Annecy 2024: standing ovation at the festival for the eagerly awaited Transformers One
Published 2024-06-11
The Annecy International Animated Film Festival and Market was the scene of an exceptional event on Monday June 10, 2024. Audiences were treated to a world preview of a working version of Transformers One, the latest installment in the Transformers saga that takes us back to the origins of this mythical universe. This exclusive screening not only captivated festival-goers, but also triggered a wave of enthusiasm rarely seen in the festival's history.
The film's team, including director Josh Cooley and producers Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, Mark Vahradian, Aaron Dem and Zev Foreman, made the trip especially for this unique occasion. The packed room witnessed a memorable presentation, which ended with rapturous applause and a standing ovation. Reaction on social networks was swift, with rave reviews from audiences and press in France and abroad, describing the film as monumental, excellent and even the best Transformers ever made.
In its original version, Transformers One boasts an impressive voice cast. Chris Pratt, Scarlett Johansson, Brian Tyree Henry, Jon Hamm, Steve Buscemi and Laurence Fishburne lend their voices to the iconic characters, adding extra depth and dimension to this animated adventure. This stellar cast promises to captivate audiences with top-notch vocal performances, making the characters even more vivid and engaging.
Under the direction of Josh Cooley, award-winning director for his work on Toy Story 4, Transformers One benefits from polished writing by Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari, Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman. The film offers a deep immersion into the rich history of Cybertron, exploring the complex relationship between Orion Pax, future Optimus Prime, and D-16, future Megatron. This friendship turned tragic rivalry is at the heart of the plot, offering a new perspective on the origins of these iconic characters.
Visual effects are provided by Industrial Light & Magic, renowned for its technical prowess. This collaboration guarantees state-of-the-art animation and visually stunning Cybertronian landscapes. Every detail has been meticulously crafted to deliver an immersive cinematic experience, where every scene is a feast for the eyes. This exceptional visual quality promises to transport viewers into a fantastic universe, rich in color and texture.
Transformers One explores the lives of the main characters before the war, highlighting their initial transformations, never before depicted in cinema. This retrospective not only enriches the characters' backstories, but also adds depth to our understanding of their motivations and the inevitable conflict that would engulf their world. This narrative approach promises to attract not only long-time fans, but also new viewers eager to discover the origins of this epic saga.
Transformers One is scheduled for release in France on October 23, 2024, and Paramount Pictures has high expectations for this original film. The aim is to rejuvenate the franchise by focusing on character development and story foundations. Discussions are already underway for this film to serve as the starting point for a new trilogy, which will deepen the conflict between Autobots and Decepticons and explore the evolution of these characters right up to their portrayal in the live-action films.
This latest installment in the saga, with its high-profile trailer and captivating narrative, takes the franchise in a new creative direction. The exploration of Cybertron before the war, through sophisticated animation and a rich script, promises a cinematic experience as intellectually stimulating as it is visually spectacular. This combination of nostalgia and innovative storytelling is set to redefine the Transformers legacy and revive the saga for a new generation of moviegoers.
Synopsis:
The first animated Transformers film since the 1986 original. Set entirely on Cybertron, it tells the story of how two brothers-in-arms, Optimus Prime and Megatron, became sworn enemies, leading to the greatest battle ever between Autobots and Decepticons.
Transformers One
Directed by Josh Cooley
Written by Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari, Steve Desmond, Michael Sherman
Based on Hasbro's Transformers
Produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, Michael Bay, Mark Vahradian, Aaron Dem
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Jon Hamm, Laurence Fishburne, Steve Buscemi
Editing: Lynn Hobson
Production companies: Paramount Animation, Hasbro Entertainment, New Republic Pictures, di Bonaventura Pictures, Bay Films
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date: September 13, 2024 (U.S.), October 23, 2024 (France)
Running time: 94 minutes