As speculated once Hasbro started teasing this a few days back, Transformers: The Movie is headed back to theaters for its 40th anniversary. And they’re really, really, really sorry about killing Optimus Prime.
“THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE marked a defining moment for the franchise,” said Alyse D’Antuono, Vice President, Global Brand & Franchise Strategy, Action Brands, Hasbro via a press release provided to Comic Book Club. “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.”
In a video posted to the Transformers Official social media outlets, in a retro ’80s look, the two minute clip starts with “The following message is presented by Hasbro concerning a certain Autobot leader.”
It continues with the text, read by a narrator, that, “In the summer of 1986, audiences around the world were changed forever by a film that was… Beyond Good… Beyond Evil… Beyond Your Wildest Imagination.”
Then the footage cuts to the moment in the animated movie when Optimus Prime dies, with various commentators and reaction videos saying “I’m still not over it” and “nooooo” reacting to the iconic movie death.
The narrator returns, stating, “Um, to all the loyal fans, we hear you, and we feel your pain. And as a gesture of good will, we’d like to make it up to you with… The Apology Tour.”
So: what is The Apology Tour? Per the video, accompanied by the classic “The Touch” by Stan Bush, it’s a “yearlong celebration — I mean, moment of healing — for making you cry at the movies 40 years ago.”
It’ll include fan screenings, “new bangers” meaning new songs, and the tease that there’ll be celebrations at various conventions “all year long” … and of course “totally rad please forgive us for killing Optimus and crushing your childhood figures and merch.”
That’s still pretty vague, but it does end with the tagline “Let the healing begin.” So when will Transformers: The Movie pop up for those fan screenings? Or rather, as the teaser helpfully states, The Transformers: The Movie? Well, there aren’t any listings on sites like Fandango as of yet. But the movie did come out in August, so it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility to have something at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con in July, followed by screenings around the country the next month.
Here’s official PR from Hasbro with a little more info:
- 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.
Check out the Instagram post below for those sweet ’80s vibes:
Comic Book Club Live Info:
Discover more from Comic Book Club
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.