Once again, is showcasing his versatility as an entertainer. The North Carolina native stars in the newly released as the voice of D-16, who ultimately becomes known as Megatron. Heralded for his powerful performances across film, television, and theater, Henry brings an unexpected depth to this iconic character.
“I never go into a role thinking I’m the bad guy,” Henry explains to ESSENCE. “I wanted people to leave the movie feeling conflicted about Megatron, maybe even understanding him.” The complexity of playing the Decepticons’ leader isn’t foreign territory for the actor, as he delivered an Academy Award-nominated performance in , the 2022 film that highlighted his ability to delve into emotionally layered roles.
Prior to that, he shined as Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles in and also received critical acclaim for his supporting role in , along with a standout outing in Henry’s role in marks a return to the world of animation. In previous years, he was the voice behind Jefferson Davis in the franchise, and also played an integral part in . His current role, however, is serendipitous for the 42-year-old.
“I grew up watching on Saturday mornings,” Henry recalled, adding that being part of such a legendary series was a no-brainer. “It’s fascinating to explore how Megatron, before becoming the villain we know, was shaped by friendship and betrayal.” With his new film now in theaters, Henry’s portrayal adds yet another remarkable performance to his alr.
