Editing Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)

{{disambig3|War for Cybertron}}
{{nav-WarForCybertronSiege}}

[[File:Netflix-WFC-Siege-season-poster.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Haven't we been here before?]]]] 

'''''Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy''''' (also known as ''War for Cybertron'') is an animated series produced by [[Hasbro]] and [[Rooster Teeth]] based on the ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (franchise)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' toyline, with animation by [[Polygon Pictures]] and voice production by [[Horseless Cowboy]]. [[F.J. DeSanto]] acts as the series showrunner, a role he previously, partially held for the ''[[Prime Wars Trilogy]]'' web series, with [[George Krstic]], [[Gavin Hignight]], [[Brandon M. Easton]], [[Tim Sheridan]], and [[Mae Catt]] as writers. The show also sees [[Jake Foushee]], [[Jason Marnocha]], and [[Frank Todaro]] reprising their respective roles as [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], as well as previous ''Transformers'' alumni [[Keith Silverstein]] and [[Jessica DiGiovanni|Sophia Isabella]] returning for voicework. Three seasons aired on [[Netflix]], one for each of the franchise's three toylines; the first season was released on [[July 30]], [[2020]], the second season on [[December 30]], 2020, and the third on [[July 29]], [[2021]].

In conjunction with the series, Hasbro and [[TakaraTomy]] released a Netflix-branded [[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)#Netflix|toyline]] featuring more battle-worn decoes for pre-existing ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' toys, as well as toys based on characters introduced in the show. Leading up to the release of the final chapter, TakaryTomy announced the ''[[Transformers Premium Finish|Premium Finish]]'' line, half of which features characters from the Netflix show with extremely [[show-accuracy|animation accurate]] paint jobs.

==Overview==
The planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] has been ravaged by an endless civil war between [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and his [[Autobot]]s and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and his [[Decepticon]]s, with the former in ruins but refusing to stand down. Frustrated, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] surrenders to Megatron shortly before they learn of the life-giving [[AllSpark|Allspark]], and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s plan to reformat all Autobots on the planet into Decepticons. Ultra Magnus overhears everything and relays it to the Autobots, launching a hunt for the Allspark from both factions. After an imprisoned Ultra Magnus is murdered by Megatron, neutral scavenger [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] obtains the [[Alpha Trion Protocols]] containing the location of the Allspark and reluctantly joins the Autobots. Despite warnings of dooming the planet itself, Optimus Prime forms a plan to flee Cybertron aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' with the Allspark. The Autobots cautiously trust ex-Decepticon [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] to lead them into the dangerous [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]] to obtain the Allspark, while [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and Decepticon [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] repair a derelict [[space bridge]], and Bumblebee steals raw [[energon]] from the [[Mercenary|Mercenaries]] to power the ''Ark''. The synchronous plan succeeds, though [[Elita One (G1)|Elita-1]] is left to continue the war effort on Cybertron, the Allspark is lost among the stars, and the ''Ark'' is left adrift as an unknown ship approaches...  

With Cybertron unable to sustain life, Megatron and the Decepticons plan to search for a new world aboard the newly-constructed ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', though Elita-1 and her team cause trouble by freeing prisoners whose sparks power the ship. The ''Ark'' Autobots are captured by the ''[[Fool's Fortune]]'' Mercenaries led by [[Doubledealer]] and contracted by [[Quintesson Judge]] [[Deseeus]], though he betrays them, motivating the thieves help the Autobots escape, while secretly selling out their location to Megatron. After the ''Nemesis'' departs to follow the ''Ark'', Shockwave lures other weak Decepticons to [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon Arena]] to harvest their sparks, prompting Elita-1 and Decepticon [[Scrapface]]'s forces to detonate the harvester, though they are all killed in the blast. Elsewhere, the ''Ark'' locates the Allspark and travels to the derelict [[Nebulon Station]], but their attempts to destroy it and pass through the accompanying space bridge come to a stop by the Decepticons. After a united brawl against the [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] uses the ''Nemesis'' cannons to destroy everyone present, but the resulting explosion opens a rift to the [[Dead Universe]]. Inside, the ''Ark'' crew finds the jaded [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], who helps Optimus open an exit rift to [[Earth]]. Meanwhile, Megatron temporarily meets his future self [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], who urges him to use his [[Hate Plague|hatred]] to kill Optimus Prime, leading to Sky Lynx's sacrifice to save the Autobots. The ''Ark'', ''Nemesis'', and the in-pursuit ''Fool's Fortune'', now piloted by Deseeus, escape the Dead Universe and lock into a dogfight, culminating in Megatron stealing the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. The ''Fool's Fortune'' warp-drive explodes, causing the remaining ships to crash—though they are not the only Cybertronians on the planet...

The bestial [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s locate their ancestors, the Autobots and Decepticons respectively, in the harsh landscape of prehistoric [[Earth]]. While the Decepticons and Predacons consolidate their troops together under the command of ''two'' Megatrons (who get along surprisingly well), the Autobots and Maximals initially face each other with hostility. Ultimately, the two heroic factions set aside their differences to beat the two bands of 'cons to capturing the Allspark. The mystical artefact creates a series of unsettling illusions to mislead the two sides. However, the Predacon [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] betrays his comrades and steals the Matrix of Leadership back from the original Megatron, returning it to Optimus before giving in to his wounds from Predacon Megatron. The Allspark's eerie illusions culminate in a duel between Optimus Prime and a projection of Ultra Magnus. The spirit of the Allspark ultimately sides with Optimus; guiding him to its physical resting place. Upon reaching the Allspark temple, Optimus is greeted by both Megatron and [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]], the former waging a climactic battle between the two rivals. An Allspark projection of Elita-1 tells Optimus to surrender the Matrix to Megatron against Primal's advice, resulting in the Matrix rejecting Megatron and sending him into a [[Sparkless|nightmarish vision]]. As Prime and Primal return with both the Matrix and the dying Allspark in hand, the ''Nemesis'' crew attacks the ''Ark'', resulting in a desperate struggle to get the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s systems online while fending off the 'cons. Incredibly, the ''Ark'' gains consciousness and transforms into robot mode, having been given schematics for conversion within the Dead Universe and enabled by the Allspark. The transformed ''Ark'' completely turns the tables on the ''Nemesis''; with the Decepticon and Predacon troops being sealed within the ship's stasis field. The defected Predacon [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] forms a temporary alliance with the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s crew.

As the ''Ark'' lands on a desolate, frozen-over Cybertron via a [[space bridge|spacebridge]] network, Megatron is freed from his imprisonment by Galvatron. The Autobots and Maximals emerge from the ship and plan to return the Allspark to its rightful place within Cybertron before the planet is lost for good. As Bumblebee and Optimus set out together, they encounter Optimus's deranged future self [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]], who lashes out at his past self for the Allspark. While Megatron and Galvatron join forces with Nemesis Prime, Bumblebee finds the [[Temple of the Allspark]] hidden within a canyon, and manages to enter the temple. As the four factions arrive under Optimus Primal, Megatron turns on Galvatron at Optimus's and Starscream's encouragement. As Bumblebee replaces the Allspark in its altar, the golden spirits of many deceased Cybertronians appear, and magically transport Galvatron and Nemesis Prime away. As the spirits reunite with the Allspark, Cybertron is saved, and the Decepticons and Predacons reconcile their conflict with the Autobots and Maximals on the condition the two sides stay apart, leading to an uncertain age of peace. Meanwhile, Unicron punishes Galvatron and Nemesis Prime for their failure, and reformats them...

==Cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Autobot]]s / [[Maximal]]s|c1=
'''''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' crew'''
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Jake Foushee]])
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] ([[Joe Zieja]])
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] ([[Bill Rogers]])
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] ([[Jessica DiGiovanni|Sophia Isabella]])
*[[Cog (G1)|Cog]] ([[Brian Robert Burns]])
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] ([[Rafael Goldstein]])
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] ([[Shawn Hawkins]])
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] ([[Aaron Veach]])
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] ([[Kaiser Johnson]])
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] ([[Mark Whitten]])
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] ([[JW Stafford]])

'''[[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] group'''
*[[Elita One (G1)|Elita-1]] ([[Linsay Rousseau]])
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] ([[Keith Silverstein]])
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] ([[Todd Haberkorn]])
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] ([[Georgia Reed]])

'''Maximals'''
*[[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] ([[Justin Pierce]])
*[[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] ([[Erin Ebers]])
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] ([[Andy Barnett]])
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] ([[Frank Todaro]])
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] ([[Joe Hernandez]])
*[[Tigatron]] ([[Beau Marie]])

'''Other'''
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] ([[Edward Bosco]])
*[[Teletraan I]]/[[Ark (G1)|Arkbot]] ([[Miles Luna]])
*[[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] ([[Sean Wright]])
*[[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] ([[Ellie Main]])
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (Miles Luna)
*[[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]]
*[[Comms Officer]]s ([[Brook Chalmers]])
*[[Security Officer (G1)|Security Officers]] (Rafael Goldstein)

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s / [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s|c2=
'''''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' crew'''
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] ([[Jason Marnocha]])
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (Frank Todaro)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (Edward Bosco)
**[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (Frank Todaro)
**[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (Frank Todaro)
*[[Barricade (IDW)|Barricade]] ([[Alexander Dilallo]])
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] ([[Danny Hansen]])
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] ([[Marcus Clark-Oliver]])
*[[Hotlink (G1)|Hotlink]] (Marcus Clark-Oliver)

'''Cybertron group'''
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (Todd Haberkorn)
*[[Scrapface]] ([[Adin Rudd]])
*[[Flywheels|Skytread]] ([[Philip Bache]])
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] ([[Gray Haddock]])
*[[Shamble]] (Frank Todaro)
*[[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]]
*[[Nova Storm (G1)|Nova Storm]]
*[[Ion Storm]]

'''Predacons'''
*[[Megatron (BW)|Predacon Megatron]] ([[Marqus Bobesich]])
*[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] ([[Krizz Kaliko]])
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] ([[Jeanne Carr]])
*[[Scorponok (BW)|Predacon Scorponok]] (Danny Hansen)

'''Other'''
*[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (Jason Marnocha)
*[[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]] (Jake Foushee)
*[[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] (Brook Chalmers)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (Mark Whitten)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Refraktors]] (Edward Bosco, Shawn Hawkins,<br>Kaiser Johnson, Frank Todaro, Mark Whitten)
*[[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] (Kaiser Johnson, Sean Wright)

|h3=[[Mercenary|Mercenaries]]|c3=
'''''[[Fool's Fortune]]'' crew'''
*[[Doubledealer]] ([[Michael Schwalbe]])
*[[Exhaust]] ([[Ken Rogers]])
*[[Bug Bite (GoBots)|Bug Bite]] ([[Alex Taber]])
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] ([[Michael Jones]])
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] ([[Jay Sanford]])
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]

'''Cybertron group'''
*[[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]] (Rafael Goldstein)
**[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]
*[[Dome Guard]]s (Jason Marnocha)

|c4=
*[[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] ([[Jonathan Lipow]])
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] ([[Michael Dunn]])
*[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (Keith Silverstein)
*[[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] ([[Ben Jurand]])
*[[Sparkless]] (Brook Chalmers, Kaiser Johnson,<br>Frank Todaro)
*[[Guardian robot|Guardians]]

'''[[Quintesson]]s'''
*[[Deseeus]] ([[Jolene Andersen]], [[Joseph Noughton]],<br>Linsay Rousseau, Jay Sanford, Keith Silverstein)
*[[Deseeus Army Drone]]s
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Episodes==
===Chapter 1: ''Siege''===
{{collist|2|
# [[Siege episode 1|Episode 1]]
# [[Siege episode 2|Episode 2]]
# [[Siege episode 3|Episode 3]]
# [[Siege episode 4|Episode 4]]
# [[Siege episode 5|Episode 5]]
# [[Siege episode 6|Episode 6]]
}}

===Chapter 2: ''Earthrise''===
{{collist|2|
# [[Earthrise episode 1|Episode 1]]
# [[Earthrise episode 2|Episode 2]]
# [[Earthrise episode 3|Episode 3]]
# [[Earthrise episode 4|Episode 4]]
# [[Earthrise episode 5|Episode 5]]
# [[Earthrise episode 6|Episode 6]]
}}

===Chapter 3: ''Kingdom''===
{{collist|2|
# [[Kingdom episode 1|Episode 1]]
# [[Kingdom episode 2|Episode 2]]
# [[Kingdom episode 3|Episode 3]]
# [[Kingdom episode 4|Episode 4]]
# [[Kingdom episode 5|Episode 5]]
# [[Kingdom episode 6|Episode 6]]
}}

==Notes==
* Originally planned for a June 2020 release, the series premiere was delayed one month, reportedly due to production delays with its foreign-language dubs caused by the {{w|COVID-19 pandemic}}.
* ''Siege'' was promoted with several motion posters highlighting members of the main cast. In each of these posters, a letter from the [[Cybertronian language|"Ancient Autobot" alphabet]] created by [[Jim Sorenson]] can be seen flashing in the background. When the letters are put in order, they spell out the word "KINGDOM", the name of the trilogy's third subline/season.<ref>[https://twitter.com/nxonnetflix/status/1283960126613774338 Netflix video of all motion posters with the announcement of KINGDOM.]</ref>	
* During production, the animation team utilized Hasbro's original CAD files for the ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' toyline. As a result, certain character models are absurdly [[show-accuracy|toy-accurate]], down to several even retaining their [[5 mm post]] holes and 3 mm pegs. Most of these models are in the ''Siege'' chapter, as the production of the show was far later in the toyline's development compared to ''Earthrise'' and ''Kingdom'' and their respective seasons. Non-toy character models are heavily based on ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' toy concept art created by [[Ken Christiansen]]<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/ken_christiansen_art/ Ken Christiansen's Instagram]</ref>, except for Elita-1, Arcee, Alpha Trion, the Cybertronian-body Predacons, and Galvatron, the last of which was created far before the [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' toy]]'s development, and used concept art based on ''The Transformers: The Movie'', with additional input from Hasbro.<ref name="interview">F.J. DeSanto in a [https://youtu.be/y6j5HAAwRa4?t=2630 July 14, 2021 interview] stated, "We based it on the con-so we didn't have the CAD data for that, 'cause-uh, we knew he was gonna be in the third one, in ''Kingdom'', but they hadn't done the toy yet, 'cause ''Kingdom'' was so far out, like I mentioned earlier. We designed a version of-the version you see was our design, but it was based on the concept art they gave us, which I think is from the '86 movie, but we updated it a little bit to fit the um-the tone of the show and also based on some things Hasbro told us they were doing with the toy."<br>"Y'know in the early things, the Cogs were the soldiers, and the Seekers and-y'know, we would have these different soldiers and Hasbro sort of designated like these are the ones who can be soldiers, and Scorponok was, y'know, the sort of footsoldiers for the, uh-Predacons. That's why you see a bunch of them."</ref>
[[File:WFC-Siege-Ep3-Generics-in-camp.jpg|thumb|250px|It's been alleged the robots featured in this show are 80% clones by volume.]]
* The series features extensive use of [[generic]]s, though both sides use different character models as the base for their troops. The Autobots use Cog, Sideswipe, Mirage, Ironhide, and Hound to pad their forces while the Decepticons use Impactor, Refraktor, Barricade, and, as usual, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. All of these generics except for Cog and Impactor are used for the Sparkless, with Laserbeak used for the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]] birds, Omega Supreme for the Guardians, Impactor for the Dome Guards and a gladiator, Ironhide for the Deseeus Army Drones, and Scorponok for the Predacons. Hasbro decides which characters can be used as generic soldiers.<ref name="interview"/>
* In addition to generic character models, many characters use generic firearms based on certain toy accessories as opposed to a dedicated weapon. The weapons are [[Cog (G1)#Generations|Cog]]'s "RT-5 Circuit Welder", [[Reflector (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Refraktor]]'s "EMM Distortion Blaster", [[Chromia (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Chromia]]'s "RT-5 Anti-thermo Blaster" with the "SR Hushfuze" barrel, the Seekers' "HPI [[Null-ray|Null-Ray]] Laser Launcher", [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Ultra Magnus]]'s (who ironically does not use this weapon) "RT-15 Stethoscopic Detector" with an extended "SR Hushfuze" barrel, and [[Rattrap (BW)/toys#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Rattrap]]'s fusion blaster.   
* Upon its initial release in the United States, ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' was given a TV-Y7 designation, despite the show's dark tone, violence, and brief use of coarse language in the first episode. Presumably due to these very criteria, the series was later re-rated to TV-14, making it the first ''Transformers'' television series to carry that designation. Due to the separation of seasons into separate listings (below), ''Earthrise'' and ''Kingdom'' keep the TV-Y7 rating.
* Despite the three parts being advertised as three chapters of one series when the second ''Earthrise'' trailer was released, it also received a separate page on Netflix, and ''Kingdom'' followed suit. The original ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' page's title graphic was also changed to include ''Siege'' and the number 1 behind it. This also means that Netflix calls the ''Earthrise'' and ''Kingdom'' episodes each "Chapter 1" as well. 
*While the ''Siege'' chapter received a recap on the ''Earthrise'' page, the ''Kingdom'' page featured no such recap for ''Earthrise''. Drat!

===Foreign names===
*''Chinese:'' '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Sàibótǎn Dàzhàn Sānbùqǔ''''' (Taiwan, 變形金剛：賽博坦大戰三部曲 "Transformers: Cybertron War Trilogy")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy: Die Belagerung''''' (''Siege''), '''''Erdaufgang''''' (''Earthrise''), '''''Eine neue Welt''''' (''Kingdom'')
*''Italian:'' '''''Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy - L'assedio''''' (''Siege''), '''''Il Sorgere della Terra''''' (''Earthrise''), '''''Il Regno''''' (''Kingdom'')
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy''''' (トランスフォーマー: ウォー・フォー・サイバトロン・トリロジー ''Toransufōmā: Wō fō Saibatoron Torirojī'')
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy - O Cerco''''' (''Siege''), '''''O Nascer da Terra''''' (''Earthrise''), '''''O Reino''''' (''Kingdom'')

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.netflix.com/title/81002438 ''Siege'' on Netflix]
* [https://www.netflix.com/title/81393633 ''Earthrise'' on Netflix]
* [https://www.netflix.com/title/81393636 ''Kingdom'' on Netflix]
* [https://youtu.be/SYDB6skUqYw First ''Siege'' trailer on YouTube]
* [https://youtu.be/UksT5I1lvJM Second ''Siege'' trailer on YouTube]
* [https://youtu.be/SoK4_Tng29E First ''Earthrise'' trailer on YouTube]
* [https://youtu.be/8s00QLjolFg Second ''Earthrise'' trailer on YouTube]
* [https://youtu.be/zNSI65vInMo ''Kingdom'' trailer on YouTube]

{{DEFAULTSORT:War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)}}
[[Category:War for Cybertron Trilogy| Cartoon]]
[[Category:Web series]]