If it is wasn’t obvious already, we have some reasonably good information from Dan Gilvezan, the original Transformers G1 Bumblebee voice actor, that Optimus Prime: Awakening is actually the setup for a brand new 2027 Transformers G1 YouTube AnimatedSeries. Gilvezanhas let it be known he auditioned for the Awakening Bumblebee voice part, but was not chosen for the role in the series. Read the full statement he posted on Facebook @dan.gilvezan, as follows below:
Here’s some further info on the G1 Bumblebee featured in the Optimus Prime: Awakening short shown after the 86 movie re-release:
According to reliable sources the short is meant to be a teaser for a Transformers YouTube series to be released by Hasbro next year. It can only be assumed that the individual who voiced BB in the teaser will go on to voice the character in the series. Am I happy about this? No. Is there anything I can do about it? No. Can my loyal fan base who have supported me for the last 40 years do anything about it? Maybe. Any ideas on how to get Hasbro to change course and go with the original (remaining) G1 voices for a G1 based series? Let me hear from you.
There have been rumors swirling recently about a new Generation 1 animated series. Presumably, it is being made in addition to the Skybound Energon Universe Animated Series announced in October 2025. Not hard to believe with Hasbro practically broadcasting at SDCC last July about the Studio Series G1 Universe. They just gave us more hints with the release of the Optimus Prime: Awakening Bumblebee figure with character profile information that reveals a tortured past: “Held inside Hoover Dam and experimented on, Bumblebee is released from captivity with the help of Sam Witwicky“.
It is hard to understand why Gilvezanwasn’t the obvious choice as an original voice working again with Peter Cullen and Frank Welker. Dan is openly upset about this decision appealing to fans to share their voices of support with hope clearer heads will prevail. See the comment and image posted last week ib his Instagram @dan_gilvezan account below.
Shouldn’t they have used Dan Gilvezan, the OG voice of G1 Bumblebee, instead?
