The prologue for the new CG-animated movie Transformers One tells the story of how Cybertron began. It starts with a being named Primus. Primus is the first Transformer and changes into the planet now known as Cybertron. The prologue also introduces the first generation of Transformers created by Primus: the Original Thirteen Primes.
These Original Thirteen Primes are an important part of Transformers history, and they fit well into the new story set by this exciting CG-animated film. Now, let’s look at the origins and ideas behind the Original Thirteen Primes of Cybertron.
The Original Thirteen Primes Are Cybertron’s Founders
The Original Primes serve as the first members of the Cybertronian race. They are the founders and key figures in many parts of the Transformers story. For example, Micronus Prime is the first Mini-con or Micromaster Transformer, and Onyx Prime is the first beast Transformer.
In the film, they are shown as the first transforming robots created by Primus. Their purpose is to teach, lead, and protect future generations. Any Cybertronian who has the name Prime understands that it means more than just a title. The Primes are the most honorable, good, and brave beings from Cybertron.
In Transformers One, the Original Thirteen Primes are shown as a noble group of Cybertronians. They are led by Zeta Prime (James Remar), who carries the Matrix of Leadership, an important object. The story starts with a young Cybertronian named Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth).
He does not have a transformation cog (T-cog) and wants to find the lost Matrix of Leadership. Orion believes that the Matrix can help restore Cybertron’s dying resources and offer more opportunities to the planet’s non-transforming civilians, who face hard work in the mines.
However, it is later revealed that Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm), thought to be the last of the Primes, betrayed the Original Thirteen Primes to the Quintessons during a war years ago.
The Matrix of Leadership disappeared when Sentinel and the Quintessons attacked and killed the Primes, except for Alpha Trion (Laurence Fishburne). Alpha Trion tells Orion Pax and his friends about Sentinel Prime’s betrayal. Now, they must become the heroes Cybertron needs to regain its freedom.
The Concept of the Original Thirteen Primes Developed Over Time
The idea of the Original Thirteen Primes took many years to become what is shown in Transformers One. The concept of a group of original Transformers, or Transformer Archetypes, first appeared in a story called “Covenant.” This story was published for the Transformers convention, BotCon, in 1999.
It was published by 3H Productions and written by Simon Furman, who also worked on the original Transformers comic series by Marvel Comics. “Covenant” introduced the first idea of the original group of Transformers. At first, there were twelve robots, and they were based on the twelve zodiac signs.
The original twelve turned into the Original Thirteen in the 2004 book Transformers: The Ultimate Guide, also written by Furman during the Dreamwave Productions Era of Transformers comics. The Original Thirteen were revealed as Primus’ first creations, made to fight Unicron, Primus’ ancient enemy who eats planets.
During the Dreamwave Productions Era of Transformers comics, one of the Original Thirteen was called “The Fallen.” He betrayed his fellow Transformers and was corrupted by Unicron.
Essentially, he is the Transformers version of Lucifer. Later, The Fallen was given the name Megatronus, becoming part of the Decepticons faction. While The Fallen does not appear in Transformers One, the film does touch on Megatronus’ connection with Megatron and the Decepticons.
The Fallen in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
A version of the Original Primes was shown in the 2009 live-action film Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The movie shows The Fallen as Megatron’s “master” and mentor. He is one of the Original Primes who visited Earth long ago during prehistoric times.
He was exiled by his fellow Primes after he tried to activate the Star Harvester, which would have destroyed all life on Earth. The other Primes of Cybertron rejected his plan.
Although he is never called Megatronus in the film, The Fallen is usually the name given to the former Megatronus Prime, mainly because he attempts to betray the other Primes or Primus or his forced exile from his group. However, Transformers One chooses to take Megatronus in a different direction.
Transformers One Changes the Fate of Megatronus Prime
In Transformers One, Megatronus Prime remains loyal and does not betray his friends. The film shows that Sentinel Prime is not a true Prime and stole the title. Sentinel Prime was an aide to the Original Thirteen Primes but betrayed them during their war with the Quintessons.
The Original Thirteen Primes, including Megatronus Prime, were all killed, except for Alpha Trion, who was revived later by Orion Pax and his friends while they searched for the Matrix of Leadership.
Alpha Trion tells them about Sentinel Prime’s betrayal. Sentinel was the one who killed Megatronus Prime, whom D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry) looked up to and admired.
Sentinel Prime betrayed Cybertron, the Original Thirteen Primes, and his own race. He gave the Quintessons control over Cybertron and all the Energon they wanted in exchange for power and control over Iacon (Cybertron’s underground capital).
Transformers One interestingly chooses not to make Megatronus Prime into The Fallen. Instead, it shows Sentinel Prime as the traitor of the Original Thirteen. Sentinel was never a true Prime and was not a real member of the Original Thirteen.
If the story of Transformers One continues in the future, it might revisit the idea of Megatronus Prime becoming The Fallen. Perhaps Megatronus could come back with help from the newly transformed Megatron, and they could work together to rule Cybertron.
The Future of the Transformers One Series
Due to Orion Pax’s actions to save Cybertron and take down Sentinel Prime, while still wanting to show mercy to the villain, the spirits of the Original Thirteen Primes give Orion Pax the honored Matrix of Leadership and the new title of Optimus Prime.
This makes Optimus the newest and last of the Primes. The Matrix restores Cybertron’s lost Energon resources and gives new T-cogs to the Transformers who lost them because of Sentinel Prime. Optimus Prime names his new followers Autobots to protect Cybertron from its enemies, the Quintessons.
Sadly, D-16 has completely rejected his friendship with Optimus. He takes the image of Megatronus Prime as his symbol and starts a new group called the Decepticons, taking the name Megatron, inspired by his late hero. Angry and hurt by Sentinel Prime’s betrayal, Megatron wants to rule Cybertron himself.
Transformers One sets up a story for the Great War between the Autobots and Decepticons in the Transformers legend. There are many exciting paths the story can take from this ending. Hopefully, the new story created by Transformers One continues with future films.
In Transformers One, the origins of Cybertron and the Original Thirteen Primes set the stage for an exciting new chapter in the Transformers saga.
As Orion Pax transforms into Optimus Prime, he must show the challenges posed by betrayal and the rise of the Decepticons. The film cleverly intertwines past and future, promising thrilling developments in upcoming sequels, ensuring that the legacy of the Primes continues to shape the fate of Cybertron.
