Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment have partnered to roll out the 4K theatrical return of the 1986 animated science fiction action film “The Transformers: The Movie.” To celebrate the 40th anniversary of “The Transformers: The Movie,” Hasbro has created “Optimus Prime: Awakening,” a special animated short, as part of its broader anniversary brand celebration. The short will be presented following select anniversary screenings of the original 1986 film.
Beginning, Sept. 17, in celebration of Transformers Day, the event gives fans the chance to experience the 40th anniversary of the landmark film on the big screen and stay through the credits for a brand-new post-credits cinematic chapter created exclusively for this release. This one-of-a-kind moviegoing experience will screen in theatres nationwide across the United States and is expanding globally with screenings in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and Germany. Premium large format 4DX screenings will be available in the U.S. and the UK.
Screenings will run Sept. 17-22 in select theaters.
Following is a list of Tampa Bay area theaters with show times for the film:
• Regal Park Place, 7200 U.S. 19 N., Pinellas Park
• AMC Sundial 12, 151 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg
• AMC Woodlands Square 20, 3128 Tampa Road, Oldsmar
• AMC West Shore 14, 210 Westshore Plaza, Tampa
• AMC Veterans 24, 9302 Anderson Road, Tampa
• Sun-Ray Cinema, 12332 University Mall Court, Tampa
• AMC Riverview 14, 9390 Theatre Drive, Gibsonton
• AMC The Regency 20, 2496 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon
• AMC Highwoods 20, 18002 Highwood Preserve Parkway, Tampa
• Regal Hollywood, 6701 Cinema Drive, Port Richey
• B&B Theaters Wesley Chapel — The Grove 16, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel
• AMC Bradenton 20, 2507 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton
Tickets are now available online and at participating theater box offices. Theater locations are subject to change. For more information, visit www.fathomentertainment.com.
The theatrical return of the film on its 40th anniversary offers fans a long-awaited chance to revisit one of the franchise’s most iconic and emotional chapters on the big screen — the loss of Optimus Prime. The screenings are part of Hasbro’s year-long “Apology Tour,” a campaign that playfully acknowledges the film’s lasting impact on generations of fans while celebrating its legacy with new reimagined toys, collectibles, and high-profile fan experiences.
“Optimus Prime: Awakening” is a fully realized, 12-minute animated short designed as a love letter to the Transformers community and the late Peter Cullen, the legendary talent and voice of Optimus Prime. The animated short delivers emotional storytelling, electric action, and new performances by legends Frank Welker as Megatron/Soundwave and Peter Cullen in his final original voice performance as Optimus Prime. Cullen died Aug. 26, 2026, at age 85.
Hasbro, in an official statement on Cullen’s death, said: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Cullen: the legendary voice behind Optimus Prime, and so many characters that shaped our childhoods. His voice was unmistakable. For four decades it taught us what courage and kindness sound like, and it will keep doing that for every fan who hears it for the first time.”