Transformers: DOTM Voice Cast

Now that the movie has been released, IMDB.com has now been updated with the official cast list, likely direct from Paramount. While a movie is in production, the cast list can be hit and miss in accuracy because it is community edited information. Once the movie comes out, usually the studios will provide the official info which is why IMDB has the dual reputation of being reliable and not reliable all at the same time. A notable subtraction from the list is Mark Ryan who is not listed as being the voice of Bumblebee. In the movie they completely relied on movie lines for his voice. The main additions include Reno Wilson who voiced Mudflap in ROTF and did Brains in DOTM and Shockwave who had a line in the film (and grunts) via the voice of Frank Welker. Below is the full list. Thanks to Feris Othman for verifying the cast.

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.

Tom Kenny Confirmed For Transformers 3

An article from Pop Eater has confirmed what most of assumed, that Tom Kenny would return to do voice work for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Kenny is the voice of SpongeBob Squarepants and performed the voice of Skids and Wheelie in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. It isn't know if he is reprising the roles of Skids and Wheelie or possibly doing additional voices, something that wouldn't be a stretch for the long time voice actor.

Kenny, who also did robot voice work for the previous 'Transformers,' acts as if he is afraid of famously fiery director Michael Bay. Sort of.

"He's been known to make grown men cry, and I don't want to be the next one," Kenny told us recently, when he had to hurry off the phone to resume 'Transformers 3' recording sessions with Bay.

Now, he says, "He's really great to me, but you know, people are like, 'What magic charm do you have that he's nice to you? What voodoo curse breaker?' My experiences of him have been uniformly positive."

Bill Fagerbakke Cast in Dark of the Moon?

The Times-News Magic Valley (in Idaho) is reporting that actor Bill Faggerbakke has been cast in Transformers: Dark of the Moon "an animated Chevy Impala stock car equipped with machine guns." One of the NASCAR Wreckers seems like a possible choice but keep in mind there is no official confirmation of the casting.

For those unfamiliar with the long career of Bill Faggerbakke, he might be most famous to a younger generation as the voice Patrick Star in Spongebob Squarepants and as Bulkhead in Transformers: Animated. Previous work included the voice of Broadway in the Gargoyles cartoon series, Dauber for 8 years in Coach, and most recently as Marshall's dad in How I Met Your Mother (but just killed in the show from a heart attack). Thanks to Christopher R. for the info.

Corey Burton Shoots Down Casting Rumor

In a Q&A session on his forums, Corey Burton shot down suggestions he would reprise his role as the voice of Shockwave for the voice of Shockwave for Transformers: Dark of the Moon while offering up an alternative. Burton was the voice of Shockwave (also Spike and more) in the original Generation One Transformers cartoons and movie. His extensive career includes voice work in many loved cartoon series over the years.

...with regards to the live action Michael Bay movies, were you ever contacted about reprising? I can't imagine anyone else being shockwave except you; sadly he doesn't appear (and they even got frank welker back but not as megatron and they forgot to make his soundwave voice awesome).
I was given the opportunity to audition for Jazz (a totally incomprehensible request for me to even attempt), and "Brawl" (you might recall I was Brawn in the early series), but it was just a one line "cameo" bit that didn't seem worth jumping through all the audition hoops, just for a 2-second bit of scale rate "incidental" VO work.

It is rumored that David Warner himself has been under consideration for the next live-action/CGI movie production, as Shockwave - which I feel is entirely appropriate, given Mr. Bay's propensity for casting Screen Personalities over multi-voiced off-camera "cartoon" character voice actors - and Mr. Warner's outstanding history of consistently vivid and "savory" character performances (a much under-appreciated and impressively versatile master craftsman in the fine art of Acting, across the entire spectrum of audio/visual performance media). I wish them nothing but the very best for the wildly successful franchise; and have practically no interest in that kind of mega-budget movie enterprise involvement. I'm much too busy as it is, and thoroughly rewarded already many times over for the work I've done under the Transformers brand.

TF3 Heading to Johnson Space Center for 1960s Look

It turns out that Washington, DC will not be the last stop in Stateside filming for Transformers 3. An email was sent out to Johnson Space Center employees looking for 130 extras for filming to occur on Saturday, October 16th. In addition, the announcement verifies that there is a definite late-1960s Apollo space mission angle to the plot as extra's will be costumed to fit the era's style.

This is an official email from Building 30 Facility Management

WANTED: Male extras for Paramount’s “Transformers 3” movie

Paramount is seeking to cast approximately 130 non-speaking parts for the role of Apollo Mission Control Flight Controllers and NASA officials.

Filming is on Saturday, Oct. 16th.

Casting is for Johnson Space Center team members only within the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) – must have current CAA access into Building 30 Mission Control.

Those cast will be compensated by Paramount at $64 per 8 hours, with lunch provided.

For this scene depicting an Apollo moon landing, Paramount is looking for males over 25 years of age who are willing to be outfitted in a period costume and have haircuts from the late 1960s.

Just a guess on my part but sounds like TF3 will be making use of The Apollo Mission Control Center National Landmark (pic above) located there. Thanks to Sideswipe and Richard P. for the info.

Tony Todd Not in Transformers 3?

Despite reports from early this year that Tony Todd would return to Transformers 3 as a human character, it seems that is no longer the case. The voice of The Fallen was recently interviewed by ScreenRant for his film Hatchet II and briefly spoke about Michael Bay and the film.

SR: So let me just ask, are you involved with Transformers 3?
TT: No, not yet, no.

SR: Because there was some rumor that you would be playing a human character in Transformers 3 because you did the voice-over work in Transformers 2, but it was just speculating.
TT: It would have been nice, but no.

I guess it is possible that Todd could be tapped for whatever production is doing overseas but I doubt it.

Alan Tudyk's Character Revealed

Back in May it was leaked that Alan Tudyk had joined the cast of Transformers 3. At the time that was all that was revealed. Now the Firefly actor tells Mira S. Sharma's From Hollywood with Love a few details on the role.

When I asked Tudyk about the character he plays in Michael Bay’s ultra secret film, Transformers 3, the actor confidently replied, “John Turturro’s character, who has been in the other two movies, Agent Simmons. I’m a fellow agent of his that is sort of his assistant and weapons expert, computer hacker, cyber sleuth.”

I don't know if this means Sector 7 has returned but this not only definitively verifies he is in the movie but has a human role. As Chicago is apparently the main location of the film's finale, does it mean anything that neither actor has been spotted in the city?

Transformers 3 Villain, Plot, 3D and Trilogy End

USA Today has posted an article that reveals the most information yet about Transformers 3 including who the main villain is, what the basic plot is about, the final word on 3D, a returning cast member and more in talking with Director Michael Bay and Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventure. Thanks to Christopher for the link.

With shooting underway on a third movie and plans to debut next summer, Michael Bay and Co. acknowledge missteps with the last one and aim to upgrade the shape-shifting robot franchise with a more coherent story, less goofball humor and a pledge that characters who die will stay dead. It will also be in 3-D.

"I'll take some of the criticism," says Bay, standing at a set built to resemble a dilapidated nuclear reactor. "It was very hard to put (the sequel) together that quickly after the writers' strike (of 2007-08)."

"This one really builds to a final crescendo. It's not three multiple endings," the director says.

Bay calls the second film's villain, The Fallen, "kind of a (expletive) character." The new movie's foe is certain to make fans of the original '80s incarnation smile: Shockwave, the robot cyclops-turned-laser-cannon, who became dictator of their home world of Cybertron after the other Autobots and Decepticons journeyed to Earth.

"One thing we're getting rid of is what I call the dorky comedy," Bay adds. So the twins, the two bumbling, slang-spewing robots? "They're basically gone," he says, though John Turturro returns for comic relief.

The new film features Sam Witwicky (LaBeouf) taking his first tenuous steps into adulthood while remaining a reluctant human ally of Optimus Prime. "Shia has this great line: 'You know, I've saved the world twice, but I can't get a job,' " di Bonaventura says.

"I love Megan and I miss the girl," LaBeouf says, flecked with fake blood and dirt during a break between shooting. "But Sam and Mikaela became one character, and here ... you have discovery again from a new perspective."

Plot details are under wraps, but it delves into the space race between the U.S.S.R. and the USA, suggesting there was a hidden Transformers role in it all that remains one of the planet's most dangerous secrets. "The movie is more of a mystery," Bay says. "It ties in what we know as history growing up as kids with what really happened."

While Optimus Prime, Megatron and even Sam all have died and been resurrected, di Bonaventura says this film will have no do-overs: Die, and that's it.

Bay hints that there may be a lot of that. "As a trilogy, it really ends," he says. "It could be rebooted again, but I think it has a really killer ending."

To summarize the information:
- The movie is in 3D, no official word if shot in 3D or converted but likely the latter
- Big bad is Shockwave. Alt mode unknown, in G1 cartoons it was a laser gun and in later incarnations it was a Cybertronian tank.
- John Turturro returns and Agent Simmons
- Twins "basically gone", which I read as they come and probably go violently from the movie early on
- Plot focuses on the "hidden" story behind the space race of the 60s through 80s.

James Avery Confirmed for Silverbolt

It seems over the weekend there was a rumor that James Avery was rumored to be dead. "Uncle Phil" from Fresh Prince of Bel Air's representative obviously felt a need to shoot down the rumor by saying that the actor is "doing great" and will voice Silverbolt in Transformers 3. This piece of info aligns with a story from February where the actor was reported to have said the same thing. No details on the Silverbolt character, who was an Autobot plane and leader of the Aerilbots in the G1 cartoons. (via The Examiner)

MB.com Makes Rosie Casting Official

The casting of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for Transformers 3 has taken an odd road with her name being tossed into the ring shortly after Megan Fox was let go, was confirmed via unnamed sources, congratulated by Victoria's Secrets and now finally we have officially confirmation. Nelson, the admin for Michael Bay's official website, has officially confirmed she has joined the cast as the new female lead.

Nelson here...

I would like for all you S4TE fans to welcome Rosie Huntington Whitely to the world of Transformers. As some of you might know, she's the new female lead in Transformers 3. She's worked with Michael before in his Victoria's Secret "A Thousand Fantasies" ad. You can view it here and here.

Victoria's Secret Congratulates Rosie

While Paramount and Michael Bay have not officially announced the casting of model Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Victoria's Secret apparently knows the details. They released a NSFW or kids video (below) of her modeling with the message "Victoria Secret's would like to congratulate our angel Rosie Huntington-Whitely starring in Transformers 3." Technically this still isn't official confirmation of her casting but at this point I am thinking it is a done deal. Thanks to rodsuper for the link to the video.

Heidi Montag Auditions for Transformers 3

For your entertainment, Heidi Montag's Audition Tape for Transformers 3 that has her saying “This is for you, Michael Bay!” before shooting at various still targets. I admire the attempt, can't hurt to try but this is her audition? Considering the names that were floated around for weeks, I don't think Michael Bay's concern was ability to fire a gun. Apparently she tweeted the tape, not knowing that Michael Bay once said, "I will never have a twitter account." The effort is likely wasted as Bay seems to have cast model Rosie Huntington-Whitely. Already the audition has a parody (which ironically is a better audition).

Rosie Huntington-Whitely Joins Transformers 3 (Updated)

After a week of rumors, JustJared.com is reporting that Rosie Huntington-Whitely has been cast as Megan Fox's replacement in Transformers 3. This wouldn't be the first time she has worked with Transformers 3 director Michael Bay as he has directed her in Victoria's Secret commercials. Their source says "Rosie started training for the Transformers role already. She’s working hard."

It remains unknown exactly how much screen time she will have since the script is being adjusted to account for the change in circumstances and character. Training does indicate she will be involved in stunt work which indicates at least a supporting role much like Sam's parents but potentially larger. It also explains why she was added to the movies' insurance policy. Thanks to Brian for the link.

Update: Still nothing official from Paramount but Access Hollywood is now also confirming the story. Considering their tight relationship with the studios, this is nearly official confirmation.

Whitely New Frontrunner for Fox's Replacement

First AICN, then Geekweek, and now the UK Sun and Deadline are all reporting that professional model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is the front runner to replace Megan Fox in Transformers 3 as the love interest for the Sam Witwicky character.

The Sun reports, "The British Victoria's Secret model, 23, has been offered the role in the sequel - after Megan sensationally quit the franchise last week." Meanwhile, Deadline is reporting she is the top name of a short list of three names that includes Sarah Wright and model Brooklyn Decker. Apparently Michael Bay's goal is "to launch a fresh face". He has another week to make a final decision as the chosen actress is not scheduled to shoot scenes with Shia LaBeouf for another two weeks.

If four different sites indicating Rosie’s casting isn’t enough, here is my tidbit to add fuel to the fire. A source informed me yesterday that she has already been added to the cast insurance program which is usually reserved for lead roles and supporting characters whose roles are key enough to production that their loss (say death) could cause a significant expense for the film.

Of the three choices, my preference would be Sarah Wright. Partly because she is hot, partly because she has acting experience and partly because I just "buy" her more as a potential girlfriend for Sam then a supermodel. As the casting of Fox had proven, Sam's life is a large part of geek fantasy fulfillment (gets the car, the girl, saves the world, etc) and I guess the casting of a model does continue the trend. Too bad, Bay could have cast Chuck's Yvonne Strahovski and made it 3 for 3 in casting hot blonde Australian women for roles in his films.

The news does seem to negate the news that Fox quit (or fired) over weight issues since the short list, at least going by a quick Google image search, do not exactly strike me as doing a credible job of avoiding the too thin look that Fox was accused of having.

Fox Quit Over Weight?

Hollywood Gossip site Showbiz Spy is reporting that Megan Fox quit Transformers 3 because Michael Bay told her she looked "unhealthy" and ordered her to gain weight.

“Megan stormed out after a huge row with Michael Bay,” a source told British newspaper The Sun.“He thinks she has lost too much weight and looks too frail. He wanted her to put on some weight and it all kicked off. The crew don’t think she looks well, let alone the wholesome, curvy star they cast in the first film. She’s going for this gaunt, pale image and it just looks unhealthy."

If this story sounds familiar, Megan Fox admitted that she was required by Michael Bay to gain weight for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen saying at the time, “I should have toned up for 'Transformers' but I’m really lazy. I had to put on weight. I’d lost a lot of weight and got really scrawny, but I was told I had to put on size for 'Transformers' because Michael [Bay, the director] doesn’t like skinny girls."

No telling if this is true or false. I am leaning to false as just doesn't seem big enough reason. However, we do know she was on set (example image above) at least for a day or two and suddenly she was off the film so despite speculation the cause was not comments from last year (which probably didn't help) but something that occurred in just the last week.

Decker, Cassidy Join Casting Rumor Mill

The casting rumors to replace Megan Fox continue. Everyone seems to have their own inside source, and each source seems to have a different name that has been cast as a replacement. Gemma Arterton was named as front runner, then various websites had a list of names (mostly models) as members of the short list, next Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was named by a source and now two more join the list.

MoviesOnline.com is reporting their own "inside track" names Sports Illustrated's Brooklyn Decker as the replacement. Her acting career includes guest roles on Royal Pains, Ugly Betty and Adam Sandler's next movie Just Go With It.

ShowBiz Spy apparently did not hear this piece of news as their source names Katie Cassidy as the replacement saying "[Director] Michael [Bay] worked with Katie on A Nightmare On Elm Street and he sees her as the perfect choice." I actually like this choice, but biased as I have been a fan of hers since she played Ruby on Supernatural season three.

I wonder what new names will join the rumor list. Thanks to Matt for the links.

Whitely to Replace Fox on Tranformers 3?

Geekweek's "inside source" is reporting that Victoria's Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whitely has been cast to replace Megan Fox in Transformers 3. If the name seems vaguely familiar, she was on AICN's own source's list of possible names. I would list her acting credentials but she has none. Until her name started popping up as associated with casting for Transformers 3 her career consisted of modeling, not acting. She is someone Michael Bay would have probably worked with before from directing the Victoria's Secret commercials.

Specifics on the character are unknown but safe to assume it’s a new one, not the Mikaela character. Fans seem to be hoping for Carly, his girlfriend, then wife throughout the G1 cartoon series. Between the names that have popped up as replacements and this rumor, I am starting to think that the love interest role will not be a major character. It is starting to look like that the role might be similar to Rachael Taylor or Isabel Lucas roles in the sense their characters mostly existed as eye candy to move the plot along. Could this mean that Frances McDormand is really the lead female role in the film?

Who Will Replace Megan Fox?

Transformers 3 Director Michael Bay has decided that Sam Witwicky needs a new love interest. Megan Fox is out but who is her replacement? We can pretend the bar is high but really the only requirement seems to be super model looks, at least going by the list of names being proposed. The front runner is rumored to be Gemma Arterton but other names have popped up according to a few websites. The actress links below go to their IMDB profile so can see what they look like and previous roles.

Ain't It Cool News has learned from "highly trustworthy sources" that other names in the ring include Emmanuelle Chriqui (Entourage), Jessica Lowndes (90210), Zoe Saldana (Avatar), Hayden Penetierre (Heroes), Camilla Belle (10000 BC), Ashley Green (Twilight Saga), Amber Heard (Zombieland), Julianna Hough (Dancing with the Stars), Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical), and Rosie Huntington-Whitely (model).

The Wrap has also added their own names to the list of Fox replacements, most of which are fashion models including Bar Rafaeli, Miranda Kerr, Brooklyn Decker. I get the feeling the naming of fashion models is due to Michael Bay's long standing history of directing Victoria's Secret commercials.

Gemma Arterton To Replace Fox?

MovieWeb is reporting that Michael Bay may already have a replacement in mind for Megan Fox. Gemma Arterton, from Clash of the Titans and Prince of Persia, has apparently been speaking with Bay about joining Transformers 3. Her star has been rising and on the hotness scale I would argue she is above Fox. Bay is probably just hoping for a more ego free set. So far this just rumor but with production already started on the film I suspect an announcement will come soon. Thank to Joaquin for the link.