As Optimus Prime left for Cybertron to meet his maker at the end of Transformers: Age of Extinction, speculation was set off about if the iconic character will be back for Transformers 5.

Transformers 5 To Introduce The 'Beast Wars'? 

Recent reports have taken the rumors a step further by suggesting that Optimus Prime will probably be back but it will be the character's last appearance in the films. Reports by IBTimes have taken the news of the fact that the Beast Wars might be a possibility in the sequel as a hint to Optimus Prime's exit.

There hasn't been any official word on the character arc of Optimus Prime yet. There have also been alternative theories suggesting that the sequel to Age of Extinction might be set in Cybertron, or perhaps, we might get glimpses of Optimus Prime and his quest in Cybertron while the other story unfolds on Earth. In an interview, producer Lorenzo de Bonaventura revealed that it was more likely that the saga will continue to unfold on mortal land and there were no plans to set it in space. In fact Bonaventura also stated that the setting for Transformers 5 will be very similar to that of Age of Extinction. This also led to inferences that Optimus Prime will not be in the next instalment.

Unicorn And Galactus To Feature In Transformers 5?  

In fact, Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime, has requested the producers of Transformers to go back to the drift of the series before Age of Extinction. This has set off a rumor about the next installment rewinding, and straying from the plot of Age of Extinction. Only time will tell if the producers will actually take action and consider Cullen's advice.

Cullen had expressed concerns about the severity of the last movie, and has requested the producers to tone it down some in the fifth installment.

How would you like to see the character arc of Optimus Prime pan out? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Transformers: Age of Extinction hit theaters on June 27, 2014.

Watch the trailer for the movie here: