Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry reveal the depth and nuance they brought into their roles in the much-anticipated “Transformers One,” the first-ever fully CG-animated Transformers movie.

Both actors are stepping into legendary characters. Hemsworth voices the noble Optimus Prime while Henry is the complex villain Megatron.

To the actors, “Transformers One” is not just an action-packed, visually stunning spectacle, but also a story driven by profound emotional connections and themes of identity, love, and transformation.

Before Optimus Prime, there was Orion Pax, a worker bot who dreams of doing something bigger for his community.

"I think it sort of resonates with a lot of people, most of us I hope,” said Hemsworth about his character yearning to be something more. 

“The idea that we have some influence on our journey in life, and that our path isn't sort of preordained. It has a lot to do with the work and commitment and our own passion, our own sense of hope and what we want to achieve, or what we believe is possible.”

Meanwhile, Henry’s approach to playing Megatron, a character synonymous with villainy in the Transformers universe, goes far beyond the typical portrayal of a ruthless antagonist.

For him, unlocking Megatron’s origin was the key to understanding the character.

“I’ve always had a fascination with villains, especially from our youth,” he said. “In cartoons, when they present them to you, it's just like, you always hate this guy. I’m like: there’s got to be more.”

The actor added: “Villains are diehard; they’re going to rally behind what it is that they want to change, and usually it's something that they've discovered and being disillusioned."

"What they thought was real isn't really what it is. And so that's what I wanted to bring to Megatron. But I also really loved the connection between he and Optimus—like to realize that they actually are thick as thieves.”

Directed by Josh Cooley, the new take brings fans back to the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron’s relationship, exploring their once-strong bond before it fractured into the bitter rivalry that defines their future battles.

Hemsworth channeled Optimus Prime’s leadership and resilience and leaned into the character’s calm authority.

Henry, meanwhile, sought to capture the intensity and inner turmoil of Megatron, ensuring that his portrayal carried both gravitas and vulnerability.

The movie’s all-star voice cast includes Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm.

“Transformers One” is now rolling in the Philippines and will be out in the U.S. on Sept. 20.