The Transformers film franchise has never been held in high regard. The films manage to make millions upon millions of dollars with every new release, but the critical response has never been better than mixed. Director Michael Bay, since bringing the films to the screen in 2007, has become synonymous with the franchise even after announcing his departure this year. Many claim that his explosion-happy style of directing obliterated any chance of a story materializing in his films, but one of the key members of Transformers has come out and said he'll miss Mr. Bay.
The voice of Optimus Prime himself, Peter Cullen, has gone on record about his experiences working with Michael Bay:
"I have a great deal of respect for him. He generates a great deal of excitement and energy. He's really a hands-on director...He creates a great deal of energy and puts everybody on their toes. I would certainly miss him. I think he's brilliant, his mind is unbelievable. "
Cullen would go on to say that he would miss Bay if he were to truly leave the series. Bay first announced that Transformers: Dark of the Moon would be his last film in the franchise, before returning to direct Transformers: Age of Extinction. The fifth film in the franchise is currently in pre-production, though no announcements on a director have been made.
Over the years, Bay has not been so warmly regarded by his peers. During the filming of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Bay was constantly fighting with star Megan Fox, who described Bay as "Hitler on set." Age of Extinction star T.J. Miller described Bay as "bipolar," and that Bay would switch from antagonistic to friendly depending on if the camera was rolling or not.
Peter Cullen has been playing Optimus Prime since the first iteration of the character back in the 1980s. He's not the only man to voice Prime, but he's easily the most popular. Aside from the original animated series, Cullen has voiced Prime in the films, the Transformers: Prime series and the War for Cybertron games.
The latest film in the franchise, Transformers: Age of Extinction is set for digital release today and a Blu-Ray release on Sep. 30. While it's still uncertain as to whether or not Michael Bay will return to the franchise, Peter Cullen will continue to voice Prime for at least two more films.
Photo: NASA/Goddard (cropped)
