TheTransformersfilm series has featured plenty of iconic Autobot heroes from all throughout the franchise’s long history. From iconic figures like Optimus Prime and Bumblebee to fan favorites like Grimlock and Drift, many of the series’ most beloved Cybertronian good guys have already been brought to life on the big screen.
The upcomingRise of the Beastsfilm seems like it’ll be placing the spotlight on Autobots who went underused in previous films, like Arcee, Wheeljack, and Mirage. However, there are still plenty more Autobots who haven’t appeared in the live-action movies at all. Here arejust a few prominent Autobotswho would be welcome in futureTransformersmovies.
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Prowl
While most of the major characters from the early days of the series have already appeared in the live-action films, there’s one notable Autobot from the original cast who’s been left out. Prowl was once meant to appear in the 2007Transformersmovie, but he was removed when his police car alt-mode was instead given to the Decepticon Barricade. But while he has yet to appear in live-action, he’s been very prominent in both animation and comic books.
Prowl was a main character in the 2007Transformers Animatedcartoon, in which he was reimagined as awise and stoic Cyber-Ninjawho had a fierce rivalry with the villainous bounty hunter Lockdown. Meanwhile, the comic books from IDW Publishing have a very different take on Prowl, portraying him as a morally ambiguous mastermind who’s willing to cross any line to advance the Autobot cause. The comic Prowl may not be the most likable character, but his complexity makes him a truly unique presence amongst the Autobot ranks.
Windblade
Windblade is a more recent addition to the franchise, making her first appearance in 2014. But since then, she’s already carved out a place for herself as a mainstay of the series, appearing prominently in comics and animation alike as a core member of the Autobot ranks. She’s an idealistic young bot with a jet fighter alt-modeand a samurai sword— but though she’s a powerful combatant, her greatest strength is her compassion. Originally appearing in the IDW comics, Windblade has gone on to appear in theRobots in Disguise,Prime Wars Trilogy, andCyberversecartoons. At this rate, it’s only a matter of time until she crosses over to the big screen.
Ultra Magnus
Ultra Magnus first appeared in 1986’sThe Transformers: The Movie, which introduced him as Optimus Prime’s right-hand man who was named leader of the Autobots after Optimus’ tragic death. Other iterations of the character have portrayed him as Optimus Prime’s brother, the supreme leader of the Autobots, and most recently as a stick-in-the-mud control freak. Ultra Magnus has been portrayed in myriad ways throughout the past few decades, but he’s alwaysone of the most powerfulmembers of the Autobots.
Kup
Another notable Autobot who debuted in the 1986 animated movie, Kup is a grizzled old soldier who spends his days complaining about “turbo-revvin’ young punks”, regaling the Dinobots with his war stories, and making peace with enemies using the Universal Greeting. Like Ultra Magnus, Kup went on to become a main cast member in Season 3 of the original cartoon, but he’s enjoyed less prominence in followingTransformersseries. Even so, he’s continually appeared in comics and video games, and he remains a beloved character in the fandom.
Bulkhead
Another relatively recent character, Bulkhead was completely absent from the original 1980s series,making his first appearancein 2004’sTransformers: Energon. However, the iteration most fans will likely think of first is the Bulkhead ofTransformers Animated— a lovable oaf voiced by Bill Fagerbakke, better known as Patrick Star fromSpongeBob SquarePants. A similar Bulkhead would appear as a main cast member inTransformers: Prime, this time voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson (aka the Mauler Twins inInvincible). Not many post-Generation 1 Autobots can boast that they were a main character in multiple series, but Bulkhead is so darn lovable that he made it happen.
Omega Supreme
The Autobots have had their fair share of giant-sized allies over the years, from combiners like Superion and Defensorto city-sized titanslike Metroplex and Fortress Maximus. But before any of them, there was Omega Supreme, the very first giant Autobot. Omega Supreme was first introduced in Season 2 of the original animated series, all the way back in 1985. He was characterized as a gentle giant — despite his overwhelming power, he was ultimately peaceful by nature. This tragic aspect of his character was further emphasized inTransformers Animated, which reinterpreted him as a living superweapon who had the capacity to think and feel despite his destructive purpose. And of course, Omega Supreme was also prominently featured in theTransformers: War For Cybertronvideo game, in whichhe was the final bossof the Decepticon campaign.
