Why Did Optimus Prime Kill Megatron in ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’?
In “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” a turning point shocked fans worldwide when Optimus Prime took the life of his longtime rival, Megatron. The decision wasn’t made lightly; many wonder what pushed Optimus to this action. Let’s explore the story behind this pivotal moment.
What happened between Optimus Prime and Megatron?
Optimus Prime and Megatron, two titans of Cybertron, started their journey not as enemies but as allies with a shared vision for their planet’s future. Megatron, known as Megatronus in his early days, was a fierce gladiator, respected and feared. Meanwhile, Optimus, originally called Orion Pax, was a peaceful librarian, always lost in thought and dreaming of a better society.
Their common goal of a brighter future for Cybertron brought them together, but their methods of achieving it were where their paths diverged. Optimus believed in diplomacy and peaceful resolutions. In contrast, with his gladiatorial background, Megatron felt that change could only come through power and might.
When the leadership of Cybertron was in question, the council chose Orion and named him Optimus Prime. This decision deeply hurt Megatron, feeling overlooked and betrayed. His pain turned to rage, leading him to form the Decepticons, a group as aggressive and power-hungry as he was. But, even in his anger, a remnant of their past friendship lingered; Megatron spared Optimus in his assault on the council.
Their differing ideologies eventually led them to Earth. It was here, in “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” that their relationship took a dramatic turn. Faced with the threat of Sentinel Prime, the two momentarily set aside their differences.
Yet, after their joint victory, Optimus felt compelled to end Megatron’s path of destruction for the safety of Cybertron. This decision, borne out of necessity more than malice, forever marked a definitive end to their complex relationship.
Why did Optimus Prime kill Megatron?
In “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” the epic showdown between Optimus Prime and Megatron climaxed. While these two giants had always been at odds, their conflict was rooted in more than just personal animosity. Optimus Prime believed in peace, unity, and the power of diplomacy. On the other hand, Megatron was often blinded by his thirst for power, convinced that force was the only way to bring about change.
The two momentarily united against a common enemy: Sentinel Prime, whose plans threatened both Earth and Cybertron. Together, they successfully stopped Sentinel, but in the aftermath, Optimus faced a critical decision. He recognized Megatron’s unyielding ambition and realized that as long as Megatron lived, Cybertron would never truly be safe. The cycle of violence would only continue.
For the greater good, and with a heavy heart, Optimus decided to end Megatron’s reign of terror. It was a decision rooted in a painful truth: Megatron was a persistent threat to any lasting peace with his unorthodox methods and unchecked ambition. By killing Megatron, Optimus aims to secure a future for Cybertron free from endless war and bloodshed.
How many times has Megatron died?
Megatron’s resilience is legendary, but even he has faced death multiple times across various “Transformers” media. In the Marvel comics, Megatron wasn’t always the central figure. Here, challenges from the likes of Shockwave and Scorponok often overshadowed him.
An unforgettable moment from these comics is when Ratchet thwarted a plan by Megatron, Starscream, and Shockwave, causing the Ark to crash on Earth. This crash resulted in the apparent deaths of all on board, including Megatron.
However, Megatron’s character was central in the more modern comics. Megatron vanished after a massive war where the Decepticons faced defeat, only to return later. A critical turning point was when Bumblebee sacrificed himself, causing Megatron to rethink his motives and ultimately surrender.
Joining a mission on the Lost Light ship, searching for the Knights of Cybertron, Megatron’s journey eventually led to a crossroads where he had to choose between life imprisonment or execution. The weight of his past actions meant he had very limited options, leading to another instance of his “death.”
When it comes to the movies, Megatron’s death count is easier to pinpoint. After an intense battle in the first “Transformers” film, Sam Witwicky used the Allspark to kill him. However, this death was short-lived, as he was resurrected in the sequel.
The most definitive end came in “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” when, after teaming up with Optimus Prime to defeat Sentinel Prime, Optimus decided to end Megatron’s potential future threats by killing him.
Counting both the comics and movies, Megatron has met his demise at least four times, though the contexts and aftermaths vary widely across different narratives.