Highlights
- D-16’s journey from miner to Megatron is central to Transformers One.
- The film reveals a dark alliance between Sentinel Prime and Cybertron’s invaders.
- Accidentally killing his friend Orion Pax drives D-16 to embrace evil.
- Megatron’s transformation challenges the traditional notions of heroism and villainy.
- Director Josh Cooley highlights the importance of understanding Megatron’s motivations.
In Transformers One, audiences can see a compelling origin story that explores why D-16, voiced by Brian Tyree Henry, becomes the infamous Megatron.
Set on Cybertron, this film explores how Megatron and Optimus Prime go from being close friends to fierce rivals.
Friendship to Rivalry
Transformers One begins with Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth) and D-16 as dedicated miners working together.
Their goal is to locate the Matrix of Leadership, a powerful artifact that holds the potential to change their lives.
However, their adventure takes a turn when they come to know the truth about their leader, Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm).
He is secretly collaborating with the Quintessons, the invaders of Cybertron, in exchange for energon—a vital energy source for their civilization.
Megatron’s Transformation
The discovery that Sentinel Prime has removed the miners’ transformation cogs, limiting their abilities, sends D-16 into a rage.
This anger intensifies when D-16 learns that Sentinel has murdered the admired Megatronus Prime, further fueling his desire for vengeance.
D-16’s need for retribution sets the stage for his transformation into Megatron.
D-16 attempts to save Sentinel but tragically shoots Orion instead. This accident leads to Orion’s fall into Cybertron’s core, marking D-16’s point of no return.
Consumed by grief and anger, he confronts Sentinel Prime, ultimately killing him in front of the citizens of Iacon City.
It is at this moment that D-16 declares himself Megatron, signaling his complete descent into darkness.
As Megatron rises to power, Orion Pax is reborn as Optimus Prime, equipped with the Matrix of Leadership.
Their first confrontation is intense, culminating in Optimus defeating Megatron and banishing him from Iacon City. This sets the stage for the legendary rivalry between these two characters.
The post-credits scene hints at the formation of the Decepticons, as Megatron gathers his followers, including Starscream and the High Guard.
This transformation is not just about power; it reveals how vengeance can corrupt even the noblest of beings.
Megatron’s Evil
Director Josh Cooley highlights that the portrayal of Sentinel Prime as a ruthless villain allows viewers to sympathize with Megatron’s motivations.
He explains, “The more that the ultimate bad guy is bad, that makes you sympathize more with Megatron because you understand where he’s coming from.”
While most of Cybertron’s citizens may support Optimus Prime’s justice-seeking approach, some resonate with Megatron’s desire for vengeance.
However, as his thirst for revenge grows, Megatron risks becoming just as tyrannical as Sentinel Prime, showing that the line between hero and villain is often blurred.
