On June 3, 2023 Hasbro and Amazon teamed up to hold a promotional event for the seventh live action Transformers film: Rise of the Beasts! There are many themes running through Rise of the Beasts thanks in part to its setting in 1994 and one of the film's locations: Brooklyn, NY. This gives it a connection to the art and music represented by the area so this event was held in Bushwick, a neighborhood in Brooklyn. Specifically the event ran from 3-7PM on the corner of Waterbury St. & Scholes Street. This event was open to the public, so anyone could join in the fun!
Fans young old and everything in between were on hand to see an amazing mural by artist Dragon76 featuring Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime against a New York City themed backdrop. You can see a render of it below from Amazon's Battle in Brooklyn site. You can see actual photos of the mural by the artist on his Instagram page.
If you are thinking that this would have made a great print, you would be correct! Dragon76 was on hand to sign prints of this beautiful artwork. The print run was limited (no exact number was given) and about two hours into the event they were all gone! I was lucky enough to snag one and I plan to frame it.
For their part, Amazon ran a tent showing off select Transformers products including T-shirts, caps and of course action figures! Among the items on display were the upcoming Robosen Rise of the Beasts Optimus Prime, Battle Masters Cheetor and Skullcruncher along with the recently revealed Animatronic Optimus Primal. Fans could line up to spin a game wheel and win prizes including LEGO Optimus Prime!
For those feeling peckish, two food trucks were set up to provide complimentary eats to visitors. One truck offered three types of tacos while another offered fresh made mini-donuts with various toppings. In keeping with the theme of the event, each selection was given a Transformers themed name!
One of the best parts of the event is running into other fans. While walking to the area I ran into a family that had driven down from Philadelphia to see the statues in Times Square and then this event. Kudos to them! I also ran into a fan who I had not seen since the last Botcon (apologies for not getting your name, it was very cool to chat briefly if you're reading this!). I also got to chat with a representative from Robosen and I gave him some feedback on their first Optimus Prime and pitfalls to watch out for in the future. Overall there was some lively conversation!
Ben's World of Transformers would like to thank Hasbro and R&CPMK for setting up this event. The official press release is below for your reference. The gallery below features photos I took (watermarked) and a few promotional photos provided by R&CPMK (not watermarked).
**PRESS RELEASE BEGINS**
HASBRO HOSTED
“TRANSFORMERS: BATTLE IN BROOKLYN” FAN EVENT AHEAD OF THE TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS FILM PREMIERE
Free Experiential Fan Event Celebrated the Transformers Brand
Held on June 3 in Brooklyn, NY
Event photos can be found at the link HERE.
WHAT: On June 3, 2023, Hasbro and Amazon collaborated on a special “Transformers: Battle in Brooklyn” free fan event in Brooklyn, NY that celebrated the highly anticipated film Transformers: Rise of the Beasts - releasing globally by Paramount Pictures exclusively in theatres on June 9.
Thousands of fans lined up to take part in the event’s fun-filled Transformers-themed activities, interactive, shoppable Amazon product displays, and more. Fans took memorable photos and videos in front of the Graffiti-Style Mural from Japanese street artist Dragon76 - showcasing the Transformers brand in a vital, passionate ‘90s art style.
A Transformers Product Showcase was on display exhibiting the hottest new toys like the Bumblebee and Optimus Primal 2-in-1 Converting Masks and the Beast Battle Masters Cheetor figure, as well as collectibles and more from the latest Transformers consumer product lineup. Attendees also browsed a new collection of Amazon exclusive products inspired by the graffiti mural, including t-shirts, tanks, and hoodies for kids and adults from Merch on Demand, Amazon’s print-on-demand service that allows customers to shop millions of products from popular brands and independent designers.
Event-goers grabbed bites to eat from local, on-site food trucks, Glazed & Confused and Takumi Tacos, who offered free food from special Transformers-themed menus.
Find out more about the event at amazon.com/TFbattleinbrooklyn. #TFBattleinBrooklyn
And follow @TransformersOfficial on Instagram, @Transformers on Twitter and @Transformers on Facebook for news and updates.
ABOUT: The TRANSFORMERS brand is a global powerhouse franchise with millions of fans around the world. Since 1984, the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons has come to life in movies, TV shows, comic books, innovative toys, and digital media, bringing incredible "MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE" experiences to fans of all ages. The brand's enduring connection is made possible by its rich storytelling and characters: the heroic Autobots who seek to protect all life, and the evil Decepticons who seek to conquer the universe. The TRANSFORMERS brand is a Hasbro franchise.
Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new faction of Transformer – the Maximals – to join them as allies in the existing battle for earth. Directed by Steven Caple Jr. and starring Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, the film arrives in theatres June 9, 2023.
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About Hasbro
Hasbro is a global leader in play whose mission is to entertain and connect generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling and exhilaration of play. Hasbro delivers engaging brand
experiences for global audiences through gaming, consumer products and entertainment, with a portfolio of iconic brands including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, Hasbro Gaming, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands.
Hasbro is guided by our Purpose to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently
recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute and one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com.
About Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Paramount Pictures has some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, and Paramount Players. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
Sources:
- Press Release & Images provided by R&CPWK
- Amazon.com Battle in Brooklyn Site
- Dragon76 Instagram
