Hasbro launches an “Apology Tour” for a film that scarred a generation
Forty years after Transformers: The Movie stunned—and upset—fans by killing off many beloved characters, Hasbro is marking the anniversary with a campaign it’s calling the “Apology Tour.” The effort pairs a year of fan-focused events with a second wave of anniversary collectibles, giving longtime followers a chance to revisit the film’s biggest moments and pick up fresh takes on familiar faces.
Central to the rollout is a prominent role for one of the movie’s most iconic objects: the Matrix of Leadership. Alongside that centerpiece, Hasbro is releasing multiple Studio Series figures inspired by the 1986 animated feature, reviving both popular Autobots and Decepticons as detailed tie-in collectibles.
What’s in the new 40th anniversary wave
Hasbro’s latest drop includes a mix of Studio Series figures and a large roleplay item aimed at collectors and fans of the film’s nostalgia:
- Matrix of Leadership (roleplay size) — A first-of-its-kind, roleplay-sized Matrix with electronic lights and sound. The piece also plays Stan Bush’s anthem “The Touch” and includes a display stand.
- Studio Series action figures:
- Autobots: Sunstreaker (sports car), Wheeljack (race car), and Dinobot Snarl (Triceratops).
- Decepticons: Skywarp (fighter jet), Shockwave (spaceship), and Astrotrain (triple changer: robot, locomotive, space shuttle).
- Kranix — An alien survivor from the planet Lithone who appears briefly in the movie; while he doesn’t transform in the film, the figure reproduces his original design that includes a spaceship mode.
Retail prices announced:
- Matrix of Leadership: $124.99
- Snarl and Astrotrain: $59.99 each
- Skywarp and Shockwave: $42.99 each
- Sunstreaker, Wheeljack, and Kranix: $27.99 each
The Matrix of Leadership: more than a prop
The Matrix has long been a symbol of Autobot leadership and a key plot device in the 1986 film. This new roleplay edition is the first to combine full-sized roleplay scale with lights, sound, and an integrated playback of “The Touch.” It’s designed for display as much as for costume-play, with a dedicated stand for collectors who prefer to showcase it rather than wield it.
Which characters from the movie are getting new figures
The new wave leans into both fan-favorite Autobots and classic Decepticons, reflecting the film’s wide roster:
- Autobots: Sunstreaker and Wheeljack return in Studio Series form, and Dinobot Snarl is included as the wave’s prehistoric powerhouse.
- Decepticons: Skywarp and Shockwave join Astrotrain among the villains being remade at collector scale.
- Kranix is notable for being an on-screen cameo in the film who, despite not transforming in the story, received a design with a space mode—now realized in toy form.
These releases join Hasbro’s ongoing Studio Series line, which adapts characters from films and key franchise moments for collectors.
Why an “Apology Tour” — the legacy of the 1986 film
At the time of its release, Transformers: The Movie was intended as a hard reset for the toy line, clearing characters to make room for new designs. The result was jarring: several well-known Autobots were killed in graphic fashion for young viewers, and Optimus Prime’s death became a cultural flashpoint that reverberated through fandom and the toy business.
The backlash was substantial. Public reaction helped drive the franchise’s creative decisions in subsequent years, including the resurrection of Optimus Prime in the animated series. The “Apology Tour” name acknowledges that emotional fallout, while offering fans a way to celebrate the film’s lasting cult status rather than simply reopen old wounds.
Pre-order schedule and where to buy
Hasbro has set specific pre-order windows for the items:
- Shockwave and the Matrix of Leadership will be available to pre-order on HasbroPulse and other online retailers at 1 p.m. on February 16.
- The remainder of the wave — Sunstreaker, Wheeljack, Kranix, Snarl, Shockwave, Skywarp, and Astrotrain — will be available for pre-order at 1 p.m. on February 17.
Check HasbroPulse and authorized online retailers for regional availability and shipping details.
Why collectors and casual fans should care
Transformers: The Movie occupies a unique place in franchise history: it’s both a turning point in the continuity and a nostalgic touchstone for fans who grew up with the original characters and soundtrack. The anniversary wave taps into that nostalgia with faithful sculpts, a premium roleplay centerpiece, and price points that distinguish collector-grade items from mass-market toys.
For fans who want to revisit the Movie’s spectacle—or own a piece of its legacy—the Apology Tour provides new physical tributes that reflect how the film has endured, debated and celebrated, over four decades.
Looking ahead
Hasbro has promised a year of activities tied to the Apology Tour. For collectors who missed earlier anniversary runs or who want a fresh take on the 1986 feature, this second wave offers a mix of display-worthy pieces and roleplay collectibles to mark the milestone. Keep an eye on official Hasbro channels for event details and any additional waves or exclusives.