If you are a fan of The Transformers: The Movie, a.k.a. Transformers 86 Movie, then you’d be looking out for more Hasbro Transformers Studio Series toys—especially the arch-nemesis of Optimus Prime: Megatron. Well, if so, your wait is over. We’ve seen unofficial news about it, and now, for those who haven’t already heard, your worst fear has just been confirmed.
The Transformers Studio Series The Transformers: The Movie Megatron, despite being inspired by the ’86 animated movie, does not transform into a Walther P38 handgun. Megatron’s original alt mode, though it doesn’t make any sense, is part of the charm of the OG series. If he were a tank from the beginning, his impact wouldn’t be nearly as immense. He would’ve been just another charmless villain.
Anyhow, for those not in the know, the change was due to the Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 and other legislation that heavily restricted toy guns that closely resembled real firearms. I know, right? Such hypocrisy. Then why is the JR-15 a thing? Hopefully, Japan doesn’t have this silly legislation, and Takara Tomy would consider having a Meg that transforms into a pistol.
Back to the toy… while it doesn’t transform into a P38, the 8.5-inch Leader Class figure resembles the G1 Megatron, featuring movie-inspired deco and details. It converts into a tank and vice versa in 54 steps. The designer took extra care to conceal the tank tracks so that it still looks like good’ol Meg.
The figure is posable and comes with a bunch of accessories, including the fusion cannon, a saber, the back barrel, and blaster accessory pieces.
The Transformers Studio Series The Transformers: The Movie Megatron will sell for US$59.99 when it becomes available starting September 01, 2025. Pre-order is sold out on HasbroPulse.com, but you can probably still pre-order from other toy retailers. If not, just wait for it to hit the shelves at your local Walmart or something. Oh, it’s on Amazon Japan [JP], btw.
Images: Hasbro.
