 75 year old people are as healthy as he is at their age.
Venixion
An inspirational man on and off the screen.
Murasame
[Wing_Saber-X]
Who wants to give Peter Cullen a hug instead? I know I do. A big bear hug and a peck on his lips. What? My eternal man crush levels are uncontrolable OK?
donxavier
Not to mention that the dialogue Cullen was given to work with in a 30 year old kids show was far better than anything he got from the script writers of the live action films.
Heliblade
I love how Peter is passive-aggressively exposing another "asshole-Micheal Bay" moment, because he KNOWS everyone is done with Bay's shit.
merphul
Between Starscream and Cobra Commander, I always had the most sympathy for the late, great Chris Latta.
QLRformer
Great stories from Mr Cullen, as always.
I do wish that he could have voiced Bayformers Ironhide though.
Powerglide1991
It was Cullens first time doing the voice in a very long time, Gary Chalk had been doing it since beast wars barring RID.
Wasn't how little Bay cared, he was just making sure Cullen still had it.
Dinobot Snarl
It sucks Cullen had to prove to Bay that he could the voice for Prime. It shows just how little Bay cared about the franchise.
Powerglide1991
Yeh…Age kinda does that to you.
If you watch Video's of Cullen doing the voices (for the films or cartoons) it doesn't look like it hurts him at all. Heck he has done it for so long now it's probably just as natural as his regular voice.
I feel sorry for Frank Welker myself, Megatrons voice is a voice that sounds like it hurts to do.
TFGenoBatssasin17
\" Wait a minute, this is it, im not coming back. Oh damn. \"
i cant believe he swearing tho xD
Well thats just… Prime xD
Leo Primus
Whatever, he barely sounds like he did in the '80s. It's been a decade since we've had an Optimus that doesn't sound like it physically hurts him to speak.
LastoftheG1
Peter Cullen has and alway will be Optiums Prime.