Nelson, the admin of MB.com and general inside man on all things Michael Bay has posted a new update on the forums that says the Twins are not in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. I am guessing the post is a response to an IO9 article that inexplicably brought them up when posting about the Daytona 500 TV spot. Nelson wrote:
Just a little update:
1.- Michael is NOT directing a movie starring Taylor Lautner. It's a project Platinum Dunes might produce.
2.- And for the final time the Twins are not in this movie period - end of story.
PS. I will have the DOTM 1080p Daytona ad tomorrow night.
Thanks to "oni" here is a possible new screenshot from Transformers: Dark of the Moon that shows of a yet unseen character named Blitzwing. The character is from Generation One, one of the first triple changers with alt modes of a jet and tank. He was also in Transformers: Animated, with the same triple changer alt modes. Judging by the wing span and the treads on his arms, this movie version shows a strong possibility of continuing the triple changing tradition for the character (but then again it does look nearly identical to the G1 incarnation which is a little strange). With a motto of "Destroy first, think later" hopefully this character, if in the movie, will be part of lot of the action. This new "cast member" has not been officially confirmed in any way so tag this a rumor.
A render of The Ark posted anonymously in the comments of this website has led to speculation that the ancient Autobot ship could be the alt mode of Omega Supreme by an Italian Transformers website (translation). The validity of the render is unverified but it is missing the logos and copyright info that often accompany these types of leaks. While the image is pretty neat looking, it has to be taken with a grain of salt as it almost seems like a merge of two different images. I doubt the Ark has an alt mode and its part in the movie will mostly be the extent it is used in the moon landing sequences. Still it is an intriguing idea.
Update: To no surprise, the art is not Transformers related. As pointed out in the comments, it seems the design is from this website which has more images of similar design that are not Transformers related. Worth checking out just because the person's art is pretty radical but neat looking.
While the title does seem a bit pulpish, it really isn't much different in style as "Revenge of the Fallen". It does fit rumors that the movie's plot ties directly into the 1960's missions to the moon as does the current filming at the Kennedy Space Center. No idea how long it will take for this to be confirmed or denied. If this title is accurate, maybe someone can talk Michael Bay and company into providing the "real" title of the first Transformers movie (like Star Wars: A New Hope). Thanks to Udana for the heads-up.
Update:Collider is reporting they were able to get official confirmation that this is the title of the movie, "We have now confirmed the title with sources close to the production." IGN believes the confirmation came from Lorenzo di Bonaventura who often provides content for the site. Thanks to Brian for the link.
It has been a bit slow on the news from as Transformers 3 production remains shut down due to the Gabriella Cedillo's on set injury. A recent update from her brother indicates that she does remain unconscious but is moving in her sleep so at least a hopeful sign of recovery.
Having said that, the show must go as Transformers' Twins and the old Bumblebee Datsun where spotted being transported towards Detroit with pictures. Safe to assume that the rest of the vehicles are on their way there. However, there have been no announcements on exactly when filming resumes.
On a vaguely related note, TFW2005 has a new theory on Agent Simmons status in Transformers 3. They have put forth the theory that Simmons has become rich by writing books (one assumes based on his Sector 7 experiences). The idea seems to be based on the back alley video with John Turturro where he is dressed in a suit near a white vehicle identified as a Maybach 625 Landaulet which can cost in the neighborhood of $1.3 million.
This is further supported by three videos from the Chicago Navy Pier that shows off the car with John Turturro and other Autobots including the (recently recalled) Ferrari 458 Italia. No date on when filmed but assume sometime last month before the accident. I would be scare to death of driving a car that expensive. The cost of repairing a dent would probably pay for someone's entire college education. Not sure what a rich Agent Simmons would mean for the TF3 story but anything involving his character is probably going to be mined for humor. Thanks to Katie and DJ Bigtyme Beats for the info.
A new theory for the name of the Autobot fire truck suggests that he is Rodimus Prime. This rumor provided was by crew around the Transformers 3 parking lot. The rumor even goes so far to suggest he is Prime's father. Considering Megatron was called Prime's brother in the 1st movie the idea of family connections is not too far fetched. Of course that could be figurative "brother" as that thread has yet to be followed up on. This does make me look at the red TF head more closely though. As usual time will tell if this and other theorized names (Ultra Magnus) are accurate or not.
In the meantime, thanks to Chris R. for his gallery of 60 pictures from the Transformers 3 lot with the core "cast" of Transformers vehicles and also another look at the Twins vehicles that Bay says isn't in the movie (yet got moved from LA to Chicago). The set includes Prime with Trailer, Ratchet, Sideswipe, both Twins, Bumblebee, and more. A few sample pics are below, the rest can be found here.
A few months ago Bumblebee was rumored to have become a convertible due to a change in design for the Chevy Camaro and now its Sideswipe's turn. In Revenge of the Fallen, Sideswipe's alt mode was the Corvette Stingray Concept car. Corvette Blogger was posted an image of a convertible version of the concept car spotted near a Transformers 3 set that suggests that Sideswipe might get an upgrade. Since the vehicle has yet to be released by Chevy, I am sure they wouldn't mind the current model making an appearance in the movie. It way too early to say this is an accurate assumption as we don't even know if the character is in the movie. This is a very sleek looking ride so it might be a welcome alteration to the character. Thanks to Christopher for the link.
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.
MTV News reached out to Kennedy's representation for confirmation, and they replied with the following statement: "This was taken out of context from a radio interview where Jamie mentioned he had auditioned for 'Transformers 3' and as a huge fan of the franchise, would love to be a part of it. At this time Jamie is in no way attached to the film." No other details about Kennedy's involvement are known, including the part he auditioned for in the first place.
A cheat sheet (so spoiler warning) for Transformers: Dark of the Moon as information comes in. I have tagged items based on validity of the information. Rumor means the info comes second hand or through unofficial sources. Unverified means it comes from credible sources or seems likely. Verified means it was either provided from people with the movie or through mainstream media sources that are unlikely to be lied too (but no guarantees). If I miss anything note it in the comments or email me as I intend to keep this updated. The below is ultimately speculation until officially confirmed through those with the production.
A new rumor reports that Ghost Whisperer's Jamie Kennedy might be up for a role in Transformers 3. He might be more familiar as being the boyfriend (or ex) of Jennifer Love Hewitt.
In an interview with 98KUPD Arizona, the actor said "I had an interesting interview with the people behind the new Transformers movie and I may have a role in the movie." I am not able to find an official transcript or recording to verify the report. Thanks to Katie for the link.
Last week, a rumor was posted everywhere that Transformers 3 production would stop at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam to shoot scenes. According to ComputerWorld, the rumor turns out to been an "operational readiness exercise (ORE)" to teach airmen about phishing e-mail and the security risks they represent.
The e-mail said that crews were going to start filming "Transformers 3" on Guam and invited airmen to fill out applications on a Web site if they wanted to work the shoot. The Web site then asked them for sensitive information.
This type of in-house phishing exercise is a routine occurrence in the military and in major corporations, and is generally seen as a good way of promoting security awareness. But in Andersen's case, the information in the phishing e-mail started leaking to the civilian world.
"Unfortunately, many of Andersen's personnel responded to this inject and submitted their personal information to the Web site, and forwarded the information outside of Andersen," the Air Force base said in a statement.
A new rumor has appeared on the Camaro5 Message Boards suggesting that Bumblebee might become a convertible for Transformers 3. tmurphycardesign writes:
as ive mentioned before im a designer in cadillac, and today i had to make a run downstairs to the shops, and what do i see..the transformers 3 bumblebee...and i gotta say it looks pretty badass! i think u guys are gonna be really excited when u see it! i guess were shipping it out real soon because they are goin to be shooting it within a week or so..either way it looks real good
The reason for the belief that a convertible is in the cards is due to GM's tease of the 2011 Chevy Camaro Convertible. It would not be much of a leap to provide Bumblebee with that mode considering they are already tweaking his design for the 2011 film. Bumblebee looking like the 2011 Chevy in time for it to hit car lots means a lot of potential sales to GM, something they still desperately need. The idea is also supported by the Transformers: ROTF Autobot scale guide that indicates a 2008 Chevy Camaro Convertible was considered as an alt mode. Hopefully once TF3 filming officially starts in a month or so we will get confirmation of this rumor. Thanks to Christopher for all the links.
In a video interview on LeftLane.com with Ray Park (Darth Maul, Toad, Snake Eyes) to promote the independent movie Jinn, the write-up says "Park is also expected to have a lead role in “Transformers 3,” but details of his character remain unknown."
The interview itself makes no mention of Transformers 3 so for now this remains completely in the rumor category. Considering Park's martial arts prowess, the possibilities for a character, either robot or human, could be very interesting. Thanks to Christopher for the link.
The Allspark has received a copy of what is labeled as a draft script for Transformers 3 by Ehren Kruger, finished on November 24th, 2009. Considering that last leaked script for Transformers 2 was fake, I am not holding my breath this is the real thing. Actually the script itself indicates it is fake with way to many fan boy references, reformatting of most of the characters (which would make creating brand new CGI models for everyone, not a cheap task), and more. Feel free to read and determine for yourself the validity of it. TF3 logo image from Scorpio.
Update 2: Nelson, Michael Bay's site admin, posted "Their is a script out there being reported on TF sites as being legit. It's fake. Amazing that someone would take so much time to write so much for nothing." Thanks to Dudelsack for the link.
Update 1: Here is a more detailed description and analysis now that I have had time to do more than just skim the script.
According to Gossip Cop, the rumor that Megan Fox's character will be killed off is "not true". Sadly the exact quote was not provided.
As I said before, this rumor should be taken with a grain of salt as I doubt so much as a single line of dialogue has been written so any conclusions on what may or may not happen to her character has probably not even been discussed in any great depth. Now if this rumor re-emerges after a known draft of the script circulates, then that is a whole different animal. Realistically, any casting or script rumors for the next few months should not be taken at face value as a complete first draft is probably not due until the beginning of next year.
A new rumor from In Touch Weekly suggests that Megan Fox is under consideration for being written out of the franchise in Transformers 3.
“Michael’s pretty much discovered Megan and now he’s very quietly looking for her replacement. He hasn’t decided if he’s going to kill her off in the next movie, but he just wants to be prepared.”
I recommend holding the moans (or celebration) as I doubt even so much as an outline of TF3 even exists. Right now I suspect Michael Bay, Ehren Kruger and others are still in the spitballing phrase and nothing is concrete except for a vague sense of what characters may return for the movie.
Megan Fox could choose to opt out of the next movie (being under contract for three movies doesn't really mean that much) so Bay would be wise to have a plan B under consideration just in case. However, Fox demonstrated she doesn't have the star power to open a movie with the box office failure of Jennifer's Body (to be fair the marketing of that movie was awful) so I don't see her turning down an opportunity to keep her fame flag flying high. Long story short, take this rumor with a grain of salt.
In a bit of a unrelated note, the above image is a before and after from GoodPlasticSurgery.com that shows a little plastic surgery can go a long way. Megan Fox had a tweak to her lips, nose and cheeks accounting for the change in look between the first and second films (beyond her tattoos). Makes you wonder if she has anything else planned before Transformers 3 gets before the cameras.
That didn't take long. Michael Bay posted on his forums that Paramount (or at least Variety's source) has it wrong. The third movie is not being released on July 1st, 2011 as reported but July 4th, 2012.
Wait a minute!
I said I was taking off a year from Transformers. Paramount made a mistake in dating Transformers 3 - they asked me on the phone - I said yes to July 4 - but for 2012 - whoops! Not 2011!!! That would mean I would have to start prep in September. No way. My brain needs a break from fighting robots.
Michael
Boo! I don't want a year of nothing much to post about! Seriously I would say after four years of Transformers on the brain, a vacation has been earned. If I had the Baybucks that he has, I would probably just not bother to return. At the very least it allows the recharge of the creative battery (and might help increase the budget) to allow for even bigger baysplosions!
Despite Transformers Revenge of the Fallen still 101 days away from its release date, Variety is reporting that DreamWorks and Paramount have chosen July 1st, 2011 as the date for Transformers 3. This is similar to the previously rumored June 29, 2011 date from late last year.
HOLLYWOOD -- Paramount and DreamWorks are forging ahead with "Transformers 3," dating the movie for release on July 1, 2011. It's the first word of the three-quel, although Paramount insiders downplayed the importance of the move.
They said the studio wanted to claim the date before a competitor did, considering that the 2011 summer release calendar is filling up.
No deals have been inked with director Michael Bay or franchise stars Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox. Nor has a writer been hired for the third installment.
What this means is the studio simply circled a date on the calendar and said "Mine! Compete if you dare!" with maybe an evil laugh. Does this mean they will achieve the release date? Obviously it is doable since Transformers 2 is coming out on time despite a rather sizable roadblock of a Writers’ Strike. Money is really the only limitation, not time, and if Transformers 2 reaches or exceeds expectations then that will not even be much of an issue. Thanks for Brian for the link.
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.
Nelson, the admin of MB.com and general inside man on all things Michael Bay has posted a new update on the forums that says the Twins are not in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. I am guessing the post is a response to an IO9 article that inexplicably brought them up when posting about the Daytona 500 TV spot. Nelson wrote:
