Hasbro Tapping Out of Movie Business

Hasbro's CEO Chris Cocks has revealed that Hasbro is completely tapping out of making movies. With the commercial failure of Transformers One and under performance of Rise of the Beasts and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, the company is no longer going to co-finance films. “We want to reach fans where they want to play, and increasingly that is through digital expressions of their favorite brands,” Cocks said to Bloomberg. Studios can still make movies and TV shows on Hasbro properties, but it will now be licensed instead of having the cost partially taken on by Hasbro.

The money instead will be shifted to invest in video games with upcoming projects that include Exodus from Baldur's Gate veterans, D&D, and G.I. Joe video games in the works. Plan is also to expand Magic: The Gathering Arena video game with the Commander format. “What makes Magic so successful is what will drive Hasbro’s future success. It’s grounded in play, " Cocks said.

Under the previous CEO Brian Goldner, Hasbro bet big on Hollywood co-financing films based on their properties. By co-financing, lets say a movie costs $200 million. That would more or less get split between the studio and Hasbro. The co-financing deal made it so Paramount was more willing to gamble on then unproven properties and continue to gamble on future films even as the rate of return declined. 

Transformers One Now Available on Paramount+

Transformers One is now available to stream on Paramount+. The movie is also still available in theaters and for purchase on video on demand. The home video release is set for December 17. Good movie with a ridiculous high score on Rotten Tomatoes (98% viewers, 89% critics) so recommend watching in whatever way works for you.

Transformers Inducted Into Toy Hall of Fame

The National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York revealed yesterday that Transformers has officially been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. Also inducted for 2024 was Phase 10 and My Little Pony. The trio join 84 other toys inducted since the museum started its Hall of Fame in 1998.

“These are three very deserving toys that showcase the wide range of how people play,” says Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections and chief curator. “But for My Little Pony, in particular, this year is extra validating. The beloved toy was a finalist seven times before finally crossing the finish line!”