Movies and TV Fans Launch A Change.org Petition For Hasbro To Use Original G1 Voice Actors In An Upcoming G1 YouTube Series And Future G1-Based Projects

Fans have reacted to absence of G1 voices in Optimus Prime: Awakening with a change.org petition! Hearing both Peter Cullen and Frank Welker in the 12-minute animated short that followed the anniversary TFTM movie screenings, but not Dan Gilvezan in the prominent role of G1 Bumblebee, just after fans heard his iconic voice in the film they just watched has definitely left many fans upset with Hasbro. Dan Gilvezan gave the character its iconic voice from 1984 all the way through 1987. He reprised the role several times, including just a few years ago for both the Devastation video game and the Robosen automatic transformer. The actor himself is wondering why he wasn't even contacted for the role, and wished that he could have worked with Peter Cullen one last time. You can find the quote from the petition and link to it below:

Sign the Petition

Hasbro: Use the Original G1 Transformers Voice Actors on All G1 projects

www.change.org

We are fans of the original 1984 Transformers series, the series that started it all! We are asking Hasbro to offer the remaining original Generation One voice actors roles on G1-based projects, when those actors are willing and available.

That includes G1-style projects similar to or following Optimus Prime: Awakening, anniversary specials, games, shorts, and other projects that use G1 designs, G1 continuity, or G1 characterizations.

For example, Dan Gilvezan created the voice of G1 Bumblebee. He has already returned for later G1 work, including Transformers: Devastation and Hasbro’s 40th-anniversary table read. Fans still hear his voice when they think of Bumblebee. The same is true of the other living original performers and the characters they defined.

Peter Cullen’s passing in August 2026 makes this matter more urgent. The original cast is finite. Hasbro has already shown the value of those voices at the 40th-anniversary event two years ago. Passing over available G1 actors on a G1 project is a missed opportunity to honor that legacy while they can still do the work.

We are not asking Hasbro to freeze every Transformers series in 1984. We are asking that G1-based projects treat the available original actors as the first call for the roles they originated.

Hasbro, Please:

1. Contact the remaining original G1 voice actors about G1-based projects now in development.

2. Make this the default practice for G1 continuity work moving forward.

3. Confirm to fans, publicly, that Hasbro will do this while those performers are available.

These actors helped build a 40-year brand. They helped create a universe fans around the world know and love. We still buy the toys, attend the conventions, and show up for anniversary screenings. Give our beloved characters the voices that made these characters matter.