Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment have announced that the upcoming 40th anniversary theatrical re-release of The Transformers: The Movie will feature a brand-new post-credits scene, marking the first major addition to the 1986 animated classic in four decades. The announcement was made during San Diego Comic-Con alongside a new trailer showcasing the film’s restored 4K presentation, giving longtime fans a fresh reason to revisit one of the franchise’s most beloved entries.
Created exclusively for the anniversary event, the new post-credits sequence plays after the film’s climactic ending following the destruction of the planet-devouring Unicron. While Hasbro has kept the contents under wraps, the teaser appears to hint at Optimus Prime’s future, immediately sparking speculation among fans eager to see how the iconic Autobot leader factors into the newly added scene.
The re-release begins on September 17, 2026, coinciding with what Hasbro calls “Transformers Day,” and will run in theaters through September 21. The film has been restored in 4K and will also screen in premium 4DX auditoriums across the United States and the United Kingdom. International releases are planned for Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Germany around the same period, with additional territories expected to be announced. Tickets go on sale beginning August 7 through Fathom Entertainment.
The theatrical event forms part of Hasbro’s year-long “Apology Tour,” a tongue-in-cheek campaign referencing one of the most controversial moments in the franchise’s history—Optimus Prime’s death in the original film. Alongside the theatrical release, fans can also stream the newly remastered soundtrack, The Transformers: The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Reformatted Edition, while select U.S. theaters will offer exclusive collectible popcorn buckets and specialty drinkware during the film’s limited engagement.
Originally released on August 8, 1986, The Transformers: The Movie served as the narrative bridge between the second and third seasons of the original animated television series. Directed by Nelson Shin, the film follows the Autobots as they battle the Decepticons while confronting Unicron, a colossal planet-devouring entity threatening the universe. The film became infamous upon release for killing off several major characters, most notably Optimus Prime, a creative decision that shocked young audiences and reportedly triggered thousands of complaints and a letter-writing campaign directed at Hasbro.
Although its theatrical run was disappointing at the time, earning just $5.8 million at the North American box office, the film gradually found new life through home video, television broadcasts and repeat viewings, eventually becoming one of the most celebrated entries in Transformers history. Its enduring reputation has been strengthened by an impressive voice cast that includes Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime, Frank Welker, Eric Idle, Judd Nelson, Casey Kasem, Scatman Crothers, Robert Stack as Ultra Magnus, Leonard Nimoy as Galvatron and legendary filmmaker Orson Welles in one of his final screen performances as the voice of Unicron.
Speaking about the anniversary release, Hasbro’s Alyse D’Antuono said the film’s continued popularity over the past four decades reflects its lasting storytelling and cultural impact, adding that the theatrical return offers longtime fans an opportunity to celebrate the film together while introducing a new generation to a defining chapter of Transformers history. Fathom Entertainment CEO Ray Nutt similarly described the animated feature as one of the franchise’s most enduring cinematic experiences.
The anniversary event also arrives as interest in the Transformers franchise remains high following the release of Transformers One in 2024. Although that animated feature earned $129.4 million worldwide and fell short of commercial expectations relative to its budget, it helped renew attention around the franchise’s animated roots, making the return of the 1986 classic a timely celebration of its legacy.
Forty years after shocking audiences with Optimus Prime’s death, The Transformers: The Movie is returning to theaters with its first major new footage, a restored presentation and an exclusive post-credits scene. Combined with premium-format screenings, anniversary collectibles and an expanded international rollout, the re-release promises to be one of the year’s most ambitious theatrical revival events, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a chance to experience one of animation’s most enduring cult classics on the big screen.
Transformers: The Movie Trailer
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