Hasbro celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Transformers: The Movie (1986) with the 'Apology Tour' and 40th Anniversary Studio Series releases
- Mephitsu
- 42 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Hasbro has shared the following press release for a year long celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Transformers: The Movie. The 'Apology Tour' program will include screenings and panels through the year at key events, supported by publishing and licensed products, including action figures via the Super7 arrangements.
In the Hasbro Transformers line itself we have a 40th Anniversary series to look forward too with a Fan Stream on the 15th of February 2026 which will unveil, in full, new figures of Shockwave, Skywarp, Wheeljack, Kranix, Sunstreaker, Astrotrain and Snarl
PAWTUCKET, R.I. , 13. February 2026 – Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, is officially kicking off a year-long celebration of THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE’s 40th anniversary that honours the film for its epic action, iconic characters, and that tragic moment fans are very much still processing.
In 1986, THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE rolled into theatres and proved that animated films can pull an emotional punch that can last across decades. The Autobots and Decepticons went to war, and in a moment that audiences young and old were not prepared for, Optimus Prime was defeated in an epic showdown with his arch-nemesis Megatron. This single moment hit hard and quietly taught millions of kids that great leadership sometimes comes with sacrifice. Decades later, the movie has only grown more legendary through home video re-releases, theatrical revivals, and generations of fans passing the Matrix of Leadership down to new viewers accompanied by a gentle reminder of that heart-wrenching scene.
The animated classic featured an all-star 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, Global Brand & Franchise Strategy, Action Brands, Hasbro. “From the emotional impact of Optimus Prime’s passing to the dynamic storytelling that followed, we recognize just how powerful, and unforgettable, that moment remains. This anniversary is about honoring the legacy, thanking fans for four decades of loyalty and passion as Hasbro and our partners mark this milestone across entertainment, toys, and ...More Than Meets The Eye surprises, with additional anniversary news to follow.”
THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE 40th anniversary APOLOGY TOUR experience includes:
The 1986 Apology Tour: Forty years later…it still hits like a truck. The loss of Optimus Prime remains one of the most talked-about moments in franchise history. Hasbro is leaning into that shared experience with a playful, year-long “1986 Apology Tour,” bringing fans together to grieve, heal, and reminisce together at special fan events & screenings all year long. More information to follow and tissues strongly encouraged.
Hasbro THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE 40th Anniversary Lineup: To make it up to fans, Hasbro has revealed a new wave of products celebrating the film’s milestone anniversary. For the first time ever, fans can experience THE MATRIX OF LEADERSHIP premium electronic movie replica alongside new STUDIO SERIES additions featuring Shockwave, Skywarp, Wheeljack, Kranix, Sunstreaker, Astrotrain and Snarl. Hasbro Pulse will host a livestream on February 15th to walk through the lineup, complete with surprises and characters fans love, without any unexpected plot twists. Pre-orders will officially go live on February 16 and 17th. Previously revealed products inspired by Optimus Prime, Megatron, Hot Rod, Hound and Scourge are also part of the lineup, with additional reveals planned throughout the year.
Publishing and Licensing Products: One apology isn’t enough. Hasbro and its partners are giving fans even more to celebrate with a powerful lineup of collectibles and storytelling honoring the 40th anniversary, including products from Culture Fly, Jada Toys, Monogram, ShuShu Papa, Skybound Entertainment, Super7, Threezero and Trends International. Stay tuned for more details.
For the latest information on the TRANSFORMERS brand, including toys and entertainment, follow @TRANSFORMERSOfficial on Instagram, @TRANSFORMERS on X, @TRANSFORMERS on Facebook and @TRANSFORMERSOfficial on TikTok.
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About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...