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Freedom is the right of all sentient beings.
―Optimus Prime


Optimus Prime (born Orion Pax) is the main protagonist of the Transformers franchise. He is the leader of the Autobots, a force of good aliens who come to Earth to protect humanity from the evil Decepticons. Optimus' rivalry with their' leader Megatron makes them become bitter enemies in their epic battles between good and evil.

He is the last descendant of the Dynasty of Primes and protector of Cybertron and the Earth. His female counterpart and eternal lover is Elita-One, the leader of the Female Autobots.

Background

Appearances

Transformers: Generation One

Main article: Optimus Prime (Generation 1)

Transformers Cinematic Universe

Prime is one of the two main protagonists of the first trilogy of the franchise (alongside Sam Witwicky) and one of the two protagonists of the last two films of the series, Age of Extinction and The Last Knight.

Original

Main article: Optimus Prime (Michael Bay's Transformers)

Reboot

Main article: Optimus Prime (Transformers Reboot Films)

IDW Comics

Main article: Optimus Prime (IDW Comics)

Animation

Cyberverse

Main article: Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)

Transformers: EarthSpark

Main article: Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)

Transformers: Prime

Main article: Optimus Prime (Transformers: Prime)

Comics

IDW Comics

Main article: IDW Comics

Personality

Being a protector of both humankind and Autobots, Optimus is a firm believer in freedom and equality among himself and his human allies. Because of the younger race, he firmly they never once will harm a human being, immediately shooting down Ironhide's plan to hurting Judy and Ron Witwicky. However, Megatron sees this as a form of weakness and some of his comrades believe them to be a destructive race. Optimus does notice this but they were a young species and weren't so different than the Autobots when thei race was young. He has seen the goodness in humanity, possibly referring to Mikaela and Sam. However, as time went on, Optimus realized some humans were just as vile as a Decepticon could be. He will only harm a human or Decepticon in self-defense or that of a friend. He killed James Savoy, an agent from Cemetery Wind when he was threatening Cade Yeager and protected the man's daughter Tessa Yeager.

Once Optimus cements a sense of friendship and comradeship with an individual, he will become undyingly loyal towards them. Despite barely knowing Spike and his father, Sparkplug, Optimus saved them from drowning. This case can also be seen with his relationships towards his fellow Autobots, such as showing it towards Arcee when he refused to abandon her after being stranded in a frozen tundra from Transformers: Prime. He is in love with the Cybertronian Elita-One, his love interest. Both are very affectionate with one another and cannot live without the other. Prime is very loyal to those he considers friends, often acting as a mentor/father figure to a younger generation of Autobots and humans. He especially sees Bumblebee as a surrogate son, reminiscing with Cade about a time when Bumblebee acted like a rebellious teenager in Age of Extinction. In the 2007 film adaptation, Optimus snarled at Sector Seven agents for taking Sam Witwicky, the boy he and the Autobots were protecting and mercilessly attacking Decepticons that abducted Sam and his friends, Mikaela Banes and Leo Spitz. The young Marissa Faireborn, a human woman, viewed Optimus like a father figure when she was a child and later developed romantic feelings for him, which were apparently reciprocated.

Appearance

Optimus Prime is a tall Cybertronian with a with blue eyes, red upper body and blue helm/lower legs, white upper legs and waist.

Powers and abilities

  • Cybertonian Physiology: To be added
    • Near-Immortality: Optimus can live for thousands of years
      however he can still be killed if his spark is damaged. However, it can be temporary, as the Matrix of Leadership immediately revived him when Sam Witwicky used it to bring him back to life.

Relationships

Heroes and Villains has an article focusing of the relationships of Optimus Prime (Transformers)

Quotes

Transformers

Before time began, there was the Cube. We know not where it comes from, only that it holds the power to create worlds and fill them with life. That is how our race was born. For a time, we lived in harmony, but like all great power, some wanted it for good, others for evil. And so began the war, a war that ravaged our planet until it was consumed by death, and the Cube was lost to the far reaches of space. We scattered across the galaxy, hoping to find it and rebuild our home, searching every star, every world. And just when all hope seemed lost, message of a new discovery drew us to an unknown planet called Earth. But we were already too late.
Transformers opening narration
Are you Samuel James Witwicky descendent of Archibald Witwicky?[…]My name is Optimus Prime. We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron. (Ratchet: But you can call us Autobots for short.)
―Prime and Ratchet to Sam and Mikaela
(Mikaela: Why are you here?) We are here looking for the All Spark. And we must find it before Megatron. (Sam: Mega-what?
―Optimus reveals to Sam and Mikaela why they are on Earth
Our planet was once a powerful empire, peaceful and just, until we were betrayed by Megatron, leader of the Decepticons. All who defied them were destroyed. Our war finally consumed the planet, and the All Spark was lost to the stars. Megatron followed it to Earth, where Captain Witwicky found him. (Sam: My grandfather.) It was an accident that intertwined our fates.
―Optimus to Sam and Mikaela
Megatron crash-landed before he could retrieve the Cube. He accidentally activated his navigation system. The coordinates to the Cube's location on Earth were imprinted on his glasses.
―to Sam and Mikaela on why the Witwicky glasses are important
And the human race will be extinguished. Sam Witwicky, you hold the key to Earth's survival.
―Prime to Sam about the glasses
Taking the children was a bad move.
―Prime to Simmons after they kidnapped Sam and Mikaela
There's no way to free Bumblebee

without harming the humans.

―Optimus won't save Bumblebee for sake of humanity
Were we so different? They are a young species; they have much to learn... but I've seen goodness in them. Freedom is the right of all sentient beings...you all know there is only one way to end this war. We must destroy the Cube. If all else fails, I will unite it with the spark in my chest. (Ratchet: That's suicide! The Cube is raw power, it could destroy you both) A necessary sacrifice to bring peace to this planet. We cannot let the humans pay for our mistakes. It's been an honor serving with you all. Autobots, roll out!
―Prime to the Autobots about sacrificing himself for the good of humanity
Megatron! (Megatron: Prime. Humans don't deserve to live.) They deserve to choose for themselves. (Megatron: Then you will die with them! Join them in extinction!)
―Prime to Megatron
I got you, boy. Hold on to the Cube!
―Prime to Sam after saving him from falling
Sam? You risked your life to protect the Cube.

(Sam: No sacrifice, no victory.) If I cannot defeat Megatron, you must push the Cube into my chest. I will sacrifice myself to destroy it. Get behind me.

―Prime reveals to Sam to sacrifice himself to stop Megatron.
You left me no choice, brother. Sam, I owe you my life. We are in your debt.
―Optimus to Sam about their newfound gratitude
With the AllSpark gone, we cannot return life to our planet. But fate has yielded its reward: a new world to call home. We live among its people now, hiding in plain sight, but watching over them in secret, waiting...protecting. I have witnessed their capacity for courage, and though we are worlds apart, like us, there's more to them than meets the eye. I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars: We are here. We are waiting.
―Prime's closing narration

Gallery

Heroes and Villains has a collection of images and media related to Optimus Prime (Transformers).

Trivia

  • In the original Generation 1 continuity Nemesis Prime and Optimus Prime were two separate characters. Nemesis was actually Optimus' clone
  • His Generation One counterpart is one of the few adaptations to be pure good.
  • Bumblebee was the only Transformers live action movie to not have Prime as the Transformer protagonist
  • The way Optimus saved Sam Witwicky in 2007's Transformers was inspired by how Superman saved Lois Lane in the 1978 film.
  • For the live-action series, the creators based Prime's movements and characteristics off of Liam Neeson.
  • Notably doesn't speak in contractions and is very formal when he is talking.
  • Optimus was put under mind control by his creators but his mind was restored by a son figure.
    • In the fifth film, he was broken out of Quintessa's control due to hearing Bumblebee's voice for the first time in six million years.
    • In the original series, Hot Rod broke Optimus out of the Quintessons' mind control by returning the Matrix of leadership to him.
  • Optimus has fire/flame design painted on him, a trait he shares with Rodimus Prime (his successor in the original cartoon series).
  • Peter Cullen voices Optimus, as he does in the original series and later other Transformers related media, such as Transformers: Prime.
  • Like the 1986 film, in Revenge of the Fallen, Optimus is killed by Megatron. However both versions of his death is only temporary. In the film, Optimus is resurrected by Sam Witwicky with the Matrix of Leadership. In the original series, Prime was brought back to life by the hostile species called the Quintessons, albeit under their control. However, he was broken out of it by Hot Rod after returning the Matrix back to Optimus.
    • Ironically, the Matrix played some role in Optimus' return.

External Links

Navigation

Series
Characters
Autobots: Optimus Prime (IDW Comics, Film Series, Reboot Films, Transformers Prime) • BumblebeeUltra MagnusRatchetJazzIronhideArcee • Beast Era (MaximalsOptimus PrimalRhinoxCheetorRattrapDinobotTigatronAirazorSilverboltBlackarachniaDepth ChargeTigerhawkBotanicaNoble) • Hot ShotJetfireRed AlertSmokescreenScavengerLandmineSideswipeWing SaberScattershotVector PrimeOverrideBreakdownClockerBackstopScourgeEvacMetroplexQuickmixLugnutzWheelie • Omega Supreme • WindbladeMoonracerFirestarGreenlightHot Rod/Rodimus PrimeLightspeedCrosshairsElita-OneSky LynxProwlDinobots (GrimlockScornSlugStrafeSlashSnarl) • MirageChromiaCliffjumperJetfireSkids and MudflapBrainsGrimlockHoundCanopyDaytraderSqweeksDragonstormStormreignBreakawayCogman, Flareup, Inferno

Wreckers: LeadfootRoadbusterTopspin

Humans: Steven "Spike" WitwickyCarly WitwickyDaniel WitwickySamuel "Sam" WitwickyCarly SpencerMikaela BanesCharlotte "Charlie" WatsonCade YeagerTessa YeagerSparkplug WitwickyChip ChaseRaoulAstoria Carlton-RitzMarissa FairebornBuster WitwickyJesseG.B. BlackrockWilliam LennoxSeymour SimmonsLeo SpitzRobert "Bobby" EppsJohn KellerMargaret "Maggie" MadsenGlen WhitmannRonald "Ron" WitwickyJudith "Judy" WitwickyShane DysonIzabella "Izzy" YeagerViviane WemblySu YuemingSir Edmund BurtonDarcy TirrelSarah LennoxJackson "Jack" DarbyMiko NakadaiRafael "Raf" EsquivelJune DarbyWilliam Fowler, Raoul

Decepticons: MegatronStarscreamShatterDropkickBlitzwingSoundwaveShockwaveThe FallenCyclonusBonecrusherBrawlSkywarpSunstormScorponokConstructiconsStunticonsSlogPredaconsRavageCliffjumper (Prime)ThundercrackerAstrotrainBlackoutGrindorLaserbeakLockdown, Frenzy, Sideways

Other Villains: UnicronQuintessonsDoctor ArkevilleShawn BergerLord ChumleyKing NergillAliNightbirdJeroOld SnakeVictor DrathPrimacronTornedronDwellerMark MorganGregory SwoffordCircuit BreakerThe MechanicScrapletsFlameMecannibals

Locations
Cybertron (Iacon) • Brighton FallsQuintessa
Objects
The AllSpark • the Matrix of LeadershipEnergonDark EnergonSpace Bridge • The Ark • The NemesisTeletraan I
Groups
Dynasty of PrimesGuardian KnightsAutobotsDecepticonsQuintessonsFemale AutobotsConstructiconsDinobotsN.E.S.T.TRF • Cemetery Wind
            Hasbro

Transformers
Generation One: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Ratchet , Jazz, Ironhide, Sideswipe,Sunstreaker, Mirage, Hound, Wheeljack, Smokescreen, Powerglide, Jetfire, Ultra MagnusSteven "Spike" WitwickyTeletraan I, Cliffjumper, Carly WitwickyDaniel WitwickySparkplug WitwickyChip ChaseRaoulAstoria Carlton-RitzMarissa FairebornBuster Witwicky, ArceeChromiaElita-OneWindbladeMoonracerFirestarGreenlightUnicronQuintessonsDoctor ArkevilleShawn BergerLord ChumleyKing NergillAliNightbirdJeroOld SnakeVictor DrathPrimacronTornedronDwellerMark MorganGregory SwoffordCircuit BreakerThe MechanicScrapletsFlameMecannibalsHot ShotRed AlertScavengerLandmineWing SaberScattershotVector PrimeOverrideBreakdownClockerBackstopScourgeEvacMetroplexQuickmixLugnutz • Omega Supreme • MegatronThe FallenStarscreamSoundwaveShockwaveSentinel PrimeScorponokConstructiconsStunticonsLightspeedCrosshairsProwlJesseG.B. BlackrockSentinel PrimeThundercrackerAstrotrainCyclonusSkywarpSunstormDevastator
Beast Wars: Optimus PrimalRhinoxCheetorRattrapDinobotTigatronAirazorSilverboltBlackarachniaDepth ChargeTigerhawkBotanicaNoblePredacons
Live-Action: Optimus PrimeBumblebeeSam WitwickyCade YeagerCharlie WatsonJazzIronhideRatchetSideswipeJetfireJoltSkids & MudflapArceeWheelieBrainsMirageWheeljackCrosshairsDriftHoundHot RodCanopyDaytraderSqweeksDynasty of PrimesGuardian Knights (DragonstormStormreignBreakaway) • Wreckers (LeadfootRoadbusterTopspin) • Dinobots (GrimlockScornSlugStrafeSlashSlogSnarl) • CogmanMikaela BanesMaggie MadsenJohn KellerGlen WhitmannLeo SpitzDutchCarly SpencerMegatronThe FallenStarscreamShatterDropkickBlitzwingSoundwaveShockwaveTessa YeagerShane DysonEdmund BurtonViviane WemblyIzabellaRon WitwickyJudy WitwickyMemo GutierrezWilliam LennoxRobert EppsCharlotte MearingJack BurnsTom BanachekSeymour SimmonsJoshua JoyceGill WembleySu YuemingDarcy TirrelSarah LennoxSentinel PrimeBonecrusherBrawlRavageScorponokConstructiconsStunticonsBlackoutGrindorLaserbeakLockdownQuintessaHarold AttingerJames Savoy
Transformers: Prime: SmokescreenBulkheadCliffjumper† • Jackson "Jack" DarbyMiko NakadaiRafael "Raf" EsquivelJune DarbyWilliam FowlerBreakdownKnock OutAirachnidWindbladeArceeRatchetJune DarbyWilliam FowlerKnock OutPredakingPredacons • Strongarm • Sideswipe • Grimlock • Fixit • Drift • Russell ClayDenny ClayWindbladeBumblebee • Megatron • StarscreamSoundwave • Trypticon • AirachnidVehiconsMECHBreakdownUnicronDreadwingShockwaveSteeljaw's PackSteeljawStunticonsCyclonus' armadaShadelock, Insecticons

My Little Pony
Generation 1: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic:Twilight SparkleRainbow DashPinkie PieRarityApplejackFluttershySpikePrincess CelestiaPrincess LunaCutie Mark Crusaders (Apple BloomScootalooSweetie Belle) • DiscordPrincess CadanceShining ArmorStarlight GlimmerSandbarGallusSmolderSilverstreamOcellusYonaBig MacintoshBraeburnBright MacBulk BicepsChancellor NeighsayCheerileeCheese SandwichCoco PommelFilthy RichFlash SentryFlurry HeartGildaGranny SmithKing SombraLittle StrongheartMaud PieMayor MarePear Butter Twilight Velvet and Night LightPrincess EmberDiamond TiaraSilver SpoonSeabreezeSunburstThe Wonderbolts (SpitfireSoarin) • ThoraxTrixie LulamoonZecoraStar Swirl the BeardedRockhoofFlash MagnusSomnambulaMeadowbrookApple Bloom's ShadowAhuizotlChangelingsCozy GlowDiscordKing SombraMane-iacMaulwurfMean SixNightmare MoonPony of ShadowsQueen ChrysalisRocShadowboltsStarlight GlimmerTantabusTatzlwurmTirek • The Pony of Shadows
My Little Pony: Equestria Girls: Twilight Sparkle (EG)Rarity (EG)Fluttershy (EG)Pinkie Pie (EG)Applejack (EG)Rainbow Dash (EG)Sunset ShimmerDazzlings (Adagio DazzleAria BlazeSonata Dusk) • Principal Cinch • • Sunset ShimmerIndigo ZapLemon ZestPrincipal CelestiaSour SweetSugarcoatSunny FlareSunset Shimmer
A New Generation: Sunny StarscoutZipp StormHitch TrailblazerIzzy MoonbowPipp PetalsSprout Cloverleaf

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