Hasbro’s reasoning is that Transformers: Dark of the Moon action figures didn’t sell well because the two previous films had also featured the same characters. That is, a kid who picked up Optimus Prime from Toys ‘R’ Us in 2007 after seeing the first Transformers movie probably wouldn’t be inspired to purchase another Optimus Prime in 2011 after seeing the third one. Therefore, Hasbro believes, introducing fresh characters to the lineup should boost toy sales.
Okay, first, TRANSFORMERS 4?!? What is wrong with the world??? I don’t want to live on this planet anymore!
But more to the point, why am I not surprised that all anyone over there making these films cares about is the toy sales? Those always make for such great films and well told stories…