Unveiling the Original Thirteen Primes in ‘Transformers One’: Who Are They?

The prologue of the new CG-animated film ‘Transformers One’ explores the origins of Cybertron, beginning with Primus, a sentient interstellar being and the first Transformer who transformed into the planet itself. The film introduces the Original Thirteen Primes, the first generation of Transformers created by Primus, who serve as archetypes for the Cybertronian race. These Primes are depicted as the foremost Transformers, designed to teach, lead, and protect future generations. Among them are notable figures such as Micronus Prime, the first Mini-con, and Onyx Prime, the first beast Transformer. Their legacy is symbolized through the title “Prime,” which signifies nobility, virtue, and courage.

In ‘Transformers One’, Zeta Prime leads this noble assembly, wielding the Matrix of Leadership, a revered artefact. The story follows a young Cybertronian named Orion Pax, who lacks a transformation cog and embarks on a quest to find the lost Matrix to restore Cybertron’s declining resources and aid the non-transforming citizens burdened by manual labour. However, Orion learns that Sentinel Prime thought to be the last of the Primes, betrayed the Original Thirteen to the Quintessons during a past conflict, resulting in their execution.

Image Courtesy: Collider

The concept of the Original Thirteen has evolved over the years, first introduced in the 1999 ‘Covenant’ narrative, which depicted twelve progenitor Transformers based on zodiac signs. This later expanded to include Megatronus, also known as The Fallen, a character who initially betrayed the Primes but is portrayed differently in this film. Unlike past portrayals,  ‘Transformers One’ reimagines Sentinel Prime as the traitor, emphasizing his role in the downfall of the Original Thirteen.

By the film’s conclusion, Orion Pax is granted the Matrix of Leadership and the title of Optimus Prime, becoming the newest Prime and setting the stage for the conflict between Autobots and Decepticons, as Megatron, inspired by his fallen hero Megatronus, seeks to unify Cybertron under his rule. The film’s new continuity opens exciting possibilities for future instalments.

–Farheen Ali