This page contains affiliate links. We may earn commissions when readers interact with or purchase items through these links. For more information, see our affiliate disclosures here.

Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

There is more to Transformers than movies, cartoons, comics and toys. Discuss anything else Transformers here.

Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby Rodimus Prime » Thu Jul 26, 2012 1:58 pm

Motto: "Individual freedom above all else."
Peter Cullen will kick the bucket eventually. I know, it sucks, but it will happen. And when it does, what happens to Optimus in any animated/live action continuities from then on? Will he continue only in comics? Or will someone else (can someone else) take over? Neil Kaplan voiced him in RiD, and Garry Chalk did a good job in Armada (not sure if Beast Wars can be counted, because technically that wasn't Optimus Prime) and David Kaye did well in Animated. But would the loss of Cullen be hard to take, especially for older fans, and would you look at Prime differently if he did go on with another voice?
........Image
Rodimus Prime
God Of Transformers
Posts: 14558
News Credits: 22
Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2002 8:31 pm

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby PrymeStriker » Thu Jul 26, 2012 5:41 pm

Motto: "When did I get this tattoo?"
Weapon: Thrust Gun
*Ahem*

If...when Cullen kicks the bucket, I think the best one to keep his memory alive would be....our very own...Jon Bailey.

If Bailey did his voice, I wouldn't look at Optimus any other way, considering he's great at voicing him. I would probably be very sad when Cullen dies, though.

If anyone that didn't do a good job IMO of Optimus, including Kaye & Chalk, I'd no doubt be looking at Optimus as someone completely different.

I mean, personally, I'm not an extremely emotional person, so when someone famous dies, it blows my mind for a while (like, how the hell, when the hell...WHAT the hell!?), but after a little while it goes away and I go about my business like it never happened, even though I know deep inside that it did. Cullen's death would be hard on a lot of fans, and there's no doubting that.
Image
By "Kim Yura" & "Zimmo81"
Henry921 wrote:You can always be counted on to listen to reason, Pryme.

Dead Metal wrote:Have you ever, and i mean ever seen/read/heard something that is completely original and does not copy/homage/pay tribute to something else? Here's a hint: Nope. You never have and you never will.
User avatar
PrymeStriker
Guardian Of Seibertron
Posts: 5961
News Credits: 15
Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2008 12:57 pm
Location: Happytown, Hell
Alt Mode: An Enormous Red Rocket
Strength: 1
Intelligence: 1
Speed: 1
Endurance: 1
Rank: 1
Courage: 1
Firepower: Infinity
Skill: 1

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby Noideaforaname » Thu Jul 26, 2012 10:49 pm

I'd like to think Mr. Cullen would retire first.

Since Optimus Prime has already been voiced by several actors and is very much an iconic hero, I doubt he'll ever be permanently retired. If, god forbid, Peter Cullen died during production of a show I'd imagine that particular show would write off Optimus in some way, but Prime would eventually come back in other series. I mean, Looney Tunes is still going on despite the legendary Mel Blanc's passing (he was, after all, practically the entire cast), I can't see Optimus Prime dying along with his original VA.
Image
"He may end up destroying a nearby planet or two, but such is life."
My Art Website -- Redbubble Shop
User avatar
Noideaforaname
City Commander
Posts: 3282
News Credits: 7
Joined: Sat Aug 08, 2009 8:31 pm
Location: South Jersey

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby robofreak » Fri Jul 27, 2012 12:26 am

While Peter Cullen is easily recognized as the voide of Prime, at the end of it, he's a voice actor in a successful franchise.

Optimus Prime is a symbol and really can't die just cause one of his voice actors passes on. The main reason we even got Cullen back as the voice of Prime was cause of the 2007 movie. Before that we has others voicing him.

It's important to not link the actor to the character.

Look at how many people have played Batman.
Burn wrote:robofreak doesn't joke. He's all about the serious business of the internet.


ItIsHim wrote:My closet is filled to the brim with plastic children's toys. For myself
robofreak
Gestalt
Posts: 2823
News Credits: 12
Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2008 9:05 pm
Location: Phoenix

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby Autobot032 » Fri Jul 27, 2012 2:20 am

Weapon: Switch Blade Tail
First of all, this is a morbid topic that just doesn't seem necessary... (we're not the only board posing this question, btw...)

How about we focus on positive things... ...h

mm?
robofreak wrote:While Peter Cullen is easily recognized as the voide of Prime, at the end of it, he's a voice actor in a successful franchise.

Optimus Prime is a symbol and really can't die just cause one of his voice actors passes on. The main reason we even got Cullen back as the voice of Prime was cause of the 2007 movie. Before that we has others voicing him.

It's important to not link the actor to the character.

Look at how many people have played Batman.


It's important in most things, but when you really look at it, well, they're definitely linked.

Throw out some V/A names and here's what happens:

"Peter Cullen?" Aw, snap dude, that's Optimus Prime!
"Mark Hamill?" Oh, you mean Luke Skywalker? Dude's BADASS as the Joker. Dat ish tiiiight.
"Kevin Conroy?" Duuuude, totes Batman. THE Batman. Like THE only Batman.

And I don't think any of them have a problem with being associated/linked to a character that's brought them notoriety. Optimus is a great character to be known for. The Joker? Iconic. Especially TAS Joker. TAS Batman? We ALL grew up watching him. Whether we were really little, teenaged, or early 20's...an entire generation grew up watching that show and his voice is the one we know.

I bet not a single one of them regret it. Hamill perhaps, simply because The Joker just rips his throat to shreds and he can't do it anymore.
NOTE: Realize that I am not a perfect Christian, nor do I profess to be. I apologize if anyone's ever offended by me, I'm not perfect. Don't hold my posts and opinions against other Christians.
Autobot032
Matrix Keeper
Posts: 9051
News Credits: 668
Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:51 am
Location: I don't know!
Buy from Autobot032 on eBay

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby Rodimus Prime » Fri Jul 27, 2012 3:03 am

Motto: "Individual freedom above all else."
Autobot032 wrote:First of all, this is a morbid topic that just doesn't seem necessary... (we're not the only board posing this question, btw...)


That's 1 person's opinion. And I haven't seen this particular topic discussed here recently, so I asked. I'm still allowed to do that, aren't I?
........Image
Rodimus Prime
God Of Transformers
Posts: 14558
News Credits: 22
Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2002 8:31 pm

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby Burn » Fri Jul 27, 2012 3:24 am

Motto: "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings to randomly click things in the Admin Panel to see what it breaks."
Mel Blanc passed away many years ago, but you still see plenty of his Looney Tunes characters out there with new material.

'nuff said.
Burn
Forum Admin
Posts: 28677
News Credits: 226
Joined: Mon Jun 30, 2003 2:37 am

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby Autobot032 » Fri Jul 27, 2012 3:32 am

Weapon: Switch Blade Tail
Rodimus Prime wrote:
Autobot032 wrote:First of all, this is a morbid topic that just doesn't seem necessary... (we're not the only board posing this question, btw...)


That's 1 person's opinion. And I haven't seen this particular topic discussed here recently, so I asked. I'm still allowed to do that, aren't I?


Ease up. No one's taking away your right to do so. But since you're allowed to ask, I'm allowed to comment. That's how this board system works. Geez.

And because it's on two boards (could be more), that means it's not just you, but several members of our fandom thinking about this stuff. Me, personally, I'd push that thought as far away from my mind as possible.

I'm sure Mr. Cullen doesn't like thinking about such things.
NOTE: Realize that I am not a perfect Christian, nor do I profess to be. I apologize if anyone's ever offended by me, I'm not perfect. Don't hold my posts and opinions against other Christians.
Autobot032
Matrix Keeper
Posts: 9051
News Credits: 668
Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:51 am
Location: I don't know!
Buy from Autobot032 on eBay

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby Va'al » Fri Jul 27, 2012 3:38 am

Motto: "Till All Are Pun!"
Autobot032 wrote:I bet not a single one of them regret it. Hamill perhaps, simply because The Joker just rips his throat to shreds and he can't do it anymore.


He did reprise the role for Arkham Asylum and Arkham City though. And he still does The Voice, or at least, The Laugh, at conventions.


It is true that his voice, and Welker's, have been associated to those characters in various incarnations, but as has been pointed out, and it is because his voice is so iconic that he keeps being asked to come back for more.
(As was the case for the cast of Batman: The Animated Series being asked to voice the videogames, for example.)
As others have said, though, I don't think it will radically change the character or the franchise at all, although it might have a small influence for some time. There might be some sort of commemorative streak or something.


[I was actually considering the same thing about Stan Lee (although he doesn't have that much of an active role right now, so not as influent, I guess).]
User avatar
Va'al
God Of Transformers
Posts: 17010
News Credits: 6188
Joined: Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:00 am
Location: Italy
Buy from Va'al on eBay

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby Dagon » Tue Jul 31, 2012 9:58 am

Motto: "Ain't nobody got time fo dat....."
Weapon: Null-Ray Rifle
Now I'm not trying to be morbid with this, but as terrible as it will be to eventually lose the original voice of Prime, he's hardly been the only voice of Prime. And, as Burn said, Mel Blanc has been gone and the voices of his characters continue. True, even a very solid Cullen impersonator won't quite be the same (I'm thinking of Vader's voice in the Force Unleashed games, close but noooot quite) and some of us will always hear Peter in our heads, but the guy can't go on forever.
Hell, when Frank Welker and Tom Kenny go, something like 75% of all animated voices will go too. (I know, not really.)
Dagon
Faction Commander
Posts: 4758
Joined: Tue Nov 14, 2006 11:52 am
Buy from Dagon on eBay
Strength: 8
Intelligence: 10+
Speed: 2
Endurance: 7
Rank: 8
Courage: 10
Firepower: 10
Skill: 10+

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby SlyTF1 » Tue Jul 31, 2012 10:15 am

Motto: "If my first sacrifice wasn't enough, maybe you would prefer to pay with your funky blood."
Weapon: Sword
I've thought about this too, time and time again. Cullen may be the first and best voice of Prime, but he's definitely not the only one.
I Am.
User avatar
SlyTF1
Faction Commander
Posts: 4759
News Credits: 37
Joined: Thu Oct 22, 2009 9:34 am
Location: The Kingdom of Heaven
Watch SlyTF1 on YouTube
Alt Mode: The entire universe
Strength: Infinity
Intelligence: Infinity
Speed: 10+
Endurance: 9
Rank: 10
Courage: 8
Firepower: Infinity
Skill: 10+

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby d_sel1 » Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:46 am

Motto: "Where is this global warming that scientists talk about this winter?"
Weapon: Neptune Sword
Sadly, we have precedent for this. Chris Latta (d 1994) was Starscream and Cobra Commander (I wonder if Commander seem much akin to Starscream than he should have) in the 80's with that pompous, annoying voice. Starscream is still around. Although, I am personaly looking forward to noone's death, including Peter Cullen.
User avatar
d_sel1
Vehicon
Posts: 338
Joined: Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:09 pm
Location: Suburban Mount Sterling, IL
Strength: 1
Intelligence: 8
Speed: 4
Endurance: 6
Rank: 1
Courage: 2
Firepower: 2
Skill: 1

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby ebeforei » Sun Aug 05, 2012 9:08 pm

It would be another example where the art outlives the artist. Think in musical terms - John Lennon is gone, in fact, 1/2 of the Beatles are gone, but their music lives and will live on. It will be a sad day when Cullen passes on, but... Optimus will continue.....
ebeforei
Minibot
Posts: 121
News Credits: 2
Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2012 8:46 pm
Watch ebeforei on YouTube

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby Kibble » Mon Aug 06, 2012 12:33 pm

Motto: "Life is like a triple-X choose your own adventure..."
Weapon: No Weapon
Easy solution...3rd Party voice actors!

Image
User avatar
Kibble
City Commander
Posts: 3620
News Credits: 3
Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:54 am

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby Jazz813 » Tue Aug 07, 2012 11:25 am

Sure it's hard to imagine, that if Peter Cullen stops the cast for Optimus Prime, there will be no one who could replace the great Peter Cullen, but I think there will be always a way because I also thought that in the movies no one coul beat Frank Welker but when I heard Hugo Weaver in the first movie even he hadn't really amny lines to say, I was stoked and thought, wow, Megatron hears really good. And that's the same thing with Optimus Prime I think or is my opinion, if Peter Cullen want give his voice to Optimus Prime anymore, what would sure be sad very sad, but we must also give the next generation of voiceacting a chance to improve themselves.
User avatar
Jazz813
Minibot
Posts: 167
News Credits: 3
Joined: Thu Jan 20, 2011 11:59 pm
Location: Luxembourg
Buy from Jazz813 on eBay

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby Cyber Bishop » Tue Aug 07, 2012 12:41 pm

Motto: "Ker-Klick... Choom!"
Weapon: Black Magic
Burn wrote:Mel Blanc passed away many years ago, but you still see plenty of his Looney Tunes characters out there with new material.

'nuff said.



Word!
Not a sheeple.
Think for yourself, don't let the magic TV box and social media do the thinking for you.
Question EVERYTHING!!
Just because you have a youtube review channel doesn't make you special.
No, I am not friendly online or in real life.
I look forward to attending a Botcon only to settle matters with idiots in person.
User avatar
Cyber Bishop
God Of Transformers
Posts: 10161
News Credits: 103
Joined: Fri May 09, 2003 4:04 am
Location: Just west of New Orleans
Watch Cyber Bishop on YouTube
Buy from Cyber Bishop on eBay
Alt Mode: some sort of rudimentary lathe

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby BeastProwl » Tue Aug 07, 2012 1:15 pm

Motto: "Gravity Hurts"
Weapon: Razor Tipped Wing Swords
Kibble wrote:Easy solution...3rd Party voice actors!

Image

I feel slightly offended by this. That is all. >:oP
Image

Check out my Art Thread! It actually gets updated from time to time!
http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/beastprowl-s-art-thread-t102641s50.php

Also taking commissions! Inquire via PM if interested :D
BeastProwl
Guardian Of Seibertron
Posts: 5611
News Credits: 6
Joined: Wed Apr 06, 2011 2:13 pm
Location: The Badass Crater of Badassitude
Strength: 10+
Intelligence: 9
Speed: 10+
Endurance: 7
Rank: ???
Courage: Infinity
Firepower: 10+
Skill: 9

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby redsonjustin » Thu Aug 09, 2012 1:54 pm

There's always Kevin Conroy and John Bailey.
redsonjustin
Mini-Con
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Mar 29, 2011 8:44 am

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby Wheeljack35 » Thu Aug 09, 2012 7:04 pm

I remember the story of how Cullen found out Prime was dying in the movie and then he knew he lost his job.Why would he kill him off? This is his pride and joy
Image
Wheeljack35
City Commander
Posts: 3690
News Credits: 26
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2004 2:11 pm
Location: New Port Richey Fl
Watch Wheeljack35 on YouTube

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby King Kuuga » Fri Aug 10, 2012 2:58 pm

Motto: "Yesssssssss....."
Weapon: High Energy MASER Cannons
Wheeljack35 wrote:I remember the story of how Cullen found out Prime was dying in the movie and then he knew he lost his job.Why would he kill him off? This is his pride and joy

This is about what will happen to Optimus Prime if/when Peter Cullen eventually passes away. Poorly-worded title, but there you go.
Image
User avatar
King Kuuga
Gestalt
Posts: 2942
News Credits: 4
Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:50 pm
Strength: 7
Intelligence: 10
Speed: 7
Endurance: 5
Rank: 5
Courage: 6
Firepower: 9
Skill: 8

Re: Will Peter Cullen kill Optimus Prime?

Postby RhA » Sat Aug 11, 2012 1:02 am

Motto: "BRING ME DANGER!"
Kibble wrote:Easy solution...3rd Party voice actors!

Image


Well played, sir.
Image
Love thy pretenders.
User avatar
RhA
Faction Commander
Posts: 4557
News Credits: 1
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2003 8:37 am
Location: 1988


Return to Transformers General Discussion

Transformers and More @ The Seibertron Store

Visit our store on eBay
These are affiliate links. We may earn commissions when you purchase items or services through these links.
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "COBRA COMMANDER #1 Cvr A Image Comics 2024 1A 0623IM807 (CA) Milana + Leoni"
COBRA COMMANDER #1 ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "COBRA COMMANDER #1 Cvr G Image Comics 2024 1G 1123IM203 (CA) Blank Sketch"
COBRA COMMANDER #1 ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "DUKE #2 Cvr A Image Comics 2024 2A GI JOE 1123IM272 (A/CA) Reilly (W) WIlliamson"
DUKE #2 Cvr A Imag ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "VOID RIVALS #2 6th ptg Image Comics 2024 0124IM897 (CA) Lullabi (W) Kirkman"
NEW!
VOID RIVALS #2 6th ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "DUKE #1 2nd ptg Cvr A Rock N Roll Image Comics 2024 GI JOE 1123IM896 (CA) Howard"
NEW!
DUKE #1 2nd ptg Cv ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "TRANSFORMERS vs GI JOE #1 Cvr Sub IDW Comics 2014 1SUB (CA) Stokoe 230124"
TRANSFORMERS vs GI ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "GI JOE YEARBOOK #2 Marvel Comics 1986 (CA) Golden (W) Hama 220721A"
NEW!
GI JOE YEARBOOK #2 ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "VOID RIVALS #2 4th ptg Image Comics 2023 1023IM893 (CA) Torque (W) Kirkman"
VOID RIVALS #2 4th ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "TRANSFORMERS #2 2nd ptg Cvr A Duke Image Comics 2023 1023IM897 (CA) Howard"
TRANSFORMERS #2 2n ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "GI JOE SNAKE EYES DEADGAME #1 2nd ptg IDW Comics 2020 JUN208405 (A/CA) Liefeld"
GI JOE SNAKE EYES ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "GI JOE ORDER OF BATTLE #4 Marvel Comics 1987 (CA) Trimpe (W) Brown 220721A"
NEW!
GI JOE ORDER OF BA ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "DUKE #4 Cvr E 1:50 Image Comics 4E GI JOE 0124IM251 (CA) Oliver (W) Williamson"
NEW!
DUKE #4 Cvr E 1:50 ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "GI JOE SNAKE EYES DEADGAME #1 RI-A IDW Comics 2020 APR200702 1RIA (A/CA) Liefeld"
GI JOE SNAKE EYES ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "GI JOE Real American Hero #303 2nd ptg Image Comics 2024 0124IM859 (CA) Edgar"
NEW!
GI JOE Real Americ ...
* Price and quantities subject to change. Shipping costs, taxes and other fees not included in cost shown. Refer to listing for current price and availability.
Find the items above and thousands more at the Seibertron Store on eBay
Transformers Podcast: Twincast / Podcast #346 - Gas Station Jamboree
Twincast / Podcast #346:
"Gas Station Jamboree"
MP3 · iTunes · RSS · View · Discuss · Ask
Posted: Saturday, March 23rd, 2024

Featured Products on Amazon.com

These are affiliate links. We may earn commissions when you purchase items or services through these links.
Buy "Transformers: Generations Power of The Primes Legends Class Roadtrap" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Authentics Grimlock Action Figure" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Titans Return Deluxe Windblade and Scorchfire" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: Bumblebee Movie Toys, Power Charge Bumblebee Action Figure - Spinning Core, Lights and Sounds - Toys for Kids 6 and Up, 10.5-inch" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Studio Series 09 Voyager Class Movie 2 Thundercracker" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Titans Return Titan Class Trypticon" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: Generations Power of The Primes Evolution Optimal Optimus" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: Generations Power of The Primes Quintus Prime Prime Master" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Titan Class Metroplex with Autobot Scamper Figure" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Class Sunstreaker Figure" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Class Swindle" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Platinum Edition "Year of the Goat" Exclusive Masterpiece Soundwave by Hasbro" on AMAZON