Hasbro Website Update Reveals Transformers 4 Character Names (Updated)

Last night Hasbro updated their website with new entries for 2014 Generations and Constructbots toys. As TFW2005 members discovered, it turns out that update included an unexpected surprise of listing many of the toys planned for Transformers: Age of Extinction that reveals many of the names of the characters that might appear in the movie.

A few caveats on this however. One, the list has a lot of strange code names. Two, Hasbro doesn't release a toy without planning for at least one repaint so really every mold has two names. So are the code names hiding a movie character name or just an undecided repaint name? Are some of the listed names already decided repaint names? As the image shows, it literally just a listing, there are no pictures so unable to verify what the alt modes are for each new character. Spoiler Warning, summary of names after the break.

Update: TFW2005 members did some further digging and discovered that the codename listings shared the same product IDs as named listing. Result is the code names do not signify a potential set of additional characters but those already listed in the summary. Revised toy listings here.

Anon Source Provides More Transformers 4 Spoilers

Last month a source started posted here potentials spoilers from the first draft of the script for Transformers four. He revealed character names, story beats and more. Thanks to BennettPrime the anon source has provided a few more tidbits. Some a repeat but most of it new. As usual we have no way to confirm this info but feel free to discuss it in the comments. Summary after the break, so spoiler warning.

Hasbro Trademarks Reveals Likely Transformers 4, Video Games Titles

Yesterday we heard of three possible Transformers 4 titles that frankly just didn't feel right. However, TFW2005's search of the United States Patent and Trademark Office did turn up a title that does feel right. Especially considering it fits the title pattern of the previous movies and invoke the now officially confirmed TF cast addition of the Dinobots without mentioning them by name.

Transformers: Age of Extinction
In addition three titles from the Video Game category were found that includes a bit of a spoiler.
- Spirits Rising (patent ID)
- Megatron Returns (patent ID)
- Autobots Rising (patent ID)

In addition, a WHOIS search indicates that the TransformersAgeOfExtinction.com was bought by MarkMonitor on August 16, two weeks before those other domains. We still have to wait for official confirmation from Hasbro or Paramount Pictures but this one sounds right. So what do you think of the unconfirmed title?

Possible Transformers 4 Titles?

Fusible.com is reporting that the WHOIS records for MarkMonitor presents three possible titles for Transformers 4. MarkMonitor is a brand protection company that Paramount Pictures used to get the TransformersDarkoftheMoon.com domain and claimed three .com domains for possible TF4 titles. The titles:

Transformers: Apocalypse (WHOIS)
Transformers: Last Stand (WHOIS)
Transformers: Future Cast (WHOIS)

Keep in mind these are just possibilities and odds ones to me, mostly because they invoke other movies. Apocalypse was the sub-title of the second Resident Evil movie while Last Stand was the sub-title of the third X-Men movie. As for "Future Cast", it sounds a little to close to the subtitle of X-Men: Days of Future Past, the next X-movie coming out in 2014. I am more inclined to think that these are actually domain buys for Hasbro for their next cartoon series or video game. As always time will tell.

Transformers 4 Call Sheet Reveals Character Names, Story Spoilers

An image of a Transformers 4 call sheet has been posted on Reddit that reveals the first names of most of the key cast, names of several Transformers and story tidbits including confirming a long time rumor. The image is a bit tiny as a screenshot from an iPhone but has enough detail to read the entire call sheet which breaks down which characters, vehicles, and scenes that are being filmed on the day and the days ahead.

Suffice it to say - SPOILER WARNING. Clicking the image or reading summary below are definite spoilers. Thanks to KennyD for the link.

Update: Call sheet image pulled at request of Paramount Pictures publicity and legal departments (which has the unintended side effect of verifying its authenticity).

Anon Sources Provide Bunch of Potential Transformers 4 Spoilers

The comment section on a post from yesterday has blown up with potential spoiler information for Transformers 4. The info comes from two anonymous sources. None of the information can be collaborated but nor can they be disproven with what little information we have so far about Transformers 4. Just in case, SPOILER WARNING. The summary of the info and the quotes from the relevant comments after the break.

Transformers 4 Detroit Set Prepares for Potential Blowout, Story Rumor

The last two days were days off for the cast and some of the crew of Transformers 4 in Detroit (or filming elsewhere, not sure which). However, that didn't mean preparations did not continue at the Hong Kong, China set. Jerry B, who has been pumping out the great pictures and videos of the set, reports that it seems the giant pagoda set is getting prepped with what looks like a like of explosive containers for a potential finale to that section of the set.

No shooting today on the Detroit set, but they were definitely prepping for one big ass blowout. The big thing with the 3 pagoda roofs on it, we watched them remove a large panel from that and fill an explosion container with bags and bags of potting soil and garden soil. This is what they packed the ground containers with for every explosion. Also, they've attached to each of the three or four HUGE brackets to the main supports of that structure just below each roof and had a cable attached to one that was either anchored to the ground or to the cherry picker in the photo. My theory is that either tonight or tomorrow they're going to either rip the roofs off of that structure or pull the thing completely down in an explosive BOOM. They were also working on a ton of wiring which would seem to support the big boom theory as well.

Bay Comments on Transformers 4 Title Speculation

After months long drought, Michael Bay has posted a comment to the Shoot for the Edit forums about speculation on the sub-title of Transformers 4.

There are rumors flying around from various media sites about the title of the next Transformers.

I wanted you to hear from me directly that we have not yet chosen a title and anything being reported is absolutely not true.

When we have a title to announce, I promise you will hear it from me first.

-Michael

You are probably asking "what title rumors?". I have no idea what he is talking about. I have not read of any sites reporting to know what the sub-title is nor seen any attempt at a guess. With the previous movies' interesting choices of "Revenge of the Fallen" and "Dark of the Moon" about any mad-lib title that follows the potential format of " of " would work. So joining these pretend rumors, I am going to guess titles that use TF references like "Rise of the Primes", "Rise of Galvatron", "Fall of the Autobots", or "Rage of the Decepticons". If want to go in the "Moon" direction what about "Fasting of the Furious", "Chase of the Humans", "Building of the Ramp"... What are your mad-lib guesses?

Image courtesy of Jeffrey Marshall of Pixel Rally. Not an official logo of Transformers 4.

Megan Fox Returning for Transformers 4? (Updated)

This goes under unsubstantiated rumor so don't get too excited (or annoyed). An accidental hashtag on Paramount Pictures Instagram account combined with comments from MichaelBay.com admin Nelson suggests that maybe Megan Fox returns in some capacity for Transformers 4. The since pulled picture had a hashtag of #MeganFox with an image of the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Coupe. When asked about this error Nelson at first thought it was fake because the post is more then 140 characters but when told it was on Instagram he said "My bad. Someone's in trouble. It's gonna be a long week."

We already know that Megan Fox and Michael Bay repaired their relationship enough that she was able to get a starring role in the live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that Bay is executive producer on and is currently filming for a June 6, 2014 release date. The TMNT filming would have provided the perfect cover for a secret cameo role. If Fox has a larger role, I think the TMNT filming is nearing the end of principle photography so she would be available for TF4 as it films over the summer. It is also possible that the person that posted the picture is not really a Transformers fan and wasn't aware she was no longer part of the franchise. As always time will tell. (via TFW2005)

Update: The Shoot for the Edit twitter feed run by MichaelBay.com admin Nelson provided a simply "No" when asked if she was returning. Later he tweeted an article from April where Michael Bay said Fox was not returning to the franchise. So while this could be a trick...I just don't seem them bothering. To be blunt Fox doesn't have the star power to be worth the trouble nor would the "surprise" of an appearance accomplish anything useful fan service of value like the Wolverine cameo did in X-Men First Class.

Names of Two New Autobots Revealed? (Updated)

JoBlo think they have the character names for the two new Autobot vehicles being used in Transformers 4. The site reports "According to the source the C7 Corvette Stingray is named "Slingshot" and the Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse is named "Drift". There are two Autobots with the same names from Transformer's first generation of characters but it isn't completely clear if they will be the same characters or just share the same names." The site previously had provided a list of potential characters in the film including the Dinobots. Drift is a recent creation from the IDW comic book series and not part of the original toy line. Slingshot was a member of the Aerialbots and consistently had a plane alt mode for the various toy lines.

Bay's Shoot for the Edit admin commented, "This is the 4th movie, you would think these guys would've learned by now that production names DO NOT EQUAL final name". If take his statement literally, it seems the names are correct but the final decision has not been made on keeping them. Despite his claim, most of the pre-production names for the characters went on to be used in the movies and toys. All this remains in the rumor category as Optimus Prime is currently the only officially confirmed Transformer character returning to the franchise. The site tweeted the below video to show off the speed of the Bugatti.

Transformers Age of Extinction Cheat Sheet

This is a "cheat sheet" for Transformers 4 that attempts to summarize the details on the movie as it comes in. As a result consider this a Spoiler Warning. Verified means the information either came from someone associated with the film (an actor, director, producer, etc.) or through mainstream press (CNN, THR, etc.) so unlikely to be false (but no guarantees). Feel free to comment on any inaccuracies or new info that isn't reflect in the sheet. The below is ultimately speculation and rumor until officially confirmed through those with the production of the film.

Rumor: New Characters for Transformers 4

JoBlo.com is reporting their sources have revealed some of the potential Transformers characters and brief story points that might be in Transformers 4. JoBlo's track record is iffy at best but that doesn't mean this isn't one of the times they get it right so spoiler warning. None of this is remotely confirmed so take it with a grain of salt. If the previous movies are any indication, it will be a while before we have any real information on what TF characters will be in the movie. Thanks to Wynton R. for the heads-up.

Rumored TF Characters:
• Optimus Prime - rides Grimlock into battle in Hong Kong
• Bumblebee - rides Swoop into battle in Hong Kong
• Grimlock and the Dinobots - as Autobots somehow "brought back to life by a captured Optimus Prime"
• Lockdown - as Decepticon
• Hound - as Autobot
• Drift - as former Decepticon, now Autobot trying to regain his honor (yep the IDW comic character)
• Galvatron - "basically Megatron reborn"; unclear if summarizing the character as potentially used in the movie or his Transformers: The Movie (1986) origin

Entire Transformers Trilogy Filming This Summer?

An update on Michael Bay's official website Shoot for the Edit has a new post on April 1st that simply says "Transformers 4, 5, & 6 will begin filming back to back starting June 2013. More details to follow." The site admin Nelson later commented in the forums saying, "When was the last time you saw us joke around here?" when asked if the post was part of April Fools Day.

Now that the day is over, the post is still up and there has not been the usual note indicating its a joke. I delayed on posting about it because it reads like an April Fools joke. I am still not convinced it isn't. There are several reasons to think it is fake. Money is one.

Shia LaBeouf Back (Sorta) for Transformers 4?

Fanshare.com is reporting that Shia LaBeouf is returning to Transformers 4. He would not be playing Sam Witwicky from the first three movies but instead play the voice of an unknown Autobot character. Not quotes, sources or other information is provided so take this with a grain of salt. It is something I could see Shia and director Michael Bay doing for giggles as it would be easy enough to change up his voice just enough to avoid making the audience think "Sam" or even just have Bumblebee use it to fill out his radio spoken sequences. Or its just an April Fool's Joke (after all the best one have a possibility of truth to them). Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

Transformers 4 Filming in Chicago?

It seems that Transformers franchise might be returning to Chicago. This weekend while in the city participating in an advance screening and doing press interviews to promote Broken City. Mark Wahlberg answered questions about Transformers 4. A source reports hearing that Wahlberg said he is house hunting for a rental to use while filming Transformers 4 in the Chicago area during the summer.

The idea really isn't much of a stretch as Michael Bay frequently praised the city when they hosted him while filming his huge scenes for Transformers: Dark of the Moon that often required him to alter and close many major streets. Since the fourth movie takes place 4 years after Dark of the Moon, its possible that the Decepticons are not yet done with the city or possibly fallout from the siege has a part in the film. No other details yet but hopefully learn more as the local press post their interviews closer to the January 18 release date of Broken City.

Transformers 4 Script Summary? Unlikely

Unleash the Fan Boy is claiming they have been given a copy of the script for Transformers 4. Nothing about the film reads like "A Michael Bay film". It really reads like a fan fiction wish list (aka re-imagining of Transformers: The Movie) that does nothing to make it seem credible. All previous films had "leaked scripts" that turned out to be false so take the story with a grain of salt and then some. Below is the highlights. A bit more detail on the fake script can be found at Allspark.com. It seems the initial site left out a few details (ends with Autobots putting up a Christmas tree among others) as a means of trying to make the story more credible when even a cursory glance would have screamed fake. AKA this is an effective link bait story so I decided to kill the link to the offending website.

$18 Million for Shia LaBeouf To Star In Transformers 4? (Updated)

Flag this completely under rumor considering the "source" but Celebitchy.com is reporting that Shia LaBeouf is game to reprise Sam Witwicky for Transformers for the price of $18 million. The same article says that Transformers 4 Executive Producer Steven Spielberg rejected the offer.

Shia took a shot at Transformers by saying, “I would just like to make movies about people now,” and “If I could give the money back and get all the credibility in the world that I’m seeking, I would do it tomorrow.” Well of course Shia didn’t mean a damn word of what he was spewing because he’s apparently on board for the fourth Transformers movie, and he’s demanded an $18 million salary as if the franchise should be grateful to have him. In an interesting twist and according to Star, Spielberg has apparently told Shia to stuff it.

This has not been confirmed at all so don't read to much into but suffice it to say if Spielberg says no, its not going to happen. Long story short, nothing has changed. Thanks to Ben for the link.

Update: In a comment to RumorFix, the story has been denied by LaBeouf's representative, "The story is a complete fabrication. While Shia remains very close with the filmmakers/studio, he was never attached to the fourth installment (nor is he in negotiations at this time). Salary did not impact his decision." Thanks to Ray for the heads-up.

Mark Wahlberg Cast in Transformers 4? Nope (Updated)

The Transformers 4 rumor continues as the latest from Twitch Film is that Mark Wahlberg is in "early conversation" with Michael Bay for a role in the movie. The pair recently worked together on Pain & Gain that is coming out next year. The site reports that "we are hearing [the story] will revolve around an adult star (the part being discussed with Wahlberg) and his teenage child with the idea being that the child would then grow to be the focus of subsequent entries in the series." The usual grain of salt warnings as no means to prove or disprove the story.

Update: Michael Bay posted on his blog that the story "just a rumor."

The Mark Wahlberg T4 rumor is just a rumor.

Mark and I are talking about another film project.

-Michael

Glenn Morshower Back for Transformers 4 and 5

While at the Con X in Kansas City, Missouri, Glenn Morshower said he might be back in the role of General Morshower for Transformers 4 and 5.

"After I did the opening ceremonies for the ride, Steven Spielberg walked up to me and chatted and said 'You know we've got you set to do the fourth one and probably the fifth one on the heels of that," said on how he was approached about the new sequels. "So, I guess in December we are on our way to making 4 and 5."

This could have just been premature talk from executive producer Steven Spielberg but it would probably be very easy to have the character in the next movie (or two) considering Michael Bay said Transformers 4 is set after Dark of the Moon and the goal is a new direction that sets up the franchise for the future (aka TF5) without Bay at the helm. Any new direction is likely to have a military aspect to it and who better to act as liason then General Morshower. As for filming starting in December, that strikes me as unlikely considering Bay is still finishing editing Pain and Gain and nothing has been heard about script drafts.

Josh Duhamel Out of Transformers 4

Despite the fact that Transformers 4 just re-hired its director, no writer has been writer, no script exists and Michael Bay is off prepping Pain & Gain, it has not stopped Josh Duhamel from speculating on the casts' lack of future in the franchise to E! Online.

"I don't think anybody's doing it," Josh Duhamel told us last night at the launch party for Sony PlayStation's new PS Vita portable entertainment system. "I know Shia [LaBoeuf]'s not doing it. I don't think Tyrese or Rosie [Huntington-Whiteley] or anybody else is doing it."

"Whenever these movies make that much money they're going to make as many as they can," he said. "[But] I haven't heard anything about it. They haven't called me."

Of course they have not called him. Casting for the movie is probably more than a year away. I doubt filming of any kind will even start until mid-Summer 2013. I am not saying he is wrong but to me it’s just way too early to give any thought to casting or for previous cast members to have any expectations one way or the other. Until at least a rough draft script exists (so pre-production can begin), my advice to previous cast members hoping to return is to express nothing but interest in returning just in case.