The early 2000s Transformers films left a memorable impression on popular culture and the action blockbuster scene of its time. Not to mention, Optimus Prime and his iconic phrase: ‘Calling Out All Autobots’, is an image etched into every Transformers fan’s memory. Not to mention, the Transformers franchise has thrived through numerous mediums. Amid the franchise’s immense popularity, Transformers One took the entire internet by storm, breaking several box office records along the way.
Transformers One is set 300 years before the timeline of live-action movies. It features the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron. While most fans view them as enemies, the two were once close friends, and the brotherhood was showcased beautifully, captivating fans worldwide. Regardless, Chris Hemsworth, voicing Optimus Prime, left many fans in disbelief, ultimately playing a key role in the film’s immense success.
Chris Hemsworth’s Role in Driving Transformers One to Success
While Transformers began as a series of comics and toys, it found its popularity in the world of television. The cartoons allowed viewers to see the incredible transformations of every character and exceeded fans’ initial expectations with every episode.
Instead of another live-action/CGI hybrid, the IP returned to its animation roots with Transformers One, starring Chris Hemsworth. Surprisingly, the change of medium wasn’t the biggest highlight, as, unlike most Transformers releases over the years, this one didn’t involve Peter Cullen.Â
Indeed, Chris Hemsworth had a huge responsibility of stepping into such a legendary role without upsetting the Transformers fandom or tarnishing Peter Cullen’s legacy. Irrespective of the medium, Peter Cullen has always served as the voice of the all-knowing, wise Optimus Prime until Transformer One.
Stepping into the role, Chris Hemsworth faced immense pressure to deliver a great experience for veteran fans. While some fans doubted Chris could live up to Peter’s esteemed legacy, the famous Hollywood Star shut down the critics with the Transformers One‘s mind-boggling success.
According to Box Office Mojo’s reports, Transformers One garnered over US$25 million over its opening weekend, landing at #2 at the U.S. box office. Apart from that, fans also witnessed the reunion of former Avengers co-stars, Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson for the animated film Transformers One.
Jujutsu Kaisen Surpasses One Piece, Becoming the Most Popular Animated Series
Eiichiro Oda‘s One Piece stands as one of the most recognized anime, earning the title of Big Three alongside Naruto or Bleach. While One Piece continues to set a notable example for many new-gen anime, Jujutsu Kaisen has surpassed Oda-sensei’s masterpiece in terms of popularity.
In just under six years since its first chapter’s release, Gege Akutami’s manga is now crowned as the most popular anime in the Shonen industry. Interestingly, Guinness World Records has officially announced Jujutsu Kaisen as the world’s most in-demand anime series.
According to the reports, global demand for Gege Akutami’s work is rated 71.2 times greater than the average TV show. JJK has dethroned giants like Attack on Titan and One Piece with ease. Naturally, many anime fans were left stunned after Jujutsu Kaisen secured the Guinness World Record as the ‘world’s most popular animated show’.
While debates about whether JJK or One Piece is more popular can stir heated discussions in the community, one aspect of Eiichiro Oda’s OP caused it to fall behind JJK in popularity. Gege Akutami’s JJK will be concluded under 300 chapters, while the iconic One Piece treasure, introduced in Episode 1, remains a mystery even after 1000+ manga chapters.
Jujutsu Kaisen can be streamed on Crunchyroll, whereas the manga can be read on Viz Media.
