Seriously, what is the thought process behind this? There is nothing in the trailers/spots at this point to suggest that he will be killed?

 

Because any time a robot is seen in a rough spot or on the ground in a trailer or television spot some fans think that means the character is dying. Apparently Grimlock burrowing his way out of the ground and popping up like a giant whack-a-mole before rolling around means he's getting killed by humans to some fans.

 

Probably because every other person thinks Peter Cullen's about to croak at any second for some reason.

And even if he does die between movies, that doesn't mean Optimus has to die/disappear, too. I mean c'mon people!

EDIT: Also the fact that Bumblebee's become as popular if not even more popular than Optimus.

 

People have been thinking for a while now that Hasbro is trying to slowly phase Optimus out of the franchise and replace him with Bumblebee. Mainly since both the movies and the cartoons have been really pushing Bee as a replacement. Plus, Optimus was dead throughout the beginning of the RID cartoon.

 

Because some fans over think things too much.

 

I don't think this because of Peter Cullen or the fact we see him getting injured. It's just the whole "game changer" and how this movie is going to essentially a "final chapter and new beginning." It feels like that something will happen to Optimus.

But I imagine Optimus would go down as a hero because Peter Cullen wouldn't allow the idea of Optimus being killed as a villain, it goes against the main core idea of Optimus. (Note I said core, different takes on the character are fine.) Hasbro has experimented in the idea of not having Megatron as a villain or Optimus as a leader. Add in the fact that they definitely seem keen of the idea of pushing forward Bumblebee as a successor.

 

Because it has already been stated that there will be a new Prime in the movie

 

So what?

 

Combine what you said with how they keep talking about how this movie is supposed to end a chapter and start the cinematic universe.

So Bumblebee gets a solo movie and the last time they started a new cartoon chapter with Prime ending and Robots in Disguise starting Optimus bit the big one. Perhaps people are thinking they will do the same thing with the live action movies that they did with the cartoons.

 

Well this movie introduces Hot Rod, who in G1 became Rodimus Prime, so it's safe to assume he will be the new Prime... and we ALL know what happened to Optimus Prime that caused Hot Rod to become Rodimus Prime

 

The last movie introduced Galvatron, that didn't follow TF:TM.

 

This is Bayverse Hot Rod. I do not see him becoming Rodimus Prime unless they decide not to make Bee a Prime. Since I'm pretty sure that Bee becomes a Knight, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him elevated to a young Prime.

As for Optimus, if I recall correctly, there was a tidbit not too long ago that said he'll question his role as leader. My theory is, after the events of TLK, he'll question who he is and if he's a true leader. This will result in him going into a self imposed exile, to gather his thoughts and make decisions on what he wants for his people and himself. I don't think Optimus will die, but I think his self confidence takes one hell of a hit.

 

Isn't that what everyone does on these boards?

 

These are my exact thoughts on the matter. Add in the fact he probably would have done the unthinkable and killed/severely injured one of his Autobots, it would definitely cause him to seclude himself. Maybe even "arrest" himself to the rumored TF prison as an added measure for his acts against his Autobots and humanity, whether he was mind controlled or not.

 

Now that you mention it, exile does sound like the more likely route.

 

Not safe to say at all. As pointed out, look what happened to Galvatron. Look at other things like Arcee, she didn't stick around to be a main character like in the 86 movie.

 

some say he dies because of that last knight thing or other reasons ... some say he doesn´t ... I think both can be correct

remember megatron !? drom dotm ... for all the definitions of the word, he died in dark of the moon ...

however, he continues to exist because of the allspark energy in his body ...

optimus has that too ... he can be killed in the last knight to pass on his prime status and still exist afterwards

 

this gave me an idea that I'll have to make a new thread on  

 

Since when does Peter Cullen (or any of the cast) have any say in the direction of the story? That's nonsense.

As far as Bumblebee replacing OP - the problem with that is the silent BB is so ingrained in the film franchise now that I don't see how they could have him talk, at least in films set in present day. And how are you going to have a popcorn action movie based around a mute lead character?

Now having said that sure I think there's a decent chance they kill Prime. Is there any chance he stays dead long term? Of course not.

 

Optimus Prime and bumblebee aren't gonna die there just battling it out and they'll live since Cade Yeager is around