I'm torn here. Perlman is a fun actor to listen to. He was bad in PotP, because that was a terrible show, as was the voice directing, and sound mixing, among other things. Chalk will always be Optimus Primal to me, and I love seeing him in film roles such as Godzilla (2014), and Sonic (2020). However, I was at Botcon 2004 in Pasadena when rumblings of the first film were going around. Cullen knew nothing about it, but I remember the thunderous applause when a fan said if they don't get him to voice Optimus Prime, there would be *riots* (figuratively I'm sure...)
...oh boy, that has not aged well....
Anyway... Paramount didn't get Welker to do Megatron, and despite some fans disappointment, Hugo Weaving did well I thought (even if he himself thought it was stupid and bounced after his 3 picture deal was done). And well...they did get Welker eventually...
As much of an Original Series fan as I am, I see both sides of this, I really want to see Garry Chalk get a good solid role in a larger motion picture, but I know why Paramount made the choice they did. Will this be met with the same anger and disappointment
as if Cullen had been passed up? For some people yes absolutely, for some, maybe not. I have the greatest of respect for the original BW cast. They not only did great work, they are great people as well. I wish them all continued success in the industry, even if it doesn't happen to be in this specific film.