Dark Horizons reports that a movie release schedule in Germany has the release of Transformers 3 scheduled for June 29th 2011. Sadly the site didn't mention or link to their source. Nothing wrong with a little confidence that Revenge of the Fallen will be huge enough to warrant immediate start on the next movie which would be the only way to hit that completely un-official date.
Generally I don't post about the Transformers comics, mostly because I forget to but in this case the cover for Transformers: Alliance #4 made that difficult to do since it seems the cover includes most of the theorized Autobot cast for Transformers 2.
Three more Transformers have appeared online (joining Dead End), all proposed to possibly be part of the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen line. The head design and "look" doesn't match the Transformers: Animated style and the lack of complexity in the transformation suggest all three are basic TFs, probably in the $6 range.
The first toy is Knock Out whose alt mode is a motorcycle. The pictures are apparently of a prototype that hasn't been painted yet. The second one is Dirt Boss whose green crane and construction crane does make you think "Constructicon" but the alt mode does little to suggest gestalt capabilities. The final toy is a blue Autobot truck with no suggested name. While it is possible that these toys are based on movie characters I get they feeling they are not.
The other day toy pictures came out that may or may not part of the TF2 toy line (but doubtful a character in the movie). At first the toy was called Laserbeak but it seems fandom have reached a consensus to call it Dead End. For those still curious, Cybertron.ca's Pascal has posted more images and a review of the toy which you can find here.
Michael Bay has official put Transfandom out of its misery in regards to whether a trailer is coming out this year or not. Sadly the answer is no, a preliminary plan is to possibly release the first trailer for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen with the Superbowl (2/1/09) but no final decisions have been made. From Bay's forums:
Hey everyone. Back from Egypt and Jordan - we had a wonderful shoot over there. I will miss the crew they were an amazing bunch of people and a lot of fun.At first I thought the real reason for no trailer this year was for the studio to save money as all of them are slashing budgets. Now it sounds like rather then spreading the money around with trailer releases, a few TV spots and they like, they may choose to blow the first trailer budget all at once for the Superbowl. Considering the ratings for the game can go as high as 97.5 million (assuming the game is exciting rather then blowout) it is a smart play in regards to getting maximum eyeballs aware of the movie. Very expensive plan to considering a 30 second ad last year cost $2.7 million and likely to go to $3 million this year. Sucks for us but if the goal is eyeballs then you really can't beat the Superbowl for maximizing awareness in one shot. Thanks to Hitman450 for the heads up.
I'm stuck in the edit room up to my eye balls - also finished producing Friday the 13Th and The Unborn - coming out the after the new year. Our Trailer for Transformer you have been asking about - First there will be a teaser poster soon after the new year, and the teaser trailer will be out either in the theaters early Feb. or on the Superbowl. Cannot decide yet. I'm going to release some set stills on this site in a few weeks. I'll keep you informed. Going back to do more selects now from my portable avid that I take home from work. It's late, see you.
Michael
TFW2005 has posted a gallery (pics below) of what the site theorizes could be the toy design for Laserbeak in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. A secondary theory is it’s the RC toy/TF that the call sheets mentioned. One last theory is the toy is Dead End, who in the original G1 series was a Decepticon Stunticon who formed the gestalt Menasor.
The line-up of Decepticons for the movie remains largely unknown and the Laserbeak theory seems based on the idea that where there is Soundwave, his minion must follow. Now how it was reached that this picture is Laserbeak I don't know. I guess because of the avian look to the head. The RC theory is probably based on the unfamiliar car mode not based on any known GM vehicle. Dead End theory seems just as possible but if looks is the only clue, the G1 toy was based on a Porche 928 which looks nothing like the alt mode of the toy. The closest G1 Transformer that I can think of that matches the toy is Lightspeed (pic), a member of the Autobot Technobots who formed the gestalt Computron.
Ultimately with so little information, what the toy could be is anyone's guess. The head and design makes me think "TF movie" rather then animated toy line. I almost want to call it one of the "decoy" TFs (based on the video games) that Hasbro released but those toys never had a real face while this one does. It could however be an extension of that idea, where the decoys simply have more detail.
Tyrese Gibson briefly talks Transformers and Fast and Furious 4 with HollywoodScoop.com. Most of the interview is in regards to his casting in the F&F4. Towards the end he comments on a supposed rumor that his character, Sergeant Epps dies (that rumor is news to me), "Killed? No, no impossible. Impossible. I am too sexy to die." So there you go a rumor no one but the interviewer heard about shot down by the man himself. Yep it’s a slow news day.
In a post on his forums, Don Murphy provided an update on several of his projects and commented on Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The part of his posts that contain information is in regards to the marketing for the sequel where he says "we're kind of trying to follow the Pirates of Caribbean model, that is, no publicity for as long as possible, since the sequel will have enormous attention no matter what we do." This seems to indicate that no trailer will come out until some time next year.
Personally I think it’s a mistake. Do fans know about the movie? Sure. Does john q average movie goer? Nope not even close. Even people wearing Transformers shirts that seem semi-Internet savvy are surprised when I tell them the sequel is coming out next year. Internet knowledge does not equal common knowledge. The Pirates model was based on two movies coming out less then six months apart. When the sequel is your advertising for the next movie you don't have to engage in aggressive selling. Transformers came out over a year and half ago. It simply doesn't have the same popularity that Pirates had (like it or not). They are comparing apples to oranges and don't seem to know it.
I thought the marketing for the first movie to have been handled perfectly. Enough information and trailers to keep people interested but no so much that people get sick of hearing about it. Nothing worse then seeing a trailer so often you lose interest in the movie itself. However, its better most people know about your movie then not enough and right now I don't think there is a critical mass that is aware a sequel is coming. The way I see it, if ET or AICN do not suddenly get an "exclusive" by Wednesday, there will be no Transformers 2 trailer until February or March of next year.
"Sylar" has provided the below image that is reported to be the design of beast mode design of Ravage and robot mode of Megatron for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The anonymous source reports that Optimus, Bumblebee, Starscream and Ironhide remain essentially the same.
Ravage's beast mode seems to be a revised draft of the image that was released a little over a month ago that reported that Soundwave's alt mode was a truck (that part denied). As for Megatron, his robot mode does seem to match with the reported tank alt mode.
The image has been photoshopped to increase the size of the original image and remove the background. Pretty bad ass alt mode for Ravage that looks incredibly dangerous. I assume the character would be like Scorpinok. Probably has a robot mode, just doesn’t use it. Megatron looks a lot more compact then his design from the first movie; I wonder where the tank turret went. Click the image for a larger view.
We all want a trailer, yet so far there is no proven news on the trailer. So how about a fantastic fan made trailer from two years ago reformatted for YouTube's new widescreen look with commentary. Jester and Jolin (TF artwork extraordinaire) created a trailer for the first movie that was a direct nod to the 1984 generation one cartoons. Their work went on to win the "Fanaticon" contest that Yahoo! Movies held which led to a trip to Industrial Light and Magic. To see some cool pictures from ILM that they took click here. Below are the various trailers, videos and what not from Jester and Jolin have put together. Click the title link above the video if want to see it at YouTube's larger default size.
Congratulations to Brian Goldner. Marketwatch has declared the Hasbro CEO its "CEO of the Year". Sure not big deal to us cause we are not CEOs but I am sure he was popping champagne. So why post about it?
Because "The Transformer" helped negotiate the deal that brought Transformers (and GI Joe) to the big screen and it’s nice to see Transformers grow from about a two foot space on store shelves to somewhere around 4 to 8 feet in most stores. I still remember the G1 days when TF toys nearly took up half an aisle in those pretty boxes (sigh) so its nice to see growth back to its hey day.
Two pieces of unconfirmed news regarding Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. One is a reshoot at Edwards Air Force Base and another involves the trailer.
From "KevKev", who found the article in the November 28th edition of his local newspaper, The Antelope Valley Press, and transcribed it for the website.
Transformers' return to EdwardsIf a reshoot occurred, chances are its second unit work that didn't involve Bay or the principle cast and is simply being used to fill out shots that the editing process determined was needed.
The Autobots and the Decepticons rolled out to the Antelope Valley last week, returning to Edwards Air Force Base.
A production crew for the sequel "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" was spotted Nov. 19 at the base, and appeared to be settling in for the remainder of the week. No other details were available as of press time.
The second "Transformers" project was last seen in the AV in September at the Service Rock Quarry, at Palmdale Boulevard and 75th Street East.
The production previously filmed at the quarry for about a week in mid-August, staging an action sequence featuring a helicopter, pyrotechnic explosions, wind machines, debris and gunfire. A crew spent about a month prepping at the site.
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" also filmed in July at Edwards Air Force Base. Several fan Web sites have posted pictures online allegedly taken the last time the crew visited the base.
They showed Autobot chief Optimus Prime being loaded onto a trailer, a couple of shiny silver sports cars and an assortment of other vehicles arranged outside a large hanger
A slow weekend, no new news (beyond the unending Soundwave pictures), so it seems a good time for more Transformers videos. Not all is safe for work due to cusswords. The whole lot found by Radames (thanks!). Rude Awakening is the funniest of the lot.
The apparently unending stream of Soundwave pictures continues. At least they are probably the best yet of the potential Transformers 2 toy. The left is yet another proposed configuration of the possible satellite mode for the character. The full gallery is here.
In addition TF08.net via TFW2005 have a few new pictures of what is reported to be the revised Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toy for Bumblebee. The main differences are slight remold of the head and bumper with a new weapon design. The below picture is a side by side comparison of the figures with TF2 Bumblebee on the left and TF1 version on the right. Thanks to Jacf352 for the link.
Thanks to TFormers putting together all the deals related to Transformers going on right now. The various stores are all opening early so be sure to check your local store (or newspaper ad) for details. If your aware of other Transformers deals including the toys, be sure to note them in the comments.
Best Buy
Transformers Blu-Ray - $9.99
Transformers: The Game (PS2) - $9.99
Circuit City (excluding closing stores)
Transformers one disc DVD - $5.99
Transformers: Autobot (DS) - $9.99
Transformers: The Game (PS3) - $14.99
K-Mart
Transformers Tech Game - $14.99
Meijer
Transformers Action Figures or Play Sets - Buy One Get One 50% Off
Target
Transformers one disc DVD - $5.98
Wal-Mart
Transformers one disc DVD - $6.00
Transformers Blu-ray - $15.00
Transformers Animated Deluxe 2-Pack - $15.00
Hasbrotoyshop.com
Various TF toys - various percentages off of many TF related toys
A Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen novel pre-order has started popping up on a few websites called "Transformers: The Veiled Threat." The 304 page paperback novel is scheduled to come out next April and written by Alan Dean Foster. Foster has written a large number of novels including many for existing media properties such as Aliens, Star Trek, and Star Wars so definitely as the eye for science fiction writing.
There are no details on what the story is about but I assume it is set somewhere in the two year gap that marks the end of the first movie and beginning of the second. There is also a prequel comic book mini-series in the works that is also somewhere in the gap but whether they will going covering the same territory is known only to the writers.
From TFW2005, a video review (with short update) of the possible Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Soundwave toy. The toy has not yet been verified to be part of the line but its style suggests it could be. The reviewer starts in the "satellite" mode but I am partial to the Cybertronian jet mode. The figure size and construction suggest it’s in the Deluxe ($9.99) price point range.
Turns out that Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen officially wrapped with a wrap party held on November 15th at the Opera Lounge in Hollywood, CA. Below are two brief descriptions of the party.
From The Pop Republic:
Tyrese, attending the Wrap Party for Transformers 2 at Hollywood’s Opera Lounge on Saturday, November 15, 2008. He was super friendly, taking pictures with party guests beside a life-sized replica of a Transformer. So cool.From Skulboy Blogversation:
Transformers 2 Director Michael Bay was a huge Teddy Bear, laughing and joking with everyone. He posed for a ton of pix with Crew Members and their families. He also spent the better part of an hour talking to a dozen Marines, complementing them for their service to the US.
After working for 4 months as a sculptor on Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, I got an invite to the Wrap Party, so I Akiko and I headed out to Hollywood last night to party down with the cast and crew.Now the above mentions a trailer but according to TF2 writer Roberto Orci, "It wasn't a trailer. Just select footage" so sadly to early to assume a trailer is in the can just waiting for a premiere date (dang). There is also a slideshow here but not sure if it’s from the party or what.
We don't get out all that much so it was fun hanging out at a hip club with an open bar, excellent food and a burlesque trio shaking things up for a few tunes. The highlight however was Michael Bay himself presenting a full length trailer that no one has seen yet as a thanks for all the hard work the crew put in to make the film. In true Bay fashion, the trailer had plenty of Armed Forces presence, returning stars and above all else, tons of stuff getting blowed up. We're talking some serious explosions here. Whoa.
Great time LA style.
Jester and Jolin strike again, this time with their design for Cosmos. The old G1 character was a green and yellow mini-bot that turned into a flying saucer. This one's alt mode is a much more logical Cybertronian Transport Shuttle that gives the character the heft and strength one would expect from a Transformer. Once again another excellent design (more work here).
More pictures of the TF2 Soundwave toy have popped up. They are the clearest yet but still don't provide confirmation as to whether this toy is part of the movie line and therefore a potential version of Soundwave in the movie but still indicates the alt mode is a Cybertronian jet. How many more pictures can there be of this toy?
From HK-TF, via TFormers is the below images of what is reported to be images of Shockwave for the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toy line. The orginial G1 Shockwave is identified by his cyclops eye and purple color scheme. A tradition that continued with his various iterations over the years and the images currently match.
If the toy images are true this is the first time any meaningful news has come out to suggest that Shockwave makes an appearance in TF2. Much like the first movie, the lineup of Decepticons in the sequel almost completely unknown so the idea has merit. Thanks to Furstreak for the heads-up.
Isabel Lucas spoke briefly with The Dish Rag about her work on Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The article itself, which doesn't even get the title right, focuses mostly on her past relationships but in the video Lucas briefly mentions some wirework stunt she participated in. She describes the character of Alice as a student at Princeton but that just could be because the scenes were shot there and not the "official" name of the college the characters go to in the movie. Sadly it’s not much in the info department but right now it seems we are in a TF2 info drought.
