$25,000 Bounty Placed on the Twins

For reasons I don't really understand, it seems the suggestion that the Twins return for Transformers: Dark of the Moon in yesterday's movie review from Capone has kicked off a minor fire storm. Bay and co. have repeatedly said they are not in the movie. They were filmed for the movie but later cut from it. The one question the naysayers have not answered is how Michael Bay benefits by lying about this as I do not see the benefit. In the past Bay has lied but in general it has been an attempt to keep major plot points hidden. I don't entirely agree with the tactic but understand the motivation. In this case though there is no value to keep their appearance a secret. Those who read the spoilers (and probably regret it) know there are much bigger secrets to keep for the film. Since yesterday Capone (who has actually seen the film, important to know when the trolls come marching in) has clarified his review and Bay literally put money where his mouth is with a bounty.

From Capone:

Hey, everyone. Just to be 100 percent clear, I'm not referring about the "The Twins" here; they are most definitely not in this film. I'm talking about Wheelie (Tom Kenny, who also voiced Skids in REVENGE OF THE FALLEN) and other similar smaller robots, who act like streetwise teenagers.

From Michael Bay:

After the internet posting of a nice review by someone who saw Transformers Dark of the Moon, the writer had not been clear on one thing. He misstated that the Twins are in the film. They are not.

So I am offering a $25,000 REWARD to anyone who can find them performing in Transformers 3, on July 1, when the movie opens.

Michael

Shortly after he wrote:

The Twins are not in the movie. You will not find them anywhere. Trailer houses sometimes use shots that are not in the movie! End story I'm don't wasting my time this!

I hope this will put the "controversy" to rest but somehow I doubt it. So once again I simply ask "Don't feed the trolls." Thanks to John W. for the link.

Nelson Update on Twins (Updated)

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.

DOTM Shockwave Preview and Skids Review Videos

More videos for the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys for your enjoyment. The first video is a preview of voyager Shockwave as the camera gets nice and close at at the big bad of the movie. The next two videos after that is a review of deluxe Skids broken down by checking out the vehicle mode and then the robot mode. (via Seibertron, TFW2005)

Transformers 3 DC Parking Lot Gallery

Thanks to Allison, here are images of the Washington, DC parking lot that is essentially base camp for Transformers 3 production complete with make-up, costume trailers and so forth. It is located near the Old Convention Center Parking Lot on 9th Street, between New York Street and H Street. The crew, once again showing their friendliness to fans, allowed picture to be taken as long as didn't touch anything and treated the property with respect. Sadly the Wreckers remained in their trailers so no pics of them. I believe the pictures were taken before the Bumblebee car accident which is why get a look at all of them including a peak of 'Bee next to the Ferrari. Still Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Ironhide, the Decepticon Suburbans and more are on site.

TF3 Detroit: Transformers at Central Station

J1000 returns with more pictures and video of Transformers 3 production in Detroit. Today brought cast and crew, along with basically all of the Autobot Transformers vehicles including the Wreckers, Twins, Ironhide, Prime (with trailer), etc to Michigan Central Station. At same time the crew was putting the finishing touches on the Clifford and Woodward faked store front set while adding the huge Transformers jet thingy prop from last week. J1000's report, pictures and 9 videos below speak for themselves.

Things are full speed ahead in Detroit now! They were filming at Michigan Central Station most of the day, followed by a quick trip over to the Packard Plant in the late evening for some other shots. The downtown sets should be shooting tomorrow; the Deli/Liquor store they've been setting up at Clifford and Woodward now has the Transformer Jet prop assembled in front of it; they were putting it together around lunch time (the engines were still at Packard at that point), and had it assembled when I came back by around 5PM. At Central Station, they were filming Shia, and I think Duhamel and Tyrese and possibly Hardcore Eddie, as well.

The Wreckers were being filmed racing across the front of the Station, while Ratchet was positioned at the left side door, and tires could be heard squealing inside the station. They were shooting closeups of the NEST squad and Shia on the right side of the station. After they wrapped at Central for the day, I heard a crew member's radio say they had to rush over to Packard; I got some great HD video shots of them leaving, and then arriving at Packard. I caught a glimpse (and pic) of a second Optimus cab inside the gates (I've seen doubles of the other cars, but not Optimus yet). As they were filming at Packard, there were a few small explosions. Tyrese's Chevelle drove by, and a bit later, Ironhide and the Twins finally arrived on a car hauler! Exciting day here in Detroit! Stay Tuned!

J1000

On the Road with Twins and Turturro Theory

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.



Navy Pier 2 | Navy Pier 3

"Arise, Rodimus Prime"?

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.

More Old Post Office Boom, Transformers and a Stick

Today is the last day of filming for Transformers 3 at the Old Post Office Building location. To start with, here are two pics of a blue stick on top of same debris that Shia and Dempsey had been fighting on for about a week. The images are from Pixel Rally and show LaBeouf wielding the same steel rod as before. This seems to indicate Sam fights a human-ish size Transformers or it is needed for the visual effects.

Now to the videos. The 1st two are fresh angles on the Van Buren Street boom that sends some cars flying as NEST troops move in. The next group of videos comes from zztopeurope as he seems to have found the Transformers 3 parking lot on Clinton Street. He was able to get footage of the new Autobot fire truck (3rd video), yellow 'Bee Datsuns (4th), Ironhide, Optimus Prime (5th video), Bumblebee (6th) and even one of the Twins (7th video). There are 10 videos total, half are embedded below with links to the rest. Thanks to Mauricio for the links.

MPEA Busway Set Pics, Explosions and More

On Wednesday, it seems that Transformers 3 production spent its day at the MPEA Busway under Millennium Park. The sequence involved explosions, smoke and flame effects and what appears to be a completed destroyed section of the highway, matching the devastated look that has been the hallmark of many of the Chicago sets. Pixel Rally was at the site and provided a gallery of images both during the day and night of the set and a good look at the Optimus Prime truck and trailer. Below are a few sample images, the rest of the set can be found here.

As for the videos, below are videos from various locations around Chicago, not even sure where but assume the Wacker Drive area. The first three videos may be from the Busway but not clear. Based on the Transformers cars filmed including Optimus with his trailer, this seems to be a continuation of the Nascar vs. Autobots chase scene that marked the first week of filming. Of special note is the third video that shows that the Twins do make it to Chicago. After that we have two more videos that show the rooftop pyrotechnics that were set off on Tuesday night. The last video involves a massive explosion at a third location and the sound of gun fire. If don't feel like scrolling down, the Movie Chronicles have them all.

Day 1 of the Transformers 3 Chicago Invasion

If you are a huge Transfan, then Day 1 in Chicago for Transformers 3 production has already set your heart a flutter as Optimus Prime has his trailer again, complete with G1 shaped striped and Autobot logo. On top of that fans have already supplied pictures of Ironhide, Bumblebee, the red Ferrari 458 Italia, Ratchet three fully weaponized Nascar vehicles (Stunticons?), likely the Twins and more. In addition, thanks to Jeffrey, we have images of a Chicago street dressed for war, or at least its aftermath. Below are sample images, and a YouTube video. For more images and videos from the Transformers invasion in Chicago hit the links below. Thanks to Katie, Christopher, and cypherXR for the links.

Photos of The Autobot Twins at TF3 Set

The Twins in Transformers 3 saga continues. First we had a report they are in the film then Michael Bay says "The Twins are not in T3". Now we have something which didn't have before which is photographic proof from the Transformers 3 set thanks toLeft Lane News that show two Chevy Sparks sporting the Twins' colors in stripes over a black body. As side note the source of the Twins report, Ben Brown, does verify those are the cars he spotted.

Sporting “Autobot” center caps on the wheels, these two vehicles were captured doing some pre-production work before principal filming starts in a few weeks. We think you are looking at Skidz (green) and Mudflap (orange).

Skidz is looking much sportier than in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, with new front and rear fascias, larger fenders, sportier wheels and a big wing. Mudflap was previously based on the Chevy Traxx concept, but for this installment, it appears both cars will be built off the Chevy Spark.

I think the photos pretty much prove they are in the film despite Bay's "misinformation campaign". Exactly how much screen time they have remains unknown. For all we know, it could be a cameo appearance with the cars sitting in a parking lot for a scene (but I doubt it). It should be noted, I guess, that technically Bay didn't lie. After all, the Twins as we knew them from the ROTF are not returning since they have new look. Thanks to Dave and sideswipe88 for the link.

Bay: Twins Not Back (Updated)

If needed one last sign that Transformers 3 is in full production, now we have it with Michael Bay appearing in his forums after a long hiatus. Yesterday videos and report from Transformers 3 set in downtown LA said that the Twins vehicles were spotted thus they have a role (of unknown scope) in Transformers 3. Bay replied to this news with a simple message.

The Twins are not back in T3.

This could mean they make no appearance whatsoever to having only a brief cameo appearance. Who knows (which is part of the speculating fun) but this will have to put the Twins out of the Transformers cast list until new verifiable information contradicts it since this is as official as a source can get (but one that likes to have fun with fans). Consider the waters officially muddied and don't see it getting any clearer any time soon.

Update: Just a brief update on why don't entirely take Michael Bay at his word. While Transformers 2 was in post-production, he told Empire Magazine print edition, "No, Megatron isn't in the sequel" but several months later confirmed he was. He also indicated during TF2 production a desire to engage in a "misinformation campaign". I see no reason why he would not continue to do that for TF3. It just means that even though he is an official source, his information cannot be taken as gospel; just as something to fuel the speculation like any other non-official source.

Transformers 3 On Set Video; Autobot Twins Return (4 Updates)

As reported, Transformers 3 has apparently started principle photography in Sherman Oaks, California. Transfan Ben Brown was on site and recorded a video of a scene being filmed in downtown Los Angeles that shows a car being thrown down the alley shortly after the Autobot Twins cars had filmed a scene. Thanks to Ben for tweeting to me the video link (below).

From his blog:

Perched on the windowsill of the NeighborGoods office, I recorded this awesome scene from the upcoming Transformers 3 movie. You can even hear Michael Bay yelling at people!

We also saw the Autobot “twins” zooming around. Apparently, one or both of them will transform and beat the crap out of this tiny little car. Totally awesome.

I think we can take this as confirmation that filming on Transformers 3 has officially begun and that Skids and Mudflap will appear in the movie (to no surprise but nice to know for sure).

Update: Ben Brown has posted two pictures from the Transformers 3 set on his Flickr page that seem to show off a plot point with a cross-out Autobot symbol and the phrase "Go Home". This seems to suggest that the public outing of the Transformers race and their war in the second movie is not going well for our heroes.



Update 2: Ben's coworker mickipedia also filmed the scene. The exact same thing with widescreen view and very slightly different angle. I believe that is Ben using his iPhone to film the above video.



Update 3: Bay denies the Twins return portion of this post.

Update 4: Bay says no, but these photos say yes to the Twins.

Humorous Take on Twins "Controversy"

On Adam Carolla's podcast show for Tuesday, he discussed the recent controversy regarding the Twins and their "racist" behavior. Not really interested in re-hashing that regardless of what size you fall on but did find Adam and Kevin's Hench take amusing.

To hear that segment of the podcast, click here. Then click "Listen Now", in the list choose "Adam and Kevin Hench". Once the podcast starts, use the scrollbar below the football field to go to the 27:43 mark. It goes for about three minutes. Thanks to Ian for the heads-up.

Ask Orci, Final Edition?

It has been a few months since checked the Don Murphy and TFW2005 Ask Orci (writer of Transformer films) and did a summary. Main reason is because he took a break for the Star Trek world tour. This could be the last edition but hopefully not, time will tell. Orci covers topics from the Twins language, why no vocoder for Soundwave, more Prime action, and more. My comments in brackets [].

Wankertron: Who's idea was it to include questionable language in the robot's dialogue? I refer to Wheelie calling people "bitch", and the twins coming out with "pussy". It's one thing for a kid to repeat bad language after watching, for instance, a Schwarzenegger movie. Because then one can say "Well, what were they doing watching that?", and the blame can be laid elsewhere. But In Transformers? A movie designed for kids? I felt it was inappropriate. What's your take?
Those examples were improvised or added by Michael. We actually arm wrestled about it. I think it's appropriate barely as you approach 13. If we had final cut, those lines would not be in the movie. But I'm not going to cry that Michael left them in, or condemn him. Can't argue with results, right? Certainly the first movie walked the line, and there's been no false advertising, or at least not MUCH!
[The Twins were specifically created and marketed for the kids and then preceeded to use frequent adult language. The PG-13 rating is Bay's excuse for bad behavior but at the end of the day he screwed up, plain and simple. If he wanted to use adult language, he shouldn't have created characters designed for kids. Its not rocket science.]

Master Fwiffo: what exactly was the intent with Arcee? Is she supposed to be one bot in three bodies, or three separate bots, or what?
Wrote her as one who made up of three. Bay kept them as individuals.
[On the bright side, even with one of the three dead, they were never named or directly implied to be seperate so the third film could go with the writer's orginial concept with ease.]

BRAWN1228: Can you tell us what scene it was that Bay put in the movie where he said "The fans are gonna love this."
He said that about a few things, I think. Certainly, Megs abusing Starscream.

ROTF Writers Talk Racism and The Twins

One of the things I have noticed in recent interviews with Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman is a small degree of distancing from the more crass humor in the movie, especially from the Twins and "testicles" on Devastator. The duo spoke with Film School Rejects about The Twins and completed the "don't look at me" transition.

Cole: I heard that the gold tooth was Michael Bay’s idea, but do you have any response to those who found The Twins offensive?
Orci: Number one, we sympathize. Yes, the gold tooth was not in the script, that’s true.
Kurtzman: It’s really hard for us to sit here and try to justify it. I think that would be very foolish, and if someone wants to be offended by it, it’s their right. We were very surprised when we saw it, too, and it’s a choice that was made. If anything, it just shows you that we don’t control every aspect of the movie.

Cole: Were you offended by them?
Kurtzman: I wasn’t thrilled. I certainly wasn’t thrilled.
Orci: Yeah, same reaction. I’m not easily offended, but when I saw it, I thought, ‘Someone’s gonna write about that.’”

From what I have read, pretty much the source of most of the humor that people have groaned about and found offensive came from the mind of third ROTF writer of Ehren Kruger and director Michael Bay. I am sure there is some mix and match from all four but based on the duos previous writing efforts the rumor has validity. I guess depending on your view of the movie's humor, this makes Kruger a new writer to watch or one to avoid. (via TFW2005)

Bay Defends Transformers Twins

Probably the one universal complaint from critics about the movie is the crude (and some call racist) humor, much of which comes from the Twins Mudflap (Reno Wilson) and Skids (Tom Kenny). I have read some reviews where the humor so offended the writer that they couldn't even attempt to enjoy the movie. From the AP, Michael Bay defends and somewhat dodges the charge of "racist robots". Thanks to Brian for the heads-up.

It's done in fun," he said. "I don't know if it's stereotypes — they are robots, by the way. These are the voice actors. This is kind of the direction they were taking the characters and we went with it." Bay said the twins' parts "were kind of written but not really written, so the voice actors is when we started to really kind of come up with their characters."

Actor Reno Wilson, who is black, voices Mudflap. Tom Kenny, the white actor behind SpongeBob SquarePants, voices Skids. Wilson said Wednesday that he never imagined viewers might consider the twins to be racial caricatures. When he took the role, he was told that the alien robots learned about human culture through the Web and that the twins were "wannabe gangster types."

"It's an alien who uploaded information from the Internet and put together the conglomeration and formed this cadence, way of speaking and body language that was accumulated over X amount of years of information and that's what came out," the 40-year-old actor said. "If he had uploaded country music, he would have come out like that. It's not fair to assume the characters are black, he said. "It could easily be a Transformer that uploaded Kevin Federline data," Wilson said. "They were just like posers to me." Kenny did not respond to an interview request Wednesday.

"I purely did it for kids," the director said. "Young kids love these robots, because it makes it more accessible to them."

BK Kids Meals Transformers Twins

As mentioned before, the Burger King Transformers 2 promotion has started. So far the only commercial I have seen is a cooking appliance transforming and breaking through a wall. Below is a new one starring the Twins. Thanks to NightShade87 for the link.

Transformers Movie Stills

More movie stills have been released to the web by Paramount, this time many of them focused on the real stars of the Revenge of the Fallen, the Transformers. Below are the new images to me. The cool Twins image to the left is from IESB.net, to get the full huge HD image, click here. The first two images below are from the GM Autobot site and the rest of the images were found in IGN's TF2 Gallery. In addition, MichaelBay.com has posted a zip file of all the new wallpaper that was added to the official website, click here for that. Thanks to Captainclueless, Chris, Adrien, and Brian for all the links.

CGI Twins Images

TFG2.com has posted another set of CGI images of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen characters, this time for Mudflap and Skids. Overall, I am not much of a fan of their design but maybe that will change after seeing what ILM does with them.