OTTAWA – Following news of the passing of Montreal-born actor Peter Cullen, best known as the voice of Optimus Prime, nerds across Canada are demanding Ottawa hold a state funeral for the late performer.
“Optimus Prime taught me to be a better person,” says Kevin Plamandon, 42 of Gatineau, QC. “For example, in the episode ‘The Ultimate Doom’ he chooses to protect human life instead of gaining an advantage over the Decepticons. Real strength isn’t in things like his awesome ion cannon. It’s the ability to protect the vulnerable.”
Cullen voiced the Transformers leader in almost every iteration of the popular franchise, since its debut in the 1980s as an extended toy commercial that is enjoyed by both children and middle-aged men today.
“Sure, people might see these shows as just big dumb robots punching each other, but Optimus Prime’s philosophy was that freedom is the right of all sentient beings. He would only punch, wield the Energon Axe, or use the Matrix of Leadership as a last resort and only to protect that right to freedom,” Plamandon added, while sombrely transforming his vintage G1 Optimus Prime figure from robot mode to semi-truck.
“He’s a Canadian hero in my book,” agrees Rebecca Chiasson, 28, of Eel Riving Crossing, NB. “Cullen’s brother was a U.S. Marine who told him that ‘he has to be strong enough to be gentle’ and that’s how he played Optimus. In fact, I haven’t been this sad since watching the 1986 Transformers movie, where Optimus Prime sacrifices himself onscreen in the first 10 minutes and dies.”
Chiasson and Plamandon both agree Cullen’s life and accomplishments warrant a state funeral, at least, in the country of his birth.
“I’d like to see a procession where a giant black robot carries Cullen’s remains and then transforms into a hearse to drive to the funeral,” Plamandon said. “Something dignified like that.”
Prime Minister Carney’s office was asked to provide comments on the request for a state funeral. The PMO returned a map of the procession route and a brief, cryptic message: “Autobots, roll out.”
