The Culmination of Shakespearean Villainy in The Transformers: The Movie (1986)

Abstract

This essay examines the Shakespearean-inspired rise and fall of Starscream, one of the many robots killed off in the 1986 animated film The Transformers: The Movie. Originally released with the intent to market toys to children, Hasbro saw death in the film as a practical approach to write off characters of discontinued toys. This essay examines scriptwriter Ron Friedman’s approach of crafting Starscream as a “metallic Iago” who never quite got it right when trying to usurp his leader. In addition, when Starscream finally seized control, he commemorated the moment with an over-the-top coronation ceremony straight from a film set in the Shakespearean Middle Ages. The scene was meant to lampoon his lust for power, and his quick, violent death was meant to put the character to rest. However, Starscream’s death only seemed to make him more popular, a popularity that has persisted for 40 years.