Summary
- Chris Hemsworth's comments suggest he will play a G.I. Joe character in the Transformers crossover movie, not just reprise Optimus Prime.
- Hemsworth's switch to G.I. Joe side eliminates franchise confusion and sets up a bright future in the Hasbro Cinematic Universe.
- Playing a main G.I. Joe role enhances Hemsworth's potential for multiple hit franchises if the Transformers crossover is successful.
New comments by Chris Hemsworth shed light on his role in the planned Hemsworth was in talks for the Transformers 8 crossover movie. This piece of casting sparked many questions about how he would factor into the event film and what character from either franchise he would play.
Since Hemsworth is already the Hemsworth addressing the Optimus Prime confusion have now provided some clarity. They strongly indicate what side he'll be on in the crossover.
Transformers' G.I. Joe Crossover Movie Must Avoid A Common Franchise Trend
As exciting as the potential Transformers' G.I. Joe Crossover movie may seem, it faces the significant challenge of breaking a common franchise trend.
Chris Hemsworth's Comments Indicate He'll Be A G.I. Joe Character In Transformers Crossover
He Mentions Switching Sides
It now appears that Chris Hemsworth will play a G.I. Joe character in the crossover. He did not directly confirm this during his recent quotes, but the part that sticks out the most is when he said, "Am I still going to play Optimus Prime and then switch over to G.I. Joe?" The key part of the quote is him saying he'd need to "switch over to G.I. Joe." This implies that discussions about what character Hemsworth will play have revolved around his role being connected to G.I. Joe rather than sticking with Transformers after the 2024 animated movie.
The likelihood of Hemsworth playing a member of the new G.I. Joe team now appears to be stronger. This was already presumed based on the original casting news and the actor's great experience with action-heavy roles, such as Extraction. He's perfectly suited to be a new version of Duke, a younger Joe Cotton, or other vital of the G.I. Joe universe. While his character's identity still remains a secret, it will come as a much bigger surprise now if Hemsworth is not playing a G.I. Joe character in the Transformers crossover.
Thanks Chris Hemsworth, I Feel Much Better About Transformers' Peter Cullen Recast Now
Chris Hemsworth voicing Optimus Prime instead of Peter Cullen is now more promising thanks to Hemsworth's comments at San Diego Comic-Con.
Chris Hemsworth Playing A G.I. Joe Character Is Better Than Him Voicing Optimus Prime
His Franchise Future Is Brighter
Although it still might be a bit confusing for audiences to see Chris Hemsworth play a G.I. Joe character and likely interact with Peter Cullen's Optimus Prime, it is better than the alternative. It would be more strange to have him go from being the voice of Optimus Prime in Transformers One to voicing a different Autobot in Transformers 8 or a human character from that mythology. Switching Hemsworth over to the G.I. Joe side of the crossover eliminates most of the broader franchise confusion and keeps Cullen around for more movies.
Tackling the main G.I. Joe role in the Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover movie also bodes well for Hemsworth's future in the franchise. He could continue to voice Optimus Prime in Transformers One sequels while Peter Cullen remains the voice for all live-action films. Hemsworth could then double-dip in the Hasbro Cinematic Universe by becoming the lead of a new G.I. Joe franchise. He might then have multiple hit franchises to be part of if the Transformers and G.I. Joe movie does well.
