Transformers: DOTM Featurette Clips: Casting Sentinel, Chicago, Skydiving

The official twitter account for DOTM has posted three new clips (below) to promote the January 31st release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon 3D Combo pack and Limited Edition Trilogy set. The first clip provides a look at the inspiration and casting for Sentinel Prime, more from filming in Chicago, and a look at the sky diving stuntmen. The clips and links to other released featurette clips below.

ATT-ATT | Sentinel Prime Design | Chicago Set Prep | 3D Effects

Chicago Call Sheet For Ultra Magnus

Thanks to Sam, below are images of a call sheet for filming in Chicago on July 27-28th, 2010 "with" Megatron and Ultra Magnus. Early this year a redacted call sheet was posted online with Magnus listed as a character. While not the same sheet this does further confirm that for at least a while the character of Sentinel Prime was going to be called Ultra Magnus. Test screening apparently drove the change from Ultra Magnus to Sentinel Prime. According to Sam, the head of what would have been Ultra Magnus was re-used as what the Apollo 11 astronauts step on and uncover as they explore the ship.

Stills from Dark of the Moon & Chicago Comparisons (Updated 2)

Yahoo! Movies has posted 8 new stills from Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Most focus on the human characters but not all. Sadly the image sizes are not that big but still some cool shots. Thanks to Brendon for the link.

Speaking of still images, Jeff of Pixel Rally has posted more images from the Chicago set from when a lot of those stills were filmed. He also put together a comparison shots from the trailers & TV spots with what his camera captured last year. One of his observations is the building that gets squashed by the 100% CGI glass building (it was "built" on the neighboring empty lot) was changed between trailers, "they've made it look like there's a patio table instead of a person, and changed the styling of the building itself." He also has an image of Shia attacking a blue head while in Chicago which thanks to the TV spots we now know is Starscream so Jeff did a little Photoshop to the image to make the case. The comparison images are below, the full larger sized gallery can be found here.

Update Two need comparison images added by Jeff. One shows the "Power Glove" which actually appears to be a safety contraption as he swings around so can be "caught" by Bumblebee. The other gives you an idea of how cardboard face can be come more with Michael Bay and ILM doing their magic.

Update 2: Jeff, who was on site at the time it was filmed, argues that the glove is not a safety device, but "I think it shoots some grappling hook that Sam uses to climb up on the Decepticon, rides on it's head as he attacks it, and falls off, at which point Bumblebee catches him. There's other shots where the Josh Duhamel stunt double is trying to cut Sam free from the cable, and maybe he succeeds, so that's when they fall and Bumblebee skids in, Transforms, runs up the wall and saves them." He then provided a college to show the sequence of events (last pic below).

Dark of the Moon Linkfest

It has been a while since a link fest due to a lot of Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie specific news. This is a catch up of the toy and video game information with more coming from Botcon. Of note is a look at Leadfoot with maybe alt mode of Brains, a video review of Optimus Prime with trailer, Warpath concept art, galleries and more.

First Look at Wrecker Leadfoot
At this point I can't keep track of all the toys but I do believe this is the first time we have seen a toy for the red Wrecker Leadfoot. Of note is this is a Human Alliance figure with an interesting "human" which apparently is a Transformer dog. Could this be the alt mode of Brains, new BFF for Wheelie?

Many DOTM Toys Galleries and Reviews

T-minus five six days and counting for the official release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line on May 15th 16th. At least in the United States. I am unclear if this date is worldwide but assuming so. I got way behind on the various DOTM galleries but consider this a quick way to catch up and more importantly check out some of the various size molds and exclusives that are in the pipeline. At this point the issue is more of which version or versions to get as it seems most of the key characters have around 3 or more sizes, repaints, or exclusives coming. In addition, below are more video reviews because that also helps in working on that DOTM wish list. Oops got the date confused.

DOTM Galleries Part 1
Kre-0 | Human Alliance Roadbuster & Tailpipe | Deluxe Prime | HA Bee and Skids (repaints) | Exclusive Figures | Deluxe Arcee and Air Raid (repaints) | Scan Series I | Scan Series II
This first set provides another look at the Kre-O (Lego knockoff) line, more Human Alliance figures, and a summary of many of the exclusive figures that may hit toy shelves soon. Of this group probably the one most worth checking out is the Scan Series images which are Toys R Us exclusives and give the deluxe class of DOTM toys a pretty unique look. TRU tends to charge more for their exclusives but just might be worth it for some of the figures.

Dark of the Moon Comic Adaptation Preview Reveals Story Spoilers (Updated)

Per the request of Transformers: Dark of the Moon producer Don Murphy, the copyrighted images and spoilers have been removed. Due to the content of the comments, they have been cut off.

Amazon.com has posted a preview of the official comic book adaptation of Transformers: Dark of the Moon scheduled for release on May 25th. If you click the cover or "Search inside this book" you get about the first seven and last seven pages of the trade. A system error revealed more pages than intended leading to major story points being revealed.

I don't consider characters and alt modes to be spoilers. So knowing that, I will reveal that the leaked images did confirm that Soundwave's alt mode is the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as indicated by the game image. Also Wheeljack is a confirmed Autobot in the movie but I saw only has his name being said. Did not see his robot mode or vehicle mode to confirm if "Einstein", the blue 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550.

It should be noted that adaptations usually work from a final movie script along with designs and storyboards offered by production. However, as Sir Peter Jackson points out, there are three phases to a script - writing it, filming it and editing it. As a result what the comic shows for a scene and what the movie shows may not be the same. Certain elements like the major plot points, characters, etc tend to stay static due to cost but the specific details can easily change (scenes, characters, etc being left on cutting room floor).

If you wish to seek out the spoilers, that is up to you. Be warned the pages did reveal major plot and character developments in the story. If you are even a little bit sensitive about spoilers it is advised to not seek out that information.

Three New DOTM Sentinel Prime Images

This week should be interesting as Paramount is likely to start a little mini-blitz in the run-up to the release of the first theatrical trailer of Transformers: Dark of the Moon (the "first" one was a teaser trailer). Below are three new images (one is repeat) of Sentinel Prime in various poses making use of his armory from Lyricis Interactive who scored the previous Sentinel picture. (via TFW2005, thanks to Sahara for the link)

New Optimus and Sentinel Prime Movie Images

Today has been a bit of a media blitz (see next post) about Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The volume would make you think the trailer was released today but Michael Bay has already confirmed that we all will have to wait two more weeks. In the meantime the various articles about the movie has shown off an a truly awesome promo image of Optimus Prime with gun and blade extended with a devasted Chicago in the background. In addition a new image of Sentinel Prime has leaked thanks to Lyricis Interactive (mirrored by Collider). Thanks to Chris and Sahara for link.

Nimoy Comments on Transformers 3 Casting

A little over a week ago Entertainment Weekly revealed that Leonard Nimoy was cast as the voice of Sentinel Prime in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. What the article lacked was comment from anyone associated with the production. That has now been corrected in the latest issue on newsstands now as Nimoy briefly comments on the "run" role and "complex" character. The article is reproduced below to avoid the eye strain of reading the picture.

Leonard Nimoy unretires for Transformers sequel

Leonard Nimoy knows this sounds a little illogical. After announcing his retirement last April in the wake of his Spock role in J.J. Abrams' 2009 Star Trek reboot and his guest turn on TV's Fringe, the 80-year-old actor has now signed on as the voice of long-lost Autobot leader Sentinel Prime in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. "I'm doing it! I'm doing it! I'm back-back after, what is it, 25 years or something?" says Nimoy, referring to his work as the voice of Galvatron in 1986's animated The Transformers: The Movie.

"I have been through many resurrections in my career," he says. "I have died and come back. I have left and come back. I've been canceled and come back. I did intend to not do any more work. And the fact is, I don't consider this work. This is great fun." Nimoy is also rumored to be the voice of the dragon Smaug in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit, though he says only: "I have heard about that rumor, and that's all I know about it."

Nimoy has already recorded two sessions with Transformers director Michael Bay. "I don't think I'm very privy to any plot points, but I'm seeing some interesting footage." Asked to describe Sentinel Prime, Nimoy says, "Complex," and then "Why are you laughing?" Then he laughs too. -Anthony Breznican

Even More DOTM Toy Galleries

All remains basically dead on the Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie front. Sadly nothing either to verify if the trailer is coming next week either. In the meantime here is more toy stuff. Hit links below to view galleries of Optimus Prime with trailer, more Shockwave, Roadbuster and Jolt along with hints possible new additions to the DOTM toy line like Takara’s version of the combined Prime w/ trailer mode, human alliance Bumblebee and more.

Voyager Optimus Prime with Trailer (3x) A Japan Yahoo Auction provides a look at a version of Optimus Prime that currently has not been confirmed for American or European release. This version has voyager Optimus Prime with his trailer that currently is just a shell. Knowing Takara, it wouldn't surprise me if they have plans for that shell.

Voyager Sentinel Prime and Other Sets Speaking of the Japan market, while no pictures are provided Kapow Toys reports three new toys are joining the DOTM line there. Sentinel Prime is getting a voyager class release and two sets of around $100 each are planned - "#430254 T/F G1CONVOY & Movie OPTIMUS w/TRAILER" and "#430261 T/F G1MEGATRON & Movie MEGATRON". The details beyond that are unknown so no telling if looking at new molds, re-releases, DOTM molds are what that the sets will contain.

Leonard Nimoy is the Voice of Sentinel Prime

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Leonard Nimoy is joining the voice cast of Transformers: Dark of the Moon as the voice of Sentinel Prime.

Mr. Spock himself, Leonard Nimoy, has joined the film as the voice of Sentinel Prime, the predecessor of Optimus Prime whose wrecked body is seen in the teaser trailer, found crash-landed on the moon by the Apollo 11 astronauts in 1969. Later, after being brought to earth, he takes the disguise form of a fire engine in the movie’s massive, climactic battle through Chicago.

Nimoy is most famous for the role of Spock in Star Trek and might be familiar recently as William Bell in Fringe. This isn't his first foray into the world of Transformers as he voiced Galvatron in Transformers: The Movie.

The idea of Leonard Nimoy returning to the TF universe has been around for a few years now as many fans advocated him voicing a character in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Back in April 2009 Michael Bay was asked about this possibility and he responded, "[Nimoy] is married to Susan Bay, who’s a cousin to me,” Michael explained, saying that he’s afraid of insulting his relative with the mere pittance allotted to pay his voice actors. “I just feel kind of bad about asking him. Like ‘I can’t pay you that much? But would you do this voice?’" This was followed up a week later with Leonard Nimoy himself who simply said that Bay had to just ask.

Apparently has asked and Nimoy has accepted. Even better it seems the character of Sentinel Prime is a rather important one in DOTM so it might just be a few lines like it might have been if Bay had tried to get him for Revenge. EW tends to be right on the mark with their reports but since no one official with the movie is quoted, I have very slight reservations. I hope Bay comments on his forum confirming this news soon. Thanks to GundamFan89, Chris, Sean and Ryan for the heads-up.

CGI Shockwave Images & Product Line Galleries

Another link fest to a bunch of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys, accessories and books. The main highlight is a look at Shockwave in his ILM created CGI glory. I think this is the first time his look has been revealed as will appear in the movie. Previous looks were via the toy and the video game. Other items include leader Ironhide, plush toys, and more Sentinel Prime voice clips.

DOTM Junior Novelizations (4x)
Much like was done with Revenge of the Fallen; a wave of 4 children's books is being prepped around Dark of the Moon. Of note is the covers provide the first real look of Shockwave in his CGI glory. The books revealed on Amazon Japan are "Colour and Create", an Activity Book, junior novel based on the movie, and The Ultimate Guide which is info on all three movies. The planned release date is 6/9/11. Thanks to Sahara for the link.


Kre-O Figures
ACToys has revealed a little bit more details about the Kre-O Transformers line that was revealed a few months ago at the New York Toy Fair. The line is another attempt by Hasbro to enter the building blocks business that is ruled by Lego. The Lego like mini-figs alone just might make this line worthwhile. Hasbro might want to take a page from Lego and offer the mini-figs separately. (via AllSpark)

DOTM Leader Sentinel Prime Video Review

The week has barely begun and Peaugh already has five reviews up. Now he has added another to the pile with his review of one of the most anticipated characters of the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line - leader Sentinel Prime. Over all a solid transformer despite the sizable backpack kibble.

Sentinel Prime Demo, More Laserbeak Images

While waiting for Peaugh's promised review of leader Sentinel Prime, someone has posted a very short video of the toy saying "I am Sentinel Prime." Sounds like a generic voice but I guess it could be whoever was cast for the voice in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. In addition, ACToys has posted the best look yet at Laserbeak. Again no alt mode unless you count a psuedo strange bird head battle mode as one. I am starting to wonder if he could be a large MechTech weapon. (via Allspark and TFormers)

DOTM Toys: More Laserbeak, Shockwave, Sentinel Prime and Contest

The Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy images keep coming. The latest galleries are yet more pictures of voyager Shockwave, leader Sentinel Prime, deluxe Laserbeak and deluxe Mudflap. Also Hasbro and Nickelodeon have kicked off a contest to win a chance to walk the red carpet as the US premiere of the movie.

Voyager Shockwave
Hit the link for another look at the big bad of DOTM.

Leader Sentinel Prime
A new gallery that gives you a look at the new addition to the Autobot cause in package and out. (via AllSpark)

Deluxe Laserbeak
New images have been posted and once again they do not show what the alt mode might be.

Deluxe Mudflap
Thanks to ACToys, we know get a look at the robot mode of the Twin. Same ugly mug for a new paint scheme in a new mold. Still reportedly on the cutting room floor and not in the movie. (via TFW2005)

16 Weeks of Cyber Sweeps Contest
Hasbro and Nickelodeon have joined together for a new contest that offers a grand prize of a trip for four to the US premiere of Dark on the Moon to "walk the red carpet with movie talent." Other prizes include a 3D TV, TF customized flip video camera, private screening of the movie, money, DOTM bike, movie posters, soundtrack, toys and video games. Hit link above to enter. (via TFW2005, thanks to Sahara for the link.)

More DOTM Toys Linkfest with Laserbeak

The Transformers: Dark of the Moon leaks seem to continue at a brisk fest. I already have enough from today alone to bring another link fest of sorts with images of upcoming releases both official and unofficial. The galleries include possible first look at the toy for Laserbeak, Nitro Bumblebee, Mudflap and in package look at various leader, voyager and deluxe class figures. Thanks to Foxtail and Sahara for links.

Deluxe Nitro Bumblebee? (x6, rest at link)
A leaked toy list indicated that Bumblebee might have more than one deluxe release for Dark of the Moon. As the images show, it seems it is more than just a repaint but not sure if that means the transformation is different. (via Allspark)


DOTM Laserbeak? (x2, below)
While unconfirmed, it is possible that TaoBao has the first look at the toy version of Laserbeak that was spotted in the Transformers Super Bowl commercial. It is about deluxe size like from the toy list but I can't figure out what the alt mode is. The G1 counterpart's alt mode was a cassette so obviously that is out. (via AllSpark)

DOTM Toys Linkfest with Wheelie

A bunch of galleries and news relating to the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line. New auctions have revealed a look at Shockwave, a test shot of Sentinel Prime, and Sideswipe. There are also galleries that show off the in package look at various characters and a close look at the Stealth Force line including possibly the first look at the new orange version of Wheelie. In the video department below is a review of the first figure released at retail from DOTM along with a look at part of Hasbro’s marketing campaign for the toy line.

Shockwave in Package
The images above of Shockwave comes from a Yahoo Japan auction who is the big bad of DOTM (besides Megatron). Still not sold on the tank mode but do like the robot mode.

Stealth Force Line Images
Hit the link to check out images of the new DOTM Stealth Force line. The line seems to be about a weapon mode for the TFs as panels and the like fold back to reveals a bunch of fire power. I don't think any of these have a robot mode. I have no idea if the orange buggy below is Wheelie but the orange color is very close to his Generation One counterpart.

DOTM Sentinel Prime and New Optimus Prime in Robot Mode

The April 2011 issue of Empire Magazine, now hitting newsstands has scored a heck of a coup. As the images from TFW2005's Shockwaved show, they provide a fantastic look at Sentinel Prime and Optimus Prime in their full CGI glory. A summary of the article (which is not available on Empire's website for turn of the century reasons) from TFW2005's knook:

Does and Don'ts for TF3:
1. No sand
2. No "dorky" humor ("we wanted to make the movie much more serious, more adult)
3. When robots die, they're really going to die and we're gonna show that
4. We're not bringing people back
5. Give the robots more 'weight' in the story ("They were missed in movie two. We've given them a strong back-story and pathos")

- Sentinel Prime is "A big brother and mentor to Optimus Prime"
- The Ferrari is a 'Con who (Michael) bay is dubbing as 'Dreadbox' [incorrect info, see below]
- New companions for Starscream, Shockwave and the rest
- "The scale on one of them is jawdropping" - "It will be 'what the Hell was that thing?"
- Apollo 11 'incident' show in the teaser is government secret
- No army for this, Chicago is left up to the 'Bots but some heroes sneak in through the back-door so to speak
- The human gliders are used because they slip under the 'Con radar - as do humans - so they'll be the people who can hammer it to the 'Cons and create an opening for the 'Bots

As pointed out in the comments by cypherXR, the information about "Dreadbox" is incorrect. As Bay posted on his forums back in March before production started saying "I also was at a Ferrari charity event this week raising money for a hospital being built by Ferrari in Haiti. I announced that night the newest Autobot to join Transformers: the Ferrari 458 Italia."

I have not read the article but it appears its the usual job where a reporter got hold of pictures but no interviews or additional information. Since just posting the pictures for a front page story isn't enough, they compiled the article from other online sources from the previous months of set leaks which we all know can lead to incorrect information. I guess they didn't check out my cheat sheet to verify what has and has not been officially confirmed. Thanks to Sahara, Chris, Katie, Ryan, Kris and others for the link.


Corrections made in regards to "Dreadbox" and relating it to the Ferrari.

Official Images of Sentinel Prime, The Ark, and Toy Fair

In a run up to the beginning of the New York Toy Fair 2011 being held this weekend, Hasbro has released official images of three new Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys to Entertainment Weekly. The images prove officially what we all suspected. Sentinel Prime alt mode is the red fire truck, Megatron's new alt mode is worn down tanker truck and the crashed ship on the moon seen in the teaser trailer is The Ark. The Ark is not a Transformer but a kids playset while Sentinel is Leader class (not voyager as first thought) and Megs is voyager class. The pics also verify with the distinct bearded robot is the one discovered on the Ark by the Apollo 11 crew. Makes you wonder what other movie theories might be verified during the Toy Fair. Thanks to Udana for the link.

Speaking of, Hasbro's CEO Brian Goldner gave a presentation that involved Transformers. No movie details were revealed but he did say that the Dark of the Moon video game is going to be a prequel to the movie rather than a direct adaptation as was done for previous movie games. He also said on Monday, Michael Bay would be on hand to show more footage from the film. The slideshow presentation showed off the official logos of MechTech, Cyberverse, and Robot Heroes lines along with a look at the rendered Bumblebee. Thanks to KRandTFfan for the link.

Bay Confirms Sentinel Prime

In an interview with MTV, Michael Bay has finally confirmed that Sentinel Prime is in the movie but still has not confirmed if it is the red Rosenbaurer Panther airline fire truck as rumored. Bay revealed this information during an interview with MTV at the premiere of "I Am Number Four" that he executive producer of. He continued to re-iterate his promise that this film will be much better then Revenge of the Fallen and that this was his final Transformers film. Thanks to Mcat for the link. Update: Hasbro's released official images that verify that the fire truck is the alt mode of Sentinel Prime.

"The second one, we had a tough go," Bay told us. "It was a very, very tough thing to make a movie under those circumstances. It affected a lot of Hollywood at that time."

This time around, Bay said, "We worked extra hard" and struck upon "a better story." "It's epic and it happens in a city," he added. "It's more accessible because you recognize stuff — it's not in a desert. It's kind of like 'Black Hawk Down' with our small group of heroes in a city."

On the carpet, Bay also briefly touched on two new alien bots set to debut in "Dark of the Moon." "Sentinel Prime is great. He's great," he said. "I can't tell you anything else, other than he's great."

And about the villain Shockwave, Bay say, "He's bad," adding that compared to Megatron, "He's got a much bigger gun [and is] a little bit more vicious."

Though Bay is certain he's got a winner on his hands, the director maintained that "Dark of the Moon" will be his final "Transformers" film. "It does have an end, yes," he said. "Because I am finished doing this."