Think about leading toy companies in the world, and several names came to mind: Of course there is the LEGO Group, then Mattel, Hasbro and after this, we are moving away from established licenced brands, and moving on to less significant players in the game.

When rumors of Optimus Prime surfaced back in January 2022, people were quick to shut it down, with a combination of ‘I really want this!’ and ‘But it’s a Hasbro Brand…they will never collaborate with the LEGO Group.’ 

Transformers sprang to prominence back in the 1980’s as a Saturday Morning Cartoon determined to sell toys: and what toys – everyday vehicles would transform into giant robots – as the Autobots took on the Decepticons in new adventures every week. And it is the first generation version of Optimus Prime – Leader of the Autobots – that is being announced today, for release in June 2022 – Set 10302 has 1508 elements, and will be priced at $AUD 259.99 or 169,99 USD/EUR. It will be a LEGO Branded exclusive initially, with a wider distribution later in the year – probably in time for Fathers’ Day in Australia!

Read on for more images, and the official press release.

Leading global toy companies, the LEGO Group and Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) unite for the first time to bring the iconic Transformers Autobot, Optimus Prime, to life in LEGO® form – complete with alt mode. The new LEGO Transformers Optimus Prime set is a tribute to the heroic Autobot leader with over 1,500 detailed LEGO pieces. Once assembled, the figure features 19 points of articulation that allow fans to convert from robot to truck alt mode and back again. This is one of the first times a LEGO set has been able to convert between two models, without the need to rebuild.

The new LEGO set will transport fans back to 1984 to when Transformers first exploded into popular culture with the original toy line and animated TV series. Modeled after the G1 Optimus Prime character, the new LEGO set includes remarkable attention to detail and features such as the ion blaster, Energon axe, an Energon Cube and the Autobot Matrix of Leadership which can be stored in the chest chamber.

Senior Designer at the LEGO Group, Joseph Patrick Kyde, says about the collaboration: “It has been an honour and joy to work together with Hasbro to develop a LEGO version of Optimus Prime! I am excited to see these two toy companies come together for the first time to celebrate the leader of the Autobots. Optimus Prime has become a pop culture symbol of courage, selflessness, and great leadership as well as an awesome toy that embodies the problem-solving and creativity skills that both companies value so much. It’s been a wonderful and challenging task to bring him to life using LEGO bricks, especially making sure that he can shift modes without disassembly and stay true to his signature look and style.”

Casey Collins, Head of Licensed Consumer Products and Business Development at Hasbro noted: “We’re excited to bring two of the world’s greatest play and entertainment companies together to celebrate this larger-than-life, iconic character – Optimus Prime. We know fans everywhere will be thrilled by this collaboration as it enables fans and families of all ages to create memories as they work together to build the LEGO Transformers Optimus Prime.”

Once complete building this 1,508-piece model, fans can admire their build with pride by adding the display plaque to pay tribute to the iconic Transformers character.

The LEGO Transformers Optimus Prime set will be available globally from LEGO.com/optimus and in LEGO stores from June 1st priced at 169,99 USD/EUR.

Optimus Prime. Leader of the heroic Autobots. And now an impressive 2-in-1 LEGO® build for Transformers fans. Awaken your passion for the Transformers universe with this rewarding building project for adults as you craft all the details of an iconic robot.

From LEGO Shop online:

Hiding in plain sight
Just like the beloved original, this Optimus Prime model converts from a robot to a truck and back again. Admire the 19 points of articulation in robot mode and open the chest chamber to store the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. Attach the jetpack in robot mode and place the ion blaster and Energon axe in the Autobot’s hands. Other authentic accessories include an Energon cube and optional waist panel. Add the plaque to display your passion for Transformers with pride.

Welcome to your zone
Spend quality time with premium LEGO buildable model sets for adults. This set makes an immersive project for you or a top gift idea for anyone who loves Transformers collectibles.

• Build a Transformers icon – Enjoy quality time crafting all the details of this LEGO® Optimus Prime (10302) model
• Converts from robot to vehicle – Just like the much-loved original, this LEGO® Optimus Prime replica switches between a robot and a truck
• Authentic accessories – Relive Transformers sagas with accessories that include the ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, an Energon axe, Energon cube and jetpack
• For Transformers fans – This LEGO® Optimus Prime collectible model is designed especially for adults looking for their next immersive project
• Display with pride – Includes a display plaque so you can pay tribute to your passion for Transformers
• 19 points of articulation – Explore all of Optimus Prime’s movements. Open the chest chamber to store the Autobot Matrix of Leadership
• Dimensions – In truck mode, the model measures over 5.5 in. (15 cm) high, 10.5 in. (27 cm) long and 4.5 in. (12 cm) wide. In robot mode, the model stands over 13.5 in. (35 cm) tall

I was stunned to see this model – it looks just so… G1 Optimus Prime Like. If you were a kid of the 80’s, chances are this set is for you. It will be available on June 1 (individual definitions of available might vary) from LEGO Branded retailers.

Is this the nostalgia kick you were looking for? Are there other transformers you would like to see added to the LEGO Portfolio? Why not comment below, and until next time,

Play Well!