During a panel appearance alongside fellow voice acting legend Frank Welker, Peter Cullen, the iconic voice behind Optimus Prime, addressed a concerning trend in the animation industry. The question posed to them was straightforward: how do they feel about other actors impersonating their iconic roles? This question opened the door to a passionate response from Cullen regarding the use of non-union actors, particularly in a new Transformers Netflix series.
Frank Welker initially responded by referencing an “unwritten law” in their profession, stating, “You never take over anybody’s voice who can’t do it themselves. You just don’t do it.” He then deferred to Peter Cullen, setting the stage for a more direct and impassioned statement.
Cullen didn’t mince words. “Yeah, it’s grand theft!” he exclaimed, drawing laughter from the audience but quickly turning serious. He elaborated on his “grand theft” analogy by directly addressing the Netflix Transformers series. He revealed that the production was going non-union, a decision that deeply troubled him. Cullen emphasized the crucial role unions play in protecting actors. “You know, that’s what protects us all, as actors,” he explained, highlighting the importance of union standards and safeguards for performers in the industry.
He expressed his dismay at the implications of non-union productions, stating that they are “destroying our union from the outside, with subterfuge.” Cullen voiced his personal hurt and disappointment at the prospect of someone else voicing Optimus Prime in the upcoming series. The audience responded with boos, clearly showing their support for Cullen and their disapproval of the non-union casting choice.
Cullen urged the audience to take action, directly calling on them to “Get on Netflix!” and express their disapproval. He characterized Netflix’s decision as “bad” and “not nice,” even playfully making a “shame, shame” gesture to underscore his point.
Frank Welker concluded the exchange on a slightly more conciliatory note, reminding the audience of their power. “But, ultimately, we do everything for you,” Welker stated, adding, “you’re the power, so what you want will ultimately be the end, so you decide what you want, and hopefully it’s good.”
Peter Cullen’s candid remarks shed light on the ongoing debate within the voice acting community regarding union versus non-union work. His passionate defense of union principles and his disappointment over being replaced by non-union actors in a Transformers series resonated deeply with fans and industry professionals alike. His call to action empowers audiences to voice their preferences and potentially influence production decisions, underscoring the significant role fans play in the entertainment landscape.
