Transformers leader Optimus Prime not only has a self-transforming toy, but now a trailer to match. The film series inspired by the popular Hasbro toy line is one of the highest-grossing franchises in history, with the six Transformers films making a combined total of $4.86 billion worldwide. There has not been a new Transformers film since 2018's Bumblebee, but a seventh installment is on the way, with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' release date expected in 2023.
Despite their success at the box office, Transformers films have generally received a negative critical response over the years, with the exception of Bumblebee, which boasts the franchise's highest Rotten Tomatoes score at 90 percent. That is in contrast to the last Transformers-titled film, The Last Knight, which scored lowest of all at only 15 percent. Director Michael Bay, who helmed the first five Transformers movies, recently revealed in an interview that he went against executive producer Steven Spielberg's advice to stop at Transformers 3. The Last Knight was Bay's final film before Steven Caple Jr. was tapped to direct Rise of the Beasts.
Apart from the film series, Hasbro has continued to make Transformers toys — and not necessarily for children. After teaming up with Robosen Robotics to create a $700 self-transforming Optimus Prime toy, the companies have returned to debut the Autobot's trailer attachment. According to Gizmodo, Optimus Prime's trailer is available for pre-order via both HasbroPulse.com and Robosen.com, but it is not cheap. The three-foot trailer, which connects to the 19-inch Optimus Prime figure, is also priced at $750. This means that the combined figure and trailer accessory fetch an impressive $1,500 total. Able to change into battle mode and follow commands via voice or mobile app, the Optimus Prime trailer attachment also includes a human sidekick, Spike, driving the Roller car. Read the full details below:
A simple voice command opens the Trailer’s rear swing doors exposing the automatic lift gate, which Roller can drive up and down, and Optimus Prime can seamlessly tow the Trailer with the integrated fifth wheel coupling that easily attaches while operating in truck mode for a quick and realistic connection. Various battle modes stage Optimus Prime and Trailer in full combat and defensive positions and the Trailer can open while Optimus Prime tows via truck mode, exposing the sentry weapons to fire on the Decepticons during the chase.
Despite the film series' shaky history, Transformers fans haven't lost their fervor for the franchise, especially in the realm of toys and collectibles. According to Gizmodo, Hasbro and Robosen's original, $700 Optimus Prime sold out quickly, which means avid collectors have no qualms with dropping a pretty penny for premium Transformers figures. With so many features equipped onto both Optimus Prime and the trailer, both pieces are surely not meant to stay in a glass box purely for display purposes. These are figures meant to be enjoyed, especially by the person lucky enough to purchase them for such an impressive price.
The toys also serve as a way to keep momentum for the Transformers films alive amid the franchise's five-year hiatus. The break, coupled with a new director and positive outlook after Bumblebee, should fare well for the saga, which has already confirmed that Transformers 8 and 9 are in the works. Until then, Autobot enthusiasts can remain satiated with other entertainment and action figures, particularly those of the state-of-the-art variety.
Source: Gizmodo