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==Transformers Cinematic Universe== {{Infobox character | name = Soundwave | series = [[Transformers]] | image = Soundwave-movieidw.jpg | alt = | caption = Soundwave's first appearance, in IDW comics. | voice = '''English''': {{ubl | Jon Bailey (''Bumblebee'') | [[Frank Welker]] (films) | [[Peter Jessop]] ([[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (video game)|2009 video game]]) | Bronco O. Jackson (''Cyber Missions'') | [[Isaac C. Singleton Jr.]] ([[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (video game)|2011 video game]])}} '''Japanese''': {{ubl | [[Daisuke Gōri]] (2009 film) | [[Jiro Saito (voice actor)|Jirō Saitō]] (2011 film)}} | affiliation = Decepticon | lbl21 = Sub-group | data21 = Deluxe Vehicles, Human Alliance, Speed Stars, [[Triple Changer]]s, | lbl22 = Function | data22 = Communication Officer | lbl23 = Rank | data23 = 8 | lbl31 = Partner | data31 = The Fallen, [[Megatron (Transformers)|Megatron]], Ravage, [[Laserbeak]], Dylan Gould and Barricade | lbl32 = Motto | data32 = "''He who controls the flow of information controls the flow of battle.''",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Battle-Bios.cfm |title=Battle Bios |publisher=Hasbro.com |date=2009-02-13 |access-date=2010-04-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100427172841/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Battle-Bios.cfm |archive-date=2010-04-27 }}</ref> "''I am Soundwave. I command all communications.''", "''No prisoners, only trophies.''", "''Cries and screams are music to my ears.''" | lbl33 = Alternate modes | data33 = Cybertronian jet/satellite, [[Cadillac SRX]], [[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG]] }} ===Creation and development=== Almost from the moment the [[live action]] ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'' movie was announced in 2007, producer [[Don Murphy]] and the production team made it clear they did not want to feature mass/size shifting in transformation (excluding the Allspark), due to concerns over realism. With this process, there was some discussion over whether or not to change Soundwave's tape deck alternate mode due to its obsolescence, or to include the character in the film at all. It was announced by Hasbro at SDCC 2004 that movie Soundwave would be a helicopter.<ref>{{cite web|author=Seibertron.com |url=http://www.seibertron.com/news/view.php?id=5436 |title=SDCC Hasbro Panel Speak, New Alternators, The End of Universe and more! |publisher=Seibertron.com |date=2005-07-15 |access-date=2010-04-27}}</ref> Early leaked movie scripts proposed that his alternate mode would be a [[helicopter]], but animatics shown at the 2005 [[San Diego Comic-Con International|Comic Con]] were poorly received. This led to a rethink, with the eventual helicopter character rechristened as [[Vortex (Transformers)|Vortex]], then finally Blackout. 2006 script reviews named Soundwave as a spying [[boombox]] on [[Air Force One]], able to transform into a small robot, but eventually, this character was amended to being Frenzy, with [[Don Murphy]] stating that Soundwave will be reserved for a future sequel, until they can "do him right". When the film was released on DVD a special on-line content from Best Buy showed early animation footage of Blackout as a blue helicopter with a head that resembled Soundwave. In a ''[[USA Today]]'' online fan poll, Soundwave was one of the 10 Transformers that the fans wanted in the sequel, winning with 20% of the votes.<ref>{{cite web|last=Breznican |first=Anthony |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-07-18-Transformers_N.htm |title='Transformers' fans make some noise for Soundwave |publisher=Usatoday.Com |date=2007-07-23 |access-date=2010-04-27}}</ref> Soundwave appears in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]''. Soundwave is a satellite in the film. Soundwave is not seen in his robot form in the film. Frank Welker reprised his voicing role, and used his Doctor Claw voice from ''[[Inspector Gadget (1983 TV series)|Inspector Gadget]]'', which, when run through a vocoder, gives Soundwave his unique voice from the original animated series. The lack of this vocoder in the 2009 film left the voice sounding more like [[Inspector Gadget (1983 TV series)|Doctor Claw]] than the original Soundwave. He has his minion Ravage to do his bidding in the film. Soundwave also appears in ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'', this time transforming into a [[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG]] and with Laserbeak to serve him. Soundwave is armed with sonic cannons. His Hasbro Battle Bio states that he is 22 feet tall and that his main weapons are sonic cannons which can only be used in the atmosphere, as sound waves will not travel in the vacuum. Soundwave also makes a brief appearance in the movie ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]''. His appearance closely matches his G1 counterpart and appears alongside Shockwave and Starscream (a non-speaking role for the latter). He is voiced by [[Jon Bailey]], who also voices Shockwave in the film. Unlike previous films, Bailey's voice is run through a vocoder to bring back Soundwave's signature voice. ===Films=== In ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Soundwave is only seen in his Cybertronian satellite mode, hovering above Earth in orbit. Like his original counterpart, he functions as a Decepticon espionage agent and communications officer. In the film, he receives a message from [[Wheelie (Transformers)|Wheelie]] on Mikaela Banes possessing a shard of the Allspark and orders him to retrieve it. Soundwave would later hack into a human satellite and discover the location of another Allspark shard, deploying his servant Ravage to retrieve it. Following the death of Optimus Prime, Soundwave would carry out Megatron's orders to prepare the Decepticons for an invasion of Earth. Soundwave would later locate [[Sam Witwicky]]'s parents in [[Paris]], France. Ravage was later killed by [[Bumblebee (Transformers)|Bumblebee]]. Frank Welker returned to reprise his role as Soundwave in this movie, and the film following after, but unlike his G1 counterpart, his voice was not vocoded, which the character was well known for. In ''Dark of the Moon'', Soundwave was retconned into having been on Earth since the 1970s. He discovered the Autobot spaceship, the ''[[Ark (Transformers)|Ark]]'', on the Moon, and forcibly recruited various human servants from the U.S. and Russian space agencies to prevent further exploration of it following the initial Moon landings, while he ordered an army of Decepticons to steal most of the pillars onboard and hide under the moon's surface. In the modern day, he appears at Megatron's base in [[Africa]], where he and [[Laserbeak]] report the Autobot's recovery of Sentinel Prime and the remaining pillars from the crashed ''Ark''. Megatron praises Soundwave's initiative in the decades-long plan and orders Laserbeak to kill their human allies. The only human ally they don't kill, Dylan Gould, has Soundwave disguise himself as a [[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG]] that belonged to Sam's girlfriend, Carly, to get close to the Autobots. He reveals himself and captures Carly once the two humans learn of Gould's alliance with the Decepticons, and threatens her to convince Sam to discover the Autobot's plans. During the battle in [[Chicago]], Soundwave and Barricade lead several Decepticons in capturing some of the Autobots. Gould convinces Soundwave not to take prisoners, and Soundwave orders the others to execute their "trophies". Once Que is dead, Soundwave prepares to kill Bumblebee himself, but a Decepticon battle-cruiser hijacked by Wheelie and [[Brains (Transformers)|Brains]] drops fighters near Soundwave, distracting him and allowing the Autobots to fight back. Bumblebee attacks Soundwave who tries to shoot him, but is confused among the crushing ships and shoots the other Decepticons. Bumblebee then kills Soundwave by sticking his cannon into Soundwave's chest and shooting upwards. In ''Bumblebee'', Soundwave is seen on Cybertron along with [[Shockwave (Transformers)|Shockwave]] and [[Starscream]] commanding the Decepticons in the war against the Autobots. He manages to capture [[Optimus Prime]] with the help of a small army and Ravage, but Prime escapes from them. === Animation film === Soundwave appears in ''[[Transformers One]]'' (2024), voiced again by Jon Bailey. He was the Cybertronian High Guard's communications officer, alongside his leader Starscream before the arrival of D-16, who usurped his leadership before becoming Megatron. ===Other media=== ====Comic books==== In issue #4 of ''Transformers: Defiance'', it is revealed that the reason for Soundwave to have been believed to be dead is because he was on the Decepticons ship that ''The Fallen'' was commanding, and that all of its crew were missing by the time Megatron noticed the emergency signal emitting from the ship while he was chasing the Allspark. Soundwave first appeared in issue #2 of ''[[Transformers: Alliance]]'', where he arrived at the crash site of the ''Nemesis'' on Mars. There, he found [[Dreadwing]]'s head, as well as the body of Frenzy, then contacted Starscream and told him to rally at his signal. Starscream was surprised to hear from Soundwave, as he had been believed dead for years. Soundwave deployed a number of his forces on Earth, leaving others on his ship. In ''Tales of the Fallen'' #5, Soundwave, still in orbit after the events of the 2009 film, notices someone has reactivated Ravage. Soundwave appears in ''Transformers: Nefarious'' #1, set months after the events of the 2009 film. [[Bumblebee (other incarnations)|Bumblebee]], [[Breakaway (Transformers)|Breakaway]], [[Jolt (Transformers)|Jolt]], Knock Out and [[Dune Runner]] are sent to investigate spark fragments detected at Kingdom Petrochemicals. Arriving first, Breakaway is warned by Soundwave to leave, but unwilling to give in the Autobot is swiftly defeated. Bumblebee and his team fire on Soundwave, who escapes. In "Nefarious" #2, Soundwave sent [[Dirt Boss]], Reverb, and [[Brakedown]] to Wendover, Utah, to find an "Initiative" facility. Soundwave then contacted Ravage in order to discover how he was resurrected. Then, he proceeded to assist Reverb, Dirt Boss, and Brakedown in a fight with the Autobots. After a battle with Optimus Prime, Soundwave convinces the Autobot leader to join forces temporarily, in order to find "the Initiative". ====Novels==== In the ''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' coloring book, Soundwave is depicted hacking into a military satellite.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys--products-30/revenge-of-the-fallen-coloring-book-preview-167057/ |title=Revenge Of The Fallen Coloring Book Preview - Transformers News |publisher=Tfw2005.com |date=2009-03-13 |access-date=2010-04-27}}</ref> ====Television==== In ''Cyber Missions #1'', Soundwave successfully infiltrates the NEST command base (in his satellite mode), which is guarded by Bumblebee. Soundwave transforms and smashes the screen projecting Optimus Prime and engages the Autobot. Bumblebee fires a shot, but Soundwave sends it back to Bumblebee as a sonic boom. Bumblebee then fires several more rounds with Soundwave frantically trying to absorb all the bullets, but finally being blown backwards. In ''Cyber Missions #2'', Bumblebee trapped Soundwave in a vacuum-sealed electromagnetic bubble, rendering his abilities useless. ====Video games==== Like in the movie, Soundwave coordinates the mission to the playable Decepticon. His voice is now in a similar Vocoder fashion to his G1 counterpart. In Dark of the Moon, Soundwave is a playable character. He is ordered by Megatron to destroy a Sector 7 nest base that contains information about Sentinel Prime. Soundwave is among the Decepticons that greet Shockwave at the end of the game in South Africa. He shows Shockwave a 3D hologram of Chernobyl and the artifact he must recover. He transforms into a Modified white SUV similar to a [[Cadillac SRX]]. In the [[Nintendo DS]] game ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: Decepticons|Revenge of the Fallen: Decepticons]]'', Grindor, Sideways, Soundwave and Starscream greet a new Decepticon protoform and send him on a mission. Soundwave directs the new protoform to survive on Earth. In the downloadable content pack for the Xbox 360 and PS3, Soundwave is confirmed to be a playable character. He is probably based on the Deluxe toy. In ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (video game)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Stealth Force Edition]]'' for the Wii and 3DS, Soundwave is a playable character, and (like with the PS3/360 version), he transforms into a heavily modified [[Cadillac SRX]] In ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron]]'', Soundwave is a playable character taking the alternate form of a cybertronian truck. He is playable in levels 3, 4 and 5 of the Decepticon campaign and is a boss that players have to fight in the Autobot level 2. Like all the characters within the game, he is playable in escalation mode, and players have to have their Decepticon leader look like him in multiplayer mode. In the game his default weapon is a neutron assault rifle, although he does have an energon repair ray in level 5 of the Decepticon campaign. ===Toys=== * '''''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Soundwave''' (2009) :A [[Triple Changer]] that transforms from a Cybertronian battleship to a satellite and robot. :The toy stands 12.5 centimeters tall in robot mode. * '''''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Soundwave G1 redeco''' (2009) :A redeco of Soundwave in blue and gray, resembling his G1 colors. Bundled with Voyager The Fallen and Voyager [[Megatron (Transformers)|Megatron]] (2007 version) in the [[Toys "R" Us]] exclusive ''Gathering at the Nemesis'' gift set.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys--products-30/revenge-of-the-fallen-gathering-at-the-nemesis-image-gallery-168303/?catid=searchresults&searchid=6562 |title=ROTF Gathering at the Nemesis Gallery |publisher=TFW2005.com |date= 2009-08-06|access-date=2010-04-27}}</ref> * '''''Revenge of the Fallen'' RPMs Soundwave''' (2009) :A non-transformable diecast car the size of [[Hot Wheels]] or [[Matchbox (brand)|Matchbox]] cars. This [[Scion xB]]-derived vehicle depicts Soundwave's alternate Earth mode, based on that of his ''[[#Transformers: Animated|Transformers: Animated]]'' incarnation. An illustration of his robot mode is molded on the undercarriage.<ref>[http://tformers.com/transformers-/12898/news.html TFormers.com - ROTF Gets RPM Soundwave? Or Something Else Entirely?]</ref> * '''''Revenge of the Fallen'' Legends Soundwave''' (2010) :A new Legends mold of Soundwave, which transforms into a satellite.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tfw2005.com/ |title=Transformer World 2005 |publisher=Tfw2005.com |date=2010-04-23 |access-date=2010-04-27}}</ref><ref name="tformers.com">{{cite web|author=TFormers.com |url=http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=12367 |title=Upcoming Revenge of the Fallen Figures - Bludgeon, Black Soundwave & More! |publisher=Tformers.com |access-date=2010-04-27}}</ref> * '''''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Black Soundwave''' (unreleased) :A Chara Hobby exclusive in Japan, this figure is a black redeco of Soundwave.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys--products-30/chara-hobby-exclusive-revenge-of-the-fallen-soundwave-gallery-168463/ |title=Chara Hobby Exclusive ROTF Soundwave Gallery |publisher=Tfw2005.com |date= 2009-09-06|access-date=2010-04-27}}</ref> * '''''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe N.E.S.T Infiltration Soundwave''' (2010) :A blue and red redeco of the original Deluxe Soundwave from the film. Will be included in a N.E.S.T. Battle two-pack with a redecorated [[Bumblebee (other incarnations)|Bumblebee]] sporting a N.E.S.T. symbol on the driver and passenger side doors.<ref name="tformers.com" /> * '''''Transformers'' Speed Stars Soundwave''' (2010) :A reissue of the RPMs Soundwave diecast car. * '''''Transformers'' Speed Stars Stealth Force Soundwave''' (2010)<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys--products-30/hunt-for-the-decepticons-scout-and-legends-wave-2-released-in-philippines-170290/ TFW2005.com - HFTD Scout and Legends Wave 2 Released in the Philippines]</ref> :A non-transforming Scion xB (designed similarly to the Speed Stars diecast car) that mechanically opens its panels and reveals hidden weapons at the slide of the roof.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys--products-30/walmart-update---official-images-of-upcoming-transformers-figures-170154/ TFW2005.com - Walmart Update - Official Images of Upcoming Transformers Figures]</ref> * '''''Dark of the Moon'' Burger King Flip Out Soundwave''' (2011) :A BK Kids meal toy available at [[Burger King]] restaurants in the U.S. The toy consists of a detailed head that opens to reveal a small robot body, giving the overall figure a [[Bobblehead]] look. It also has parts that glow in the dark.<ref>[http://www.clubbk.com/Toys/Default.aspx Club BK - Latest Toys] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126190912/http://www.clubbk.com/Toys/Default.aspx |date=2010-01-26 }}</ref> * '''''Dark of the Moon'' Cyberverse Legion Bumblebee vs. Soundwave''' (2011) :A Walmart exclusive Legion (formerly Legends) set featuring a gold redeco of Bumblebee and a purple redeco of Soundwave - both originally released in the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' line. Also included in this set is an orange redeco of ''Universe'' Legends [[Rodimus]]. * '''''Dark of the Moon'' Mech Tech Deluxe Class Soundwave''' (2011 in [[Japan]], Cancelled for the Hasbro version, 2011 in Asia) :An all-new Deluxe mold of Soundwave, which transforms into a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Includes a Mech Tech weapon and satellite dish. It is told that the toy has been cancelled along with Target's Leadfoot, Human Alliance Soundwave and Deluxe Wheeljack in the states. It is unknown if it was actually released or not. This toy was cancelled due to retailers such as Walmart, Target, etc. wanting Hasbro's new Transformers Prime toy line, so they stopped doing these figures. It was cancelled along with Deluxe Leadfoot, Deluxe Wheeljack, and Human Alliance Soundwave. In the Asian market, Soundwave saw release in deluxe form.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys--products-30/new-walmart-listings---more-new-transformers-dark-of-the-moon-toys-171394/ TFW2005.com - New Walmart Listings: More New ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' Toys]</ref> * '''''Dark of the Moon'' Mech Tech Deluxe Class Soundblaster Soundwave''' (TakaraTomy, 2012) :A black redeco of Deluxe Soundwave as an homage to Soundblaster from the Japanese G1 prequel toy line, [[Diaclone]]. Only in Japan with white Wheeljack, small stripes Bumblebee and white with red Ratchet.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/tf3-dotm-decepticons-454/soundwave-soundblaster-5985/ TFW2005.com - Soundwave (Soundblaster)]</ref> * '''''Dark of the Moon'' Human Alliance Soundwave with Laserbeak and Mr. Gould''' (2011 in Japan, later 2012 in the US) :A new Human Alliance figure of Soundwave with Laserbeak and a 2-inch Dylan Gould driver figure. Soundwave's license plate reads "SUPERIOR" - a reference to his catch phrase, "Soundwave superior," from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. Laserbeak transforms into a blaster with a mounting point for any human figure. As with the Deluxe figure, this figure is officially licensed from [[Mercedes-Benz]]. It has also been canceled with the Deluxe figure mentioned above and the other two Autobots.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/san-diego-comic-con-33/detailed-images-of-human-alliance-soundwave-172945/ TFW2005.com - Detailed Images of Human Alliance Soundwave]</ref><ref>[http://www.fullmetalhero.com/content.php/859-Dark-of-the-Moon-Soundwave-Gets-3-Toys-Human-Alliance-Confirmed-with-Laserbeak FullMetalHero.com - ''Dark of the Moon'' Soundwave Gets 3 Toys; Human Alliance Confirmed with Laserbeak] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324042826/http://www.fullmetalhero.com/content.php/859-Dark-of-the-Moon-Soundwave-Gets-3-Toys-Human-Alliance-Confirmed-with-Laserbeak |date=2012-03-24 }}</ref> * '''''Dark of the Moon'' Cyberverse Legion Class Soundwave''' (2011) :A brand new Legion mold of Soundwave that transforms into a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/cyberverse-decepticons-478/soundwave-5785/ TFW2005.com - Soundwave (Legion)]</ref> *'''''Transformers'' Cyberverse Legion Soundwave (2012)''' :This toy is sold along with the Transformers Prime Cyberverse figures. *'''''Age of Extinction'' Movie Advanced Series Deluxe Soundwave (2014)''' :This toy is a black/gray redeco of ''Dark of the Moon'' MechTech Soundwave. It was renamed Darkside Soundwave. Darkside Soundwave transforms from a fully licensed Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG into a robot. *'''''Movie The Best'' Human Alliance Soundwave (2017)''' :Released by Takara Tomy to conclude the 10th anniversary of the live-action film series, this Soundwave is an extensive redeco of his Human Alliance toy, without the Laserbeak and the Mr. Gould figure. *'''''The Last Knight'' Tiny Turbo Changer Soundwave (2017)''' :Released in Series 1 of Tiny Turbo Changers, Soundwave changes from a robot based on his appearance in Dark of the Moon to a sports car of fictitious origin. He features articulation at his shoulders and waist and his hands are compatible with Cyberverse weapons and other small accessories. Blind-Bags stamped with the letter 'H' contain Soundwave figures.
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