ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dig into Hasbro’s “Transformers: The Apology Tour,” marking 40 years since Transformers: The Movie traumatized a generation by killing Optimus Prime. They also look at Peter Cullen’s final performance as the Autobot leader, his lesser-known Disney animation work, and Jim Cummings’ pointed reaction to the latest class of Disney Legends. Plus, there’s animation news from DreamWorks, Netflix and Laika, along with a box-office milestone for Coyote vs. Acme.
HIGHLIGHTS
• DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island heads to theaters on September 25 as the studio previews an extended opening sequence.
• Netflix keeps KPop Demon Hunters in the spotlight with new General Mills cereals while unveiling the trailer for its Cinderella-inspired animated musical Steps.
• Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn is headed to Netflix in December, while Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory is slated for a theatrical run before its 2027 streaming debut.
• Coyote vs. Acme crosses $50 million at the domestic box office, passing the reported price Ketchup Entertainment paid for its distribution rights.
• Hasbro’s “Transformers: The Apology Tour” revisits the still-infamous death of Optimus Prime in the 1986 animated feature.
• The 40th-anniversary theatrical release pairs Transformers: The Movie with the new CG short Optimus Prime: Awakening, featuring Peter Cullen’s final performance as Optimus Prime.
• Jim and Drew trace Cullen’s Disney animation history, including his work as Eeyore and the original voice of Monterey Jack on Chip ’n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers.
• Jim Cummings’ reaction to the latest Disney Legends ceremony sparks a larger discussion about who the honor should recognize.
• Laika releases the final trailer for Wildwood ahead of its October theatrical debut, with Drew’s The Art of Wildwoodarriving from Rizzoli Universe.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com
• Drew Taylor - X/Twitter: @DrewTailored - Instagram: @drewtailored - drewtaylor.work
FOLLOW
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SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
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