Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Transformers OneA potential sequel toTransformersOnecan finally redeem one of the most mistreated Autobots in the live-action movies. In the movies, the live-action Cybertronian heroes led by Optimus Prime typically bear some degree of resemblance to their first-generation counterparts, even if their alt forms are different with more modern vehicle scans. However, the multiple visual changes that have been made to one Autobot in particular are quite egregious, and his unique design has rarely been shown in the movies.
In the recent animated movieTransformersOne,all the Autobots and Decepticons very much resemble their G1 designsas they were depicted in the original animated series of the 1980s. This includes Wheeljack, the future mechanic and Autobot inventor who possesses unique head fins that light up when he talks instead of a more traditional mouth. However,Wheeljack’s iconic visual design has rarely been seen in the previous live-actionTransformersmovies, something future animated movies can hopefully correct.
Wheeljack Has Rarely Looked Good In The Live-Action Transformers Movies
Inventive, But Certainly Not Accurate By Any Means
Seeking to evoke the scientist aesthetic,the two most predominant live-action designs for Wheeljack are very similar and equally disappointing. First appearing in 2011’sTransformers: Dark of the Moon, the first iteration of Wheeljack aka Que was depicted as an older Autobot who very much looked like an elderly tinkerer with glasses and wispy wires resembling white hair (he was also voiced by George Coe). However, this was nothing like the franchise’s preexisting depictions of Wheeljack, and this version didn’t feature the iconic head fins either.
In the same vein,the new Wheeljack design that debuts in 2023’sTransformers: Rise of the Beastsand its new canon does not resemble the original Wheeljack either. Voiced byTed Lasso’sCristo Fernandez, this version of Wheeljack is a full nerd with glasses and seat belts resembling suspenders. There is a single shot inRise of the Beasts’final battle where two smaller head fins pop out of either side of Wheeljack’s head, presumably as a nod to his classic G1 depiction. However, they’re extremely easy to miss, and their purpose is never specified. After all,Rise of the Beasts’Wheeljack did have a typical mouth.
Wheeljack’s Most Unique Feature Is WHY He’s So Popular
So Why Are The Live-Action Movies Afraid Of It?
These two underwhelming depictions are even more frustrating when 2018’sBumblebeeis taken into account, having been released between the two movies with its own depiction of Wheeljack. Briefly featured in a cameo roleduring the movie’s Cybertron battle sequences among other G1-inspired Transformers, Wheeljack does indeed have his head fins that light up when he talks. Directly inspired by his G1 style, this live-action version of Wheeljack was perfect and looked incredible…only for the next movie,Rise of the Beasts,to completely ignore it and redo the entire visual design (and not for the better).
Transformers One Ending Explained: Optimus Prime, Megatron & Cybertron’s Future
Transformers One explores Optimus Prime and Megatron’s origins, and the movie’s ending sets up the future for Cybertron, Autobots, and Decepticons.
It’s downright baffling as to why the live-actionTransformersmovies have seemingly been so shy of Wheeljack’s classic G1 appearance. After all, it’s such a uniquely cool part of his design, and a primary reason for his popularity,not unlike Soundwave’s popularitycoming from his uniquely monotone voice compared to other Cybertronians and his minicon minions that eject from his chest. Keeping that in mind, it does seem as thoughTransformers Onehas finally created the perfect opportunity for Wheeljack to finally be redeemed and receive the respect he’s long been due when it comes to his visual design.
A Transformers One Sequel Can Succeed With Wheeljack Where The Live-Action Movies Failed
Finally, A Visually Faithful Version Of The Iconic Autobot
In 2024’sTransformers One, Wheeljack looks perfect and exactly the way he always should have in the live-actionTransformersmovies. While he doesn’t have a primary role in the prequel, Wheeljack was featured more than once throughout the animated movie, classic light-up head fins and all. To that end, the hope would be that this initial debut is just the beginning for Wheeljack. Having received his transformation cog and joining the Autobots by the movie’s end, one could expect that Wheeljack would serve asa key member of Optimus Prime’s forces in a futureTransformers Onesequel(which will hopefully be made following the first movie’s very positive reception).
Transformers Oneis now playing in theaters and available on digital.
Transformers One
Cast
Transformers One is an animated action-adventure movie that marks the first animated feature-length film for the series in decades. The film will be a prequel to the franchise, and will tell the story of Optimus Prime and Megatron in their early years, how they met, and a closer look at the war on their home planet, Cybertron.
