Optimus Prime (One)

Optimus Prime is an Autobot from One.

"Bring me Sentinel!"

Bold and daring, Orion Pax came from humble beginnings as a cogless energon miner who, growing bored with his duties, snuck around in the archives to learn about the Primes. Yearning for adventure and the autonomy to make his own choices, he often tricked his by-the-books best friend D-16 into breaking the rules and getting them both in trouble.

Despite this, his spark is very much in the right place, and as his sense of justice matured, he was bestowed the Matrix of Leadership, becoming the legendary hero Optimus Prime.

Fiction

One film

Voice actor: Chris Hemsworth (English), Yūichi Nakamura (Japanese), Goran Višnjić (Croatian), Tommy Morgenstern (German trailers and Main Movie), Adrien Antoine (European French), Martin Desgagné (Canadian French), Andrés Gutiérrez Coto (Latin-American Spanish), Ivan Labanda (Spain Spanish), Mauro Horta (Portuguese), Massimiliano Manfredi (Italian), Tuukka Haapaniemi (Finnish)

Despite lacking a cog, the energon miner Orion Pax was an incredibly bold bot who dreamed of proving his and other cogless transformers' worth, often getting into trouble for failing to obey rules or follow protocol. Orion befriended the unambitious D-16, who idolized Megatronus and spent most of his time pulling Orion out of one jam or another. Once, Orion became convinced that he could transform without a transformation cog, and D-16 had to spend three days getting his friend back into shape. On several occasions, Orion broke into the city's archives searching for information about the missing Matrix of Leadership. After the latest such illicit adventure, D-16 helped him escape from the archive guards, and Orion gifted his best friend with a pristine sticker of Megatronus Prime. During a mining expedition, Orion broke protocol with D-16 to rescue Jazz after a vein of unstable energon caused the mine to collapse. In response to his breaking of protocol, his captain, Elita-1 was fired and demoted by Darkwing. Angered by this injustice, Orion reminded Darkwing that while he lacked a Transformation Cog, his finger could still transform into a rude gesture, causing Darkwing to almost deck Orion until D-16 intervened by punching Orion and trying to apologize on his behalf before being knocked down himself.

Following the mining incident, Sentinel Prime announced his return from the surface, informing the city that he had failed to find the Matrix, but that work would be stopped so that everyone could watch the Iacon 5000 race the following day. Seeing an opportunity to show everyone their potential, Orion tricked D-16 into entering alongside him, coming close to victory until D-16 was injured on the final stretch. While trying to convince an upset D-16 that participating in the race wasn't a mistake, the pair were visited by Sentinel Prime, who praised them for inspiring the other miners to work harder and granted them access to his personal repair bay. However, before they could be escorted, Darkwing, angry at the pair for nearly beating him in the race, took them down to waste management at sublevel 50 where the two met B-127.

While B-127 was introducing the pair to his artificial friends, Orion discovered that one of the sculptures contained a transmitter from Alpha Trion and a map of a possible location of the Matrix. After convincing D-16 and B-127 to accompany him on the search, the three snuck their way up the garbage chute to take a train to the surface, where they ran into Elita-1. Still royally steamed at Orion for getting her fired, Elita attempted to stop the departing train. Knocked off the train by Cybertron's shifting geology and left stranded on the surface, the group convinced Elita-1 to join their party in search of the Matrix. The map eventually led them to an ancient cave where the Primes had fallen in battle against the Quintessons. The Matrix was not in the cave, but Orion discovered that Alpha Trion's spark still flickered and the group reactivated him with an energon cube. Trion revealed a dark truth: that Sentinel was an imposter, a false Prime who had betrayed the Primes and made a deal with the Quintessons where he would be allowed to rule Cybertron in return for paying them energon and, as a result, stole the cogs from new transformers so they could mine it.

"I choose to run towards my problems, and not away from them. Because's that– because's that what heroes do."

Though a bitter pill to swallow, Orion remained hopeful and announced his plan to reveal the truth to Iacon. D-16 on the other hand expressed his desire to kill Sentinel for what he had done, unnerving Orion, B-127, and Elita-1. Trion granted Orion and his allies the cogs of the dead Primes,^[1] and they escaped as Trion held off the approaching Death Trackers. On their journey back to Iacon, the party was captured by the former Cybertron High Guard, who mistook them for Sentinel Prime's spies. After watching D-16 beat down Starscream and take control of the guard, they were attacked by Sentinel's legion of Death Trackers and his enforcer, Airachnid. D-16, B-127, and many members of the Guard were captured, leaving Orion feeling hopeless. Elita, far from Orion's biggest fan, inspired him to keep going, reminding him that his greatest strength was his endless hope. Inspired, Orion rallied the remaining members of the Guard and organized a plan to free the others. While Elita smuggled them into Iacon, Orion made his first of many inspirational speeches to the cogless miners and convinced them to rise up against Sentinel after revealing the truth that their cogs were stolen.

"Can I come home?"
"The truce with Jotunheim is conditional upon your exile."

During the battle for Iacon, Orion helped free D-16 and the rest of the guard. While D-16 attacked Sentinel directly, Orion, B-127, and Elita instead focused on revealing Sentinel's treachery to the entire city via Airachnid's memories. After broadcasting them thoughout the entire city, D-16, despite the truth being out, was still set on killing the false Prime. Orion pleaded with him, trying to make his friend see that his path of vengeance was not the way to build the future. Shoving Orion aside, D-16 aimed his fusion cannon at Sentinel, only for his shot to hit Orion as he jumped in the way, blowing a hole through his chest and knocking him over a cliff. A horrified D-16 managed to catch Orion by the wrist, dangling over the edge. Mortally wounded, Orion begged his friend to not let go, only for D-16 to bitterly tell him he was done saving him and let him fall.

Primus took note of Orion's selfless sacrifice. As Orion plummeted into the depths, the structure of Cybertron opened up around him so that he fell into the planet's very core. There, the spirits of the Primes appeared around Orion, including Alpha Trion, who announced that Primus had judged him worthy to bear the Matrix of Leadership and be custodian of Cybertron's future. The Matrix materialized and settled into Orion's chest cavity, transforming him into Optimus Prime. Hurled back to the surface, Optimus landed before D-16, now Megatron, and fought to stop him from destroying any more of the city, ultimately forcing him to surrender by destroying his fusion cannon with an energon-axe. Saddened by the path of destruction his old friend had chosen, Optimus banished Megatron and his followers from Iacon. Knowing he could not lead the planet alone, Optimus asked Elita and B-127 to work with him, an offer that was readily accepted by both bots. Holding the Matrix high, energon began flowing in abundance once again and the miners were granted cogs, becoming fully autonomous "Autobots". Optimus vowed that the Autobots would defend Cybertron from the Quintessons and any future enemies.One

Toys

One

Am I Prime? Am I Pax? You decide!

• Optimus Prime/Orion Pax (Prime Changers, 2024)

• TakaraTomy name: Deluxe Class Optimus Prime (デラックスクラス オプティマスプライム)
• TakaraTomy ID number: OD-01
• Accessories: 2 shoulder pipes, Energon axe, Matrix of Leadership

Released as part of Transformers One's Prime Changers line, Optimus Prime is a Deluxe Class-ish figure and transforms from a robot to a Cybertronian truck in 20 steps. Like the other Prime Changers, he has pearlescent plastic and glittery paint applications, specifically his silver and gunmetal paint.

His removable shoulder pipes can double as blasters. He comes with his Energon axe which can be wielded on his hands and stored on his back or between his legs in alt mode. Both the shoulder pipes and axe are Fire Blast effect-compatible. The included Matrix of Leadership can be held using 5 mm posts with both hands. Word of caution: the Matrix may break if the arms are pulled apart while he is holding it due to the thin plastic. There is a Generations-style 3 mm port on his posterior in robot mode for use with various industry standard action figure stands.

Due to its short friction pegs, the wrists can become floppy or pop off easily. The stock photography on the back of his box shows him with an Autobot symbol in the center of his chest above his windshield, but the actual toy lacks one.

Like a few of his other One toys, the Prime Changer seems to be based on an early design for Optimus Prime (see Notes). The designers of the larger Studio Series Deluxe toy consider this Prime Changer toy as the Orion Pax form due to its smaller size.^[2]

• Optimus Prime/Orion Pax (Mega Changers, 2024)

Released as part of the rebranded "Mega Changers" line, this 12-inch Optimus Prime figure transforms from a robot to a Cybertronian truck. The toy itself is based on the Optimus Prime design, but the box art uses images of Orion Pax and his truck mode.

• Bumblebee/B-127, Optimus Prime/Orion Pax, Megatron/D-16, & Starscream (Mega Changer 4-Pack, 2024)

Mega Changer Optimus Prime/Orion Pax was re-released in November as part of a Target-exclusive multi-pack with Bumblebee/B-127, Megatron/D-16, and Starscream, $10 cheaper than the four individually.

Tallest smokestacks in the west.

• Optimus Prime/Orion Pax (2-in-1 Mask, 2024)

This Optimus Prime transforms into a wearable mask in 18 steps. This toy does not resemble his One design, with the robot mode having elements of his Evergreen design while the mask's mouthplate is based on his Bumblebee design.

• Power Flip Optimus Prime (2024)

• TakaraTomy name: Ultimate Power Change Optimus Prime (アルティメットパワーチェンジ オプティマスプライム)
• TakaraTomy release date: 2024 October 12
• Accessories: sword, Energon axe, shield, Matrix of Leadership

This large Optimus Prime toy transforms into 4 different modes: An old Leader Class-sized Orion Pax, Cybertronian Truck, a Super Class-sized Optimus Prime (by extending his torso and legs), and "Ultimate" Optimus Prime (by flipping him back like a Flip-and-Change figure). He features lights and sounds that are activated by a button on his crotch and during transformation. He includes a sword based on Prima Prime's weapon, Energon axe, Matrix of Leadership, and a shield that's just the roof of the truck mode.

The figure's articulation is fairly limited, only having a swivel for the head and hands and joints for the arms, shoulders, and legs (the latter two having a very limited range), and lacking knees and foot articulation.

Prime found Excalibur and took the stone with it.

• Optimus Prime vs. Megatron (Robot Battlers, 2024)

• Accessories: Energon sword, axe, base

Optimus Prime transforms from a robot to a Cybertronian truck. The figure can be placed on a base to perform action moves by sliding the finger slots to knock an opponent's figure off of their base. He is packaged in a 2-pack set with Megatron, and includes an additional axe accessory alongside the standard Energon sword.

• Cybertron Rush Battle: Leader-tachi no Tatakai (サイバトロンラッシュバトル リーダーたちの戦い, 2024)

• ID number: OCR-01
• Release date: 2024 October 12

The Robot Battlers Optimus Prime was released in Japan as part of a "Cybertron Rush Battle" 3-pack with Elita-1 and Megatron.

• Optimus Prime/Orion Pax vs. Megatron/D-16 (Race Changers, 2024)

• Accessories: launcher

"Race Changers" Optimus Prime/Orion Pax is, shockingly, a retool of Bot Shots Optimus Prime from 2012. He has a new front grill and a spoiler has been added to the back of his trailer. He features a spring-loaded automatic transformation to robot mode triggered when his front bumper is pressed. His chest spinner no longer has the battle gimmick, only an Autobot insignia on one side with the other sides left blank. The included launcher is a new design.

Optimus comes in a Target-exclusive 2-pack with Megatron/D-16. They can be launched at each other for combative play or have the launchers connected side-by-side for racing action. Interestingly, the launchers have "2017" molded into their bottoms, whereas the original Bot Shots toyline ended in 2013. This suggests these remolds were made for an earlier toyline but weren't released until now.

"Schrödinger's Matrix bearer" postulates that this toy exists in a quantum superposition of being both Optimus Prime and Orion Pax at the same time until the presence of the Matrix is observed.

• Megatron/D-16 / Optimus Prime/Orion Pax / Autobot Mirage (Iacon Race 3-pack, 2024)

Released as part of the Target-exclusive Iacon Race 3-pack, Optimus Prime/Orion Pax is a retool of the second Cyberverse Optimus Prime 1-Step Changers toy based on his appearance in Transformers One and transforms between robot and truck modes in one step. The robot mode is based on Optimus Prime, but the truck is based on Orion Pax's with its telltale narrower windows. The box art also displays Cogged Orion Pax.

Optimus/Orion comes packaged with Mirage and Megatron/D-16. Initial listings for the set had the name "Racing Warrior 3-pack".

Babymus Prime.

• Energon Matrix Optimus Prime (2024)

Released exclusively for Walmart, this simple figure "transforms" between his Optimus Prime and Cog-less Orion Pax forms by opening his back to rotate his head and chest panels, with the Optimus chest panel featuring a sculpted in Matrix of Leadership. His only articulation is shoulder swivels. His body is based on his cog-less form, but he is packaged as Optimus Prime.

He's got the blue touch.

• Ultimate Energon Optimus Prime (2024)

• TakaraTomy name: Energon Power Optimus Prime (エネルゴンパワー オプティマスプライム)
• TakaraTomy ID number: OE-EX
• TakaraTomy release date: 2024 July 13
• Accessories: Energon axe, Matrix of Leadership

This roughly Commander Class-sized Optimus Prime toy is exclusive to Walmart. He features translucent blue plastic for an Energon effect, including an Energon axe and a Matrix of Leadership. The Axe can be mounted onto one of the back robot mode portholes or the rear truck wheels for storage. The Matrix can be illuminated by Prime's internal lights, and is removable from his chest, though the figure cannot hold it with its hands.

He was released as a Toys"R"Us exclusive in Japan.

You could build a house with that alt-mode.

• Optimus Prime/Orion Pax (1-Step Cog Changer, 2024)

• TakaraTomy name: Cog Power Change Optimus Prime (コグパワーチェンジ オプティマスプライム)
• TakaraTomy ID number: OCP-04
• TakaraTomy release date: 2024 October 12

Released as part of the Cog Changers line, Optimus Prime/Orion Pax transforms from robot to Cybertronian truck by sliding up and pressing a transformation cog shaped panel on his chest. Transformation into robot mode is done manually by flipping the upper truck hood/robot torso in place. Aside from the wider windows, the toy is based on his Cogged Orion Pax form, which is also used for packaging art.

I'm still worthy!

• Brave Commander Optimus Prime (ブレイブコマンダー オプティマスプライム, 2024)

• Release date: 2024 September 12
• Accessories: Energon Axe, Matrix of Leadership

"Brave Commander Optimus Prime" is a figure around the size of a larger Leader Class. He transforms into a Cybertron truck based on the Orion Pax design. He features an interchangeable face gimmick, opening hands, and pop-out cannons that work in both modes by triggering black switches on the back of his shoulders. His Energon Axe stores on his back and in vehicle mode via 5 mm ports. Optimus Prime also features a removable Matrix (the first to be fully gold like the film) inside his opening chest panel, which he can hold in his hands.

In an undocumented feature, there's a slot on the back of the truck bed which allows him to tow the trailer of Masterpiece MP-44 Convoy Ver.3.0.

Made for the TakaraTomy market, Brave Commander Optimus Prime was also available at Hasbro Pulse and other online retailers in the United States and Canada.

Studio Series

Unlike Thor, Prime knows far too well how to go for the head.

• Optimus Prime (Deluxe Class, 2024)
  • Movie: Transformers One
  • Hasbro ID number: 112
  • TakaraTomy name: Optimus Prime (オプティマスプライム)
  • TakaraTomy ID number: SS-134
  • TakaraTomy release date: 2024 November 30
  • Accessories: 2 shoulder pipes, dual-barrel blaster, Energon Axe, Matrix of Leadership, "Metropolis of Iacon" backdrop

• Known designers: Evan Brooks (Hasbro), Shuhei Umezu (TakaraTomy)^[2]

Studio Series One Optimus Prime is a larger Deluxe Class figure and transforms into a Cybertronian truck in 25 steps. His shoulder pipes are removable and can double as blasters, though they can't use blast effects like the above Prime Changer. His energon axe, however, keeps the effect peg and also fuctions similarly, pegging into his hand and storing on his back in robot mode and in the truck bed. The included Matrix of Leadership can tab into slots in his fists without the need for opening hands. He comes with a "dual-barrel blaster" meant only for his truck mode, which can be stored under his back in robot mode. Lastly, Optimus comes with a backdrop showcasing the Iacon cityscape as seen in the film.

Optimus was revealed on April 18, 2024, alongside the premiere of the movie's first trailer. Released at the Deluxe Class price point, Optimus is a smaller (and more affordable) figure than previous Optimus toys in the line. He was the first figure announced to be in the "A-Level" assortment, being released outside of a main wave for extended periods for greater availability.

Where's a magic hammer when you need one?

• Optimus Prime (Limited Edition Battle Damage Ver.) (Deluxe Class, 2024)
  • Movie: Transformers One
  • ID number: 112
  • Accessories: 2 shoulder pipes, dual-barrel blaster, Energon Axe, Matrix of Leadership, "Metropolis of Iacon" backdrop

• Known designers: Evan Brooks (Hasbro), Shuhei Umezu (TakaraTomy)^[2]

This Optimus Prime is an extensively hand-painted version of the above Studio Series Deluxe, being covered in black wash and silver battle damage. Notably, the dual-barrel blaster goes unpainted, which particularly stands out in vehicle mode.

Limited to 230 copies worldwide, the front of each box has a numbered sticker with the Transformers 40th Anniversary logo. Of the 230 units, 40 were distributed at Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong 2024 as a gift with minimum purchases of HK$3000; 5 were distributed at Toy Expo 2024 in the Philippines with a minimum purchase of PHP20,000.

Merchandise

Transformers One

• Optimus Prime (2024)

A children's product based off his appearance in the One film, the Optimus Prime costume is comprised of a bodysuit and mask.

Yolopark

Near-middle finger right hand sadly not included.

• (Cog-less Bot Mode) Orion Pax (AMK Series Model Kit, 2024)

• Japanese Name: Orion Pax (オライオンパックス)
• Japanese Release Date: March 2025
• Accessories: 3 pairs of hands, Cog of Conversion Transformation Cog, Jetpack

Released as part of Yolopark's Advance Model Kit (AMK) lineup, this Orion Pax is modeled after his Cog-less Cybertronian form, and he can be only completed by snapping the pre-painted pieces together. Aside from his hand parts, Orion also comes with an additional jetpack he used to mine (and interfere in the Iacon 5000 race), and a Transformation Cog.

While the Cog can be installed into Orion's empty slot, it does not have holes or friction to hold it.

Like most Yolopark AMK kits, Orion's pre-assembled parts can also be detached, except for the pinned areas, making it generally easy to customize the kit if desired.

Orion Pax can be bought in either the default-styled "gift box" or "tin box"-styled packaging. The latter can be purchased with the other three Cog-less figures as a 4-pack set that comes with an acrylic standee.

• (Cogged Bot Mode) Orion Pax (AMK Series Model Kit, 2024)

• Japanese Name: Optimus Prime/Orion Pax (オプティマスプライム／オライオンパックス)
• Japanese Release Date: March 2025
• Accessories: 2 pairs of hands, right weapon-wielding hand, pointing left hand, blaster

This model kit of Orion Pax is based on his cogged form, and he comes with the blaster taken from the Death Trackers, and one of his pointing fingers is now swapped with an accessory-wielding hand for the weapon.

Blokees

• Orion Pax (Galaxy Version, 2024)
  • Series: Galaxy Version 05 - One
  • Accessories: 2 open hands, pistol, spare peg-and-ball piece, stand

Blokees Orion Pax is a 4.25 inch tall non-transforming buildable figure representing his cog-less form. He appears once in every case of nine blind boxes. As with the rest of his wave, Orion features an upgraded suite of standard body parts, with sturdier hinge joints and slightly more complex builds than their Generation 1 counterparts.

Orion includes the usual pairs of gripping fists and open hands, a laser pistol, his secondary cannon, and a two-studded connectable figure stand.

• Optimus Prime (Galaxy Version, 2024)
  • Series: Galaxy Version 05 - One
  • Accessories: 2 open hands, Energon axe, Death Tracker laser blaster, spare peg-and-ball piece, stand

The headline figure of the fifth Galaxy Version wave, Optimus Prime represents the young hero's new form at the climax of the film. His Energon axe pegs in with the same standard ball joint that Blokees hands use, allowing him to pose with and swing the blade with a degree of freedom.

Prime's smokestacks are mounted on symmetrical pegs on his shoulder armor, giving you the option to peg them in upside down to represent his flamethrower move.

This deco of Optimus Prime has a pull rate of 1 in every 12 boxes, or three times across four cases.

• Optimus Prime (Secret) (Galaxy Version, 2024)
  • Series: Galaxy Version 05 - One
  • Accessories: 2 open hands, Energon axe, laser blaster, spare peg-and-ball piece, stand

The chase figure of Galaxy Version 05, this Optimus is slathered in delicious metallic paint, with additional printed detail on his forearms, thighs, and feet. He retains the same selection of accessories as his standard deco, with more shiny paint on his Death Tracker blaster and inaccurate hints of orange across the edges of his blue axe.

As is standard for Galaxy Version chase variants, Optimus has a pull rate of 1 in every 36 boxes, i.e. once in four cases.

• Optimus Prime (Classic Class, 2024)

• ID number: 11
• Accessories: 2 pairs of hands (grip, open palm), 2 face parts (masked, unmasked), Energon Axe, Matrix of Leadership, Tracker blaster, 2 figure stands, 2 energy effects

Released as part of Blokees' Classic Class model kit line, this Optimus Prime is a 4.5-inch tall non-transforming Deluxe/Prime Changer-sized Gunpla-style model kit with some pre-painted parts on the runners. He also features a torso frame that lights up upon shaking (or at least lightly tap some areas on the torso), causing the eyes and the Matrix to glow for a limited time. Aside from the usual display stand and two pairs of hand parts, Optimus also includes a Tracker Blaster (used by his cogged Orion Pax form) to hold and an interchangeable unmasked face piece. While the pieces are molded on a touch-gate runner for easy removal of parts without nippers or tools, the former is required for a cleaner cut.

Though advertised as a removable accessory, the Matrix of Leadership is generally impossible to remove from the torso unless the entire piece is disassembled to pop it out from the inside.

Notes

• There appears to have been an earlier concept design for Optimus Prime that was used for several of his toys, notably the Prime Changer, Mega Changer, and Robot Battler. This design has prominent sloped kneepads, a narrower chest window (but not pinched in the middle like Orion Pax's), and an angled collar section similar to his Cogged Orion Pax design.
• One of Optimus Prime's models has a blue axe with an orange trim instead of the orange axe with a blue trim from the final film. This older model is in a few promotional renders and was the reference used for most of his 2024 merchandise.
• Many of his toys and merchandise also use a traditional silver/gray instead of the light bronze of his final design.
• Orion's interest in the archives is a nod to his backstory from both Transformers: The War Within and the Aligned Continuity, where he was a data clerk before becoming Prime.

Foreign names

• Japanese: Optimus Prime (オプティマスプライム Oputimasu Puraimu), Orion Pax (オライオンパックス Oraion Pakkusu)

Gallery

• 

  Original miner body

• 

  Cogged form

References