Brian Tyree Henry, a talented actor coming to the big screen soon as Megatron, has brought a new dimension to one of the most iconic villains in cinematic history.
For many, Henry is known for his diverse acting repertoire, from his acclaimed role as Paper Boi in “Atlanta” to his unforgettable performances in films like “Bullet Train” and “Eternals.” As an HBCU graduate from Morehouse College, Henry’s portrayal of Megatron goes beyond the typical antagonist, as he imbues the character with a deep sense of humanity.
“I grew up in a house full of adults, so I always got the hand-me-down villain toys. I believe I got them because A, nobody bought them, and B, they were cheaper. I always played with the villain toys like they were heroes,” Henry shared while reflecting on his childhood.
This perspective has shaped Henry’s approach to playing Megatron as he sought to break away from the stereotypical villain mold.
“The most complicated part is to imbue the villain with heart because it’s really easy for us to know villains—they’re dark, they’re negative. I didn’t want this for Megatron.” Henry said. “I really wanted people to walk out understanding him and understanding his cause.”
His portrayal of the villain is complex, humanizing Megatron in a way that audiences rarely see.
Henry’s time at Morehouse College also profoundly impacted his approach to acting. He drew parallels between his experience on Cybertron and his college years in Atlanta.
“I brought a lot of experiences from college into the movie where you’re meeting Optimus Prime and Megatron,” Henry said. “I feel like ages 18 to 21, when I decided to leave home and throw myself into the middle of the AUC, just thinking, what kind of man did I want to be? It’s really a coming-of-age story.”
Henry connected his personal moments of harsh realizations with Megatron’s arc. “I think about the moments of disillusionment I went through when I realized how the world actually was versus what I thought it should be,” he said.
Beyond the personal parallels, Henry cherishes his time at Morehouse, crediting his HBCU experience for shaping him as an actor and a man. His journey from Morehouse to Yale to Hollywood is a testament to determination, hard work, perseverance and the incomparable value of HBCUs.
“One thing I really loved is how your HBCU will believe in you and see things in you that you don’t even see for yourself,” He said. “I honestly would not have ever gone to Yale if my Morehouse community hadn’t told me, like, you should actually look into this.”
Henry also spoke passionately about the significance of HBCUs in fostering growth and confidence among Black students. “It taught me to believe in myself and never question myself as a Black man. I have no problem making spaces for myself and taking up space, even if people don’t want to do it for me. It really just shows me how much I have to do and want to do, and it would not have been possible without my HBCU upbringing,” he said.
As an actor and a HBCU graduate, Brian Tyree Henry continues to inspire, not just with his talent on-screen but with his dedication to uplifting others who follow in his footsteps. His portrayal of Megatron, layered with his own experiences, is a reminder that even villains can be complicated—and sometimes, they have more heart than we realize.