Hasbro Celebrates Transformers 40th Anniversary

Hasbro has announced plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Transformers franchise. 

Transformers made its worldwide debut in 1984 with its revolutionary robot-to-vehicle action figures, bolstered by a comic book series and an action-packed animated series, “The Transformers.” The launch was a massive hit, introducing characters like Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, Starscream and others who became fan favorites as the heroes and villains of Cybertron. Today, hundreds of robots continue to join the franchise and illustrate the brand’s core ability to change and adapt to new environments while offering a variety of ways to play for a new generation of fans. 

“Beloved since its inception in 1984, Transformers has evolved from an innovative toy line into a powerhouse franchise embraced by millions of fans around the world,” says Alyse D’Antuono, vice president, global franchise strategy and management, action brands, Hasbro. “The past four decades continuously delivered a more-than-meets-the-eye experience for fans by introducing new toys and games, as well as thrilling storytelling in animated shows, comics, blockbuster films and much more. As we build the next chapter in the Transformers universe, we look forward to celebrating one legacy for another 40 years.” 

“When you have a franchise that goes 40 years in this business, it’s pretty remarkable to watch the franchise just build and build and build; it is amazing to watch,” says Frank Welker, original voice talent of Megatron.  

“I’ve always had the feeling this was going to go a long time,” says Peter Cullen, fellow voice cast member and original voice of Optimus Prime. 

Drawing inspiration from the brand’s origins in 1984, Hasbro will launch an array of products, promotions, experiences and content throughout this year. 

Products: 

●     Hasbro Pulse recently revealed the next HasLab of powerful proportions. Fans can back this Transformers HasLab project, Transformers: Legacy Robots in Disguise 2001 Omega Prime, until March 14 at 11:59 PM EST. If fully funded, the project will begin shipping in fall 2025. More information can be found on HasbroPulse.com. 

●     Over 40 distinct Hasbro Transformers anniversary figures will be available across the yearlong celebration. In March, Hasbro Pulse will kick off the 40th anniversary with a Hasbro Pulse Fanstream and weekly fan-focused content. 

With the first robot figures landing on shelves in April 1984, Hasbro set out to strengthen the Transformers brand with multiple partner licensees, including sticker books, TV trays, dinnerware, school folders, notebooks, records and tape sets, gumball banks, kites and Halloween costumes. Today, the brand continues to expand with new licensing, publishing, promotions and entertainment that will be available throughout the yearlong celebration. 

Music 

●     The Transformers 40th anniversary vinyl album, “Hasbro presents Transformers: Music from the Original Animated Series,” features music from “The Transformers” animated series (Seasons 1-3). Originally released in 2019 with over 45 minutes of music, this reissue album includes bonus tracks and a mixture of remastered orchestral and ’80s-inspired synth tracks from the original tapes by composer Rob Walsh. The album will also be available digitally for the first time across all digital music platforms. Pre-orders open July 26. 

●    The Transformers 40th anniversary collection includes headphones from audio brand, JLab.  

Fashion 

●     T-shirts from Mad Engine feature artwork based on the original Transformers comics and new designs to commemorate the milestone. Fans can find the assortment on Amazon.com.  

●     A collection inspired by Transformers 40th anniversary is coming from apparel brand, RSVLTS. 

Toys and Collectibles 

●     Robosen celebrates the anniversary with the launch of a robot sequel of Flagship Optimus Prime. 

●     Two new 1:24 scale die-cast vehicle mash-ups from Jada Toys, inspired by Transformers and Ghostbusters brands, will arrive this fall. 

●     New characters in Blind Box, ReAction and Super Cyborg formats will be available starting this fall on Super7.com, HasbroPulse.com, as well as major retailers, including Amazon, Target, BigBadToy Store, Entertainment Earth, Macy’s and more.  

●     Fans can look forward to additional Transformers x Funko Pop! figures this summer. 

●     FiGPiN is relaunching its XL collectible enamel pins featuring Optimus Prime and Megatron in a 6-inch format.  

●     Hasbro and New Zealand Mint will unveil a limited-edition, pure silver collectible of the first Transformers comic cover.  

●     The limited Vintage Animation Edition Transformers MDLX Optimus Prime, MDLX Bumblebee and MDLX Megatron are threezero’s redesigned versions of the classic characters. 

Publishing 

●     New comic books and graphic novel collections from Skybound Entertainment based on the Transformers series will be released this year. As part of the new shared Energon Universe from creator, Robert Kirkman, Transformers, G.I. Joe and “Void Rivals” characters come together for a special comic book experience. A new graphic novel compendium series collecting the landmark Transformers series from Marvel Comics will also launch in the fall.  

●     Dynamite Entertainment’s new set of nearly 200 premium trading cards feature fan-favorite characters from the Transformers brand’s “Generation 1” era, showcasing classic art styles from an international array of top artists and Hasbro’s design archives.  

Promotions 

●     Monro, a U.S. automotive service and tire provider, will offer Transformers-themed auto service packages through March 31.  

Entertainment 

●     Paramount’s highly anticipated animated projects release this year with the second season of the original kids’ series, “Transformers: Earthspark” and “Transformers One,” the first fully CG-animated theatrical movie, debuting in theaters Sept. 13.  

●     Fans can catch a Transfomers-themed episode during Season 11 of “The Masked Singer,” premiering this spring on Fox. 

Updates on these projects and other special entertainment content planned during Transformers 40th anniversary year will be coming soon.