ACToys.net has posted multiple pics from Pumaking of the movie version of Optimus Prime and Starscream prototypes both in and out of their blister packs. Whether these are actually real prototypes are a fan created mockup is unknown. Neither for instance look nothing liked leaked versions of his design unless the gimmick is pre-Earth modes or something. Thanks Garry M. for the link.
More pics are here.
Update:
Turns out based on AICN and also reading the back of the packages (see below pic) which I didn't do, the design of the toys show the "Protoform" for Optimus Prime and Starscream. Now Protoform has been around since G1 but wasn't really given a name until Beast Wars. In the context of the movie, its basically the Cybertron form of the Transformer until it adopts an Earth form to "camouflaged" itself.
From this you can infer that every Transformers in the movie will have to have 4 separate designs: Cybertron robot, Cybertron alt-mode, Earth robot, and Earth alt-mode. Twice the bang for you buck if selling toys but also twice the design work. Usually Transformers in this size back cost $10.00. Also the indicated detail is not bad too which gives me hope for the up coming toyline. This also means hat the leak pics up to now are only half the story with final designs and all 4 versions still out there to be revealed for public consumption and opinion.
The extent the Protoforms will be used in the movie, if at all, is unknown.
Update to the update:
Checking the comments, eagle-eyed readers have noticed that the blister pack makes mention of an "Entry Mode" suggesting that the movie might introduce not 2 versions of each Transformers, but 3 versions: Cybertron, Space Travel/Atmospheric Re-entry, Earth mode. Each with a robot mode and alt mode for a grand total of 6 designs for each.
This theory has some legs. Considering in the past the writers of the movie script have expressed that they though the concept of the Ark to be unnecessary. This is followed up with the "how do they get to earth then?" question. This might be their answer to that. This theory also fits in with the opening of the movie mentioning comets coming to earth (TFs entering the atmosphere). Finally, purely from a toy making perspective, when you only have 13 Transformers for the line, having them each with 3 modes equals 39 toys minimum to sell. That would probably represent about 3-4 waves that will last through the DVD and Christmas '07 season. Ultimately time will tell, either the release date of June 7th or more likely the New York Toyfair in February.
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