Forty years after it first hit screens, THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE is still leaving fans emotional—and Hasbro is marking the milestone with a year-long celebration that honours its iconic characters, epic action, and unforgettable moments.
Released in 1986, the animated film pushed the boundaries of what a cartoon could do, delivering both thrilling battles and a shock that millions of fans still remember today: the heartbreaking defeat of Optimus Prime at the hands of his nemesis, Megatron. That moment, which taught young audiences that leadership often comes with sacrifice, has become a defining memory of the franchise, passed down through generations via home video, theatrical revivals, and countless fan discussions.
The film boasted a legendary voice cast including Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime), Frank Welker (Megatron), Orson Welles (Unicron), Judd Nelson (Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime), Leonard Nimoy (Galvatron), Eric Idle (Wrek-Gar), and Robert Stack (Ultra Magnus).
“THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE marked a defining moment for the franchise,” said Alyse D’Antuono, Vice President of Global Brand & Franchise Strategy, Action Brands at Hasbro. “From the emotional impact of Optimus Prime’s passing to the dynamic storytelling that followed, this anniversary honours the legacy and celebrates the loyalty and passion of fans. We have some More Than Meets The Eye surprises coming across entertainment, toys, and special experiences this year.”
The 40th Anniversary Apology Tour
Central to the celebration is the playful 1986 Apology Tour, a series of fan events and screenings where enthusiasts can come together to grieve, reminisce, and celebrate Optimus Prime’s legacy. Tissues are strongly encouraged, as Hasbro leans into the shared experience that has defined the franchise for decades.
New Collectibles and Toy Releases
To commemorate the anniversary, Hasbro is launching an exclusive new lineup of toys, including:
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The Matrix of Leadership Premium Electronic Replica – a first-of-its-kind collector’s item.
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New Studio Series figures, featuring fan-favourites such as Shockwave, Skywarp, Wheeljack, Kranix, Sunstreaker, Astrotrain, and Snarl.
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Previously revealed products inspired by Optimus Prime, Megatron, Hot Rod, Hound, and Scourge, with additional reveals planned throughout 2026.
Fans can catch the official Hasbro Pulse livestream on February 15 to see the full lineup and secure pre-orders starting February 16–17.
Publishing and Licensing Celebrations
Hasbro is also partnering with a range of publishers and licensors for limited-edition collectibles and storytelling projects. Participating brands include Culture Fly, Jada Toys, Monogram, ShuShu Papa, Skybound Entertainment, Super7, Threezero, and Trends International, all contributing to a multi-faceted celebration of the franchise.
For more on the TRANSFORMERS universe, including toys, collectibles, and updates on the anniversary, follow TRANSFORMERSOfficial on Instagram, TRANSFORMERS on X, Facebook, and TikTok.
