Movies and TV It's official: Hasbro is SORRY for killing Optimus Prime, OKAY. Here, have a Matrix of Leadership!

In Lessons Swiftly Learned And Never (Or Repeatedly) Forgotten news, the 40th anniversary of the 1986 The Transformers: The Movie is under way, and Hasbro has decided to celebrate it in a unique, and perhaps appropriate, way.

Bitter children of the 80s Fans everywhere may be delighted to discover that Hasbro is embarking on The Apology Tour, a cheeky playful celebration of the franchise's animated classic and its role in killing Optimus Prime escalating the age-old battle between Autobots and Decepticons. This tour includes "special fan events and screenings" across the year, a slew of cool 86-movie-related Studio Series product, and apparently even more from Hasbro AND partners like Super 7, Jada Toys, Culture Fly, and beyond!

In 1986, THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE rolled into theaters 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.

Perhaps best of all, one thing that might smooth over any lingering hurt feelings is the chance to have THE TOUCH.

Hasbro is finally releasing an official roleplay Matrix of Leadership that opens, glows, charges, AND plays "The Touch"! You know the song, you know the lyrics!

​

The Matrix of Leadership comes to TRANSFORMERS Studio Series. Inspired by THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE, this collectible display and roleplay piece features interactive lights and sounds for a truly cinematic experience. The extendable frame allows the Matrix of Leadership to be opened and closed. When the frame is pulled open, the pulsing lights in the core get brighter and "The Touch" by Stan Bush plays for an epic movie-inspired moment. The Matrix of Leadership can sit on the display stand when open or closed for dynamic display options. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the fan-favorite animated film and expand your collection with TRANSFORMERS action figures (sold separately, subject to availability) featuring favorite characters from the movie, including Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, and more.

(Shhh... don't forgive them yet. Let's see what we can get if we hold out!)​

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[Rogue Scholar MDC]

Oh hey, I remember that!

 

[Platypus Prime]

Of course, there is the simple fact that if they HADN'T killed Optimus Prime, they wouldn't HAVE to hand out matrix's...

Then again, we'd also never have heard of it, as the Marvel Comics concept was entirely different at first.

 

[Cloud]

Will Hasbro apologize for this Apology Tour down the road because this is just a marketing gimmick?

 

[Platypus Prime]

All apology tours are marketing, if they weren't, they wouldn't have paid merchandising. They regret NOTHING, they were GLAD they did it, they'd do it again, and they probably will...