The Decepticons remain one of the most iconic factions in the Transformers universe, especially given their desire to conquer Earth and transform it into a new world for Cybertronians. And while Optimus Prime and the Autobots manage to foil their schemes, the Decepticons prove to be an ever-craft race of Transformers.
Led by Megatron, the Decepticons use a wide array of scheming, manipulation, and subterfuge to achieve their goals. And while plenty of Transformers films showcase the Decepticons in action, quite a lot of iconic Decepticons from the shows remain unseen in these adaptations. Just which Decepticons have yet to appear in the films that deserve their moment on the big screen?
10 Knock Out
Among the more obscure sub-groups within the Transformers franchise are the Micromasters, or Transformers with miniature, fuel-efficient builds. A lot of Micromasters are Combiners, such as Knock Out who was originally a back-hoe that combines with wheeled truck Grit. However, two things remain interesting about Knock Out, unlike other Decepticons. Firstly, Knock Out’s allegiance varies between continuities, being a Mini-Con or an Autobot on one end or a Decepticon on the other.
Secondly, Knock Out is actually set to appear in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen as an Autobot motorcycle but never makes an appearance. His toy has a major green color scheme, and it’s unknown whether one of the many motorcycles in the film is meant to be him. While it’s such a shame to not see Knock Out in live-action motorcycle form, it’s also much more interesting to have a stylish motorcycle among the Decepticon’s ranks for a change.
9 Breakdown
Even Megatron’s scare tactics don’t seem effective to the likes of the Stunticons, who are technically rebellious Decepticons who can’t be told what to do. Of these thrillseekers, however, Breakdown is probably the most paranoid of them all. Transforming into a sleek sports car, Breakdown can also combine with the other Stunticons to form Menasor, an extremely destructive Combiner.
Interestingly enough, Breakdown is also set to appear in Revenge of the Fallen but never seemed to see the light of day. This was a shame because Breakdown does have a presence in the comics released alongside the film, with Breakdown being part of a team set to investigate an organization on Earth that has been developing anti-Cybertronian weaponry.
8 Astrotrain
Among the Decepticons, Astrotrain is perhaps one of the most terrifying considering his nature as a Triple Changer. Unlike other Transformers, Astrotrains contains not just one but two distinct vehicle modes, potentially allowing him to adjust to any combat situation as required. It also doesn’t help that he craves power in the extremes, savoring times when opponents are confused as to which of his forms they’re up against.
Although a bit more easygoing compared to other Decepticons, Astrotrain is just as ambitious as his peers. A probable presence Astrotrain may have in the film is that of a new general, a breed of new Decepticons that Megatron is raising to go up against the Autobots, which can Triple Change. This can make for a sinister weapon against the war for Earth and the All-Spark.
7 Skywarp
There’s an awful lot of aerial vehicles among the Decepticons, and Skywarp is one of them. However, unlike the likes of Starscream, Skywarp does have one terrifying ability: teleportation. Thankfully for the Autobots, Skywarp isn’t that bright to use his teleportation powers to their scary potential. However, despite Skywarp’s love for pranks, Skywarp’s teleportation ability does make him a difficult prey to fight.
While he doesn’t make a presence in the films, such a teleporting Decepticon can be an immediate challenge to the Autobots. Skywarp can just as easily bring his easygoing attitude into the mix, making him quite a hilarious foe. Likewise, a quieter and more sinister Skywarp can emphasize the terrifying nature of his abilities.
6 Rumble
If Soundwave is the Decepticon's spymaster, then Rumble is one of his tools. In fact, he’s one of three Transformers cassettes that can fit in Soundwave’s chest compartment. Unfortunately, as the name implies, Rumble isn’t exactly the quietest of Rumble’s operatives. Of course, while Rumble prefers talking with his fists, he does make for an extremely competent bruiser - or interrogator. And what he lacks in subterfuge, Rumble compensates for a sheer love in explosives and demolitions.
Although more straightforward in terms of attitude compared to other Decepticons, Rumble’s presence in a potential film can add more variety to Soundwave’s character, who by then is simply taking the form of a miniature drone or satellite.
5 Cyclonus
While Starscream is the epitome of a conniving and cunning second-in-command, Cyclonus is his “perfect” counterpart. Created by Unicron himself, Cyclonus is dedicated to both Galvatron and the Decepticon cause to the point of extremes. And unlike other Decepticons, Cyclonus has the mental vigor required to enforce his status as a competent second-in-command. While Megatron is the faction’s inspiring leader, Cyclonus may very well be the one operating in the shadows and ensures total control.
In the film, the potential presence of Cyclonus can change the power dynamics of the Decepticons. This gives Starscream a visible rival in terms of Megatron’s attention and worth to the Decepticons, paving the way for potential backstabbings that may end up favoring the Autobots.
4 Bombshock
Despite his age, Bombshock is one of the fiercest soldiers the Decepticons have in their ranks. His participation in the Cybertronian Civil Wars has earned him the status of being the team’s Military Patrol, but his fellow members in the team don’t seem to trust the Micromaster that much.
However, a notable trait for Bombshock is his sheer love for combat. Unlike other fighters, Bombshock doesn’t hesitate to stay in a fight even if it gets messy, to the point of going total berserk and reveling in total destruction. To see such a chaotic warrior take on the likes of the Autobots in the films can be quite a horrific sight.
3 Airachnid
First appearing in the Transformers: Prime series, Airachnid is a Decepticon that chose the spider as her transformation, giving her a mechanical arachnid body. In line with this terrifying appearance is her ability to control Insecticons, a hive mind of insect-inspired Transformers that do everything Airachnid says to them. And as for Airachnid herself, she’s extremely self-serving to the point of cruelty, effectively becoming Autobot Arcee’s archnemesis due to torture and the killing of Arcee’s partner Tailgate.
Airachnid in other continuities is a ruthless scientist, willing to perform experiments simply for solving scientific problems. In the film franchise, the presence of Airachnid can be terrifying, especially since while Megatron tends to speak loud but act later, Airachnid could be done assassinating Decepticons before mentioning it.
2 Snaptrap
Among the fiercest of the Decepticons are the Seacons, the faction’s underwater combat specialists that comprise sea creature-inspired Transformers. Chief among them is Snaptrap, named after his transformation, a snapping turtle. Along with the other Seacons, they can transform into Piranacon, a Combiner who, unlike other Combiners that suffer from united thinking, has all of its components agree on its love for hunting.
Snaptrap’s presence in a potential film can add an interesting dimension to the film franchise, especially since not a lot of its combat scenes happen over water. Having a Decepticon that specializes precisely in underwater combat will force the Autobots to think smarter about their combat tactics.
1 Black Shadow
Another subgroup among the Decepticons is the Crossformers, a pair of Black Shadow and Blue Bacchus that essentially do anything for the right price. It’s their skillset geared towards thievery, extortion, and general violence that makes them just as cunning and dangerous to work with. Black Shadow in particular is the type of mercenary to betray the Decepticons to further his own goals, something that ironically makes him deserving of the membership.
His presence in a potential film can be outright terrifying for all parties, as Black Shadow can essentially be something unthinkable in the film franchise back then: a true third party. Perhaps the enigmatic organizations among Earth’s military can hire Black Shadow to do their dirty work, for example.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will be released in 2023.
