Transformers 4 Site Sorta Updated

There is absolutely nothing to report in regards to Transformers 4 except that the official Transformers Movie site has been updated with the 4 logo and chance to register for updates. This isn't to say that Michael Bay and Ehren Krueger are not working on the script and ILM are going to town creating new and amazing images. It just means that the circle is small, there are no leaks and so we just can't get our TF4 fix. Hopefully something will break sooner rather then later.

Transformers: Regeneration One #86 Preview

After the final battle between Optimus Prime and Megatron, the action in Transformers: Regeneration One #86 shifts to Nebulos as Grimlock continues his quest to restore his alt mode as he deals with Scorponok. The issue hits stores Wednesday. A preview of the issue can be found here.

Transformers: Regeneration One #86
Simon Furman (w) • Andrew Wildman (a) • Wildman, Guido Guidi (c)
DARK REIGN! The fallout from the devastation on Earth ripples outwards, all the way to Nebulos, where GRIMLOCK faces his own darkest demons and a fateful choice that may cost him his very Spark. The dark reign of SCORPONOK begins here, and nothing will ever be the same again!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Rage of the Dinobots #1 Preview

The first official comic tied into the Transformers: Prime universe comes out this Wednesday to comic book stores. Transformers Prime - Rage of the Dinbots is a four issue mini-series that essentially starts where Transformers: Fall of Cybertron left off with Grimlock remaining on Cybertron after Prime and the Autobots leave the planet in the Ark. Exactly how it might tie into season three of Transformers Prime Beasthunters remains unknown. To read a preview of the covers and first 8 pages of the issue, click here.

Transformers: Prime—Rage of the Dinobots #1 (of 4)
Mike Johnson & Mairghread Scott (w) • Agustin Padilla (a) • Ken Christiansen (c)
Bridging the story from the Fall of Cybertron video game to the Prime TV show—the DINOBOTS hold the line as CYBERTRON falls! With OPTIMUS PRIME and the Ark long gone, the rest of the population makes their escape from the dying world—but SHOCKWAVE remains behind, continuing his experiments!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers Prime Season 2 DVD/Blu-ray Out Now

Just a friendly reminder that Transformers Prime Season 2 has been released to retail starting today. Amazon has it priced at $17.99 (DVD) and $43.83 (Blu-ray). Wal-Mart is selling it for $21.86, Target is also $17.99 but indicates not in store and Best Buy has it at $22.89. I think Amazon is the only place with Blu-ray as the other sites didn't list the option. If order from Amazon, please use links above so site gets credit. In a related note, Transformers: Prime the Game is now out for the Wii U.

Transformers: MTMTE #11 Preview

While this is holiday week in the states, that doesn't stop new comic book day Wednesday. This week brings Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #11 to online and regular stores. The issue continues a look back in the pre-war past as Orion Pax. The preview of the issue can be found here.

Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye Ongoing #11
James Roberts (w) • Alex Milne (a) • Milne, Nick Roche (c)
SHADOWLAND CONCLUDES! And it’s the end of an era when, on pre-war CYBERTRON, enemies close in on all sides and Orion Pax—the future OPTIMUS PRIME—selects a team of AUTOBOTS to help him pull off the ultimate heist—with the fate of the planet hanging in the balance!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

IDW February 2013 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for February 2013. This month is sorta of a reboot month for the publisher as they are relaunching Ghostbusters and G.I. Joe. So far it doesn't seem Transformers is doing a relaunch yet both series are reaching a conclusion to their current story arcs. Any case this month brings us 5 comics and 0 trades. Of note is Spotlight: Megatron that seems to return the click back a few years, I think just after the All Heil Megatron story arc but not entirely sure. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Locke & Key, and more click here.

Transformers To Film in China?

It seems the rumor of a Thailand rumor isn't enough. Now Vulture is reporting that Paramount and Bay are planning to film Transformers 4 in China. The tone of the article suggests it is almost a done deal with the Thailand production simply being used as either as a negotiating tactic or additional shooting location.

There are several reasons being cite for the potential location choice. One is the growing box office numbers of China whose number of screens grows every year (35% revenue increase last year). Another reason is to curry favor with the Chinese government to get better treatment for Paramount films. Apparently the China government has been playing games with the release schedule either delaying movies significantly (Skyfall to next year) or suppressing box office totals by forcing moves to compete against each other (Amazing Spider-Man and The Dark Knight Rises released in same August weekend). Also China has instituted a quota for foreign films so I guess they figure an on location shoot will avoid them being impacted by it.

Acid Free Optimus Prime Print

For those that like to collect Transformers art, you mind be interested in an official print created by Kevin Tong on the Acid Free Gallery website. There are two versions of the print - a $40 color one and a $100 black, white and yellow varient. The prints are on sale for a 24 hour period that ends on 11/17 at 12:30pm EST. So if interested have to buy them now. Click here for more details and to order click here.

Transformers 4 To Film in Thailand?

It seems that it is possible that Transformers 4 may end up filming in Thailand at least according to The Hollywood Reporter. Paramount Pictures was one several studios that participated in the "Inbound Roadshow Familiarization Tour" from the Thailand Film Office that is attempting to try to get Hollywood to film there more often by showing off its variety of location. Transformers trilogy location manager Ilt Jones was one of them to participate in the tour.

This doesn't mean the film will take place an Asian country. Nor does it mean that it even be a primary film location. It just means that the studio looked around (on another's country's dime). Depending on the final script, it could be ideal for a specific goal much how Transformers trilogy filmed overseas (Egypt, Russia, etc.) depending on the needs of the scenes. Considering the great pride that Michael Bay takes in making his movies in the United States (such as using Bethlehem, PA as Shanghai, China), I just don't see production spending much time, if any, in the city for Transformers 4. Considering the ever growing importance of the international market in box office sales, all this could change once someone else takes over the franchise from Bay. Thanks to Wynton for the link.

Potential Actors for Transformers 4 Leads

The Hollywood Reporter has posted that Michael Bay has begun testing various Hollywood young actors for the role of Mark Wahlberg's daughter and her race car driver boyfriend leads for Transformers 4. Basically Bay is going for virtual unknowns that have some acting experience but the average movie goer probably would not recognize (pretty much like how he cast the previous three films).

For the female role Isabelle Cornish (Australia's Home and Away), Nicola Peltz (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Margaret Qualley, and Gabriella Wilde (Carrie, Three Muskateers) are currently testing.

For the boyfriend its Luke Grimes (Brothers & Sisters, Taken 2), Landon Liboiron (Terra Nova), Brenton Thwaites (Blue Lagoon), Jack Reynor (beats me) and Hunter Parrish (Weeds).

This group is likely to change as this is just some of the many actors Bay is likely checking out. Of this small group I am partial to Nicola Peltz due to potential shown in Avatar and she has green screen experience the others don't really have. Based on the pic of her with Mark at last year's season premiere of Boardwalk Empire, they look like could easily sell being father and daughter. Considering every TF film had a long haired blonde personally selected by Bay, Gabriella probably has a leg up here. On the male side Jack Reynor pops the most for me. Any case probably be a few months before anything official is announced.

Linkfest - Cassettes

Been a few weeks since the last linkfest of toys news. Upcoming releases include Masterpiece Soundwave and his cassettes, Takara has a great slate coming for Japan, the third party manufactureres have more gestaults in the works, and lots of reviews including Masterpiece Prime, MP Sideswipe, Screecher and more.

Masterpiece Soundwave - Gallery | MP Cassettes & MP-10B
MP-13 Soundwave with Laserbeak was expected to be released mid-December but now that has been bumped back to January 26th, 2013. Encore 23 Fortress Maximus was already delayed with a March 30th release date. Not if that means that MP-15 Frenzy & Buzzsaw and MP-16 Rumble & Ravage are getting pushed from their February 23rd and March 23rd release dates. In the meantime hit the links to view these upcoming figures. Again no info if Hasbro is considering a stateside release (but don't see why they wouldn't at some point). MP-10B is Takara exclusive repaint of Masterpiece Prime (see video below) in the Nemesis Prime colors but without a trailer. Doubt this repaint will get a stateside release.

Michael Bay On Walhberg, Shia and When of Transformers 4

In the Friday episode of TMZ Live, Michael Bay spoke with the site about the casting of Mark Wahlberg in Transformers 4, Shia LaBeouf's anti-Transformers comments and dropped a few hints on the story of TF4. The video is below, the phone interview starts at the around 18:00 point. TFW2005 also has a transcript here.

Highlights:
- Decided that casting Mark Wahlberg "was a great way to really take this franchise in a different direction. We’re doing a lot of things that are going to really make it feel fresh and new. ...I love working with him and he’s got a great sense of comedy and great pathos. He’s a guy who can handle great action."
- Bay said Mark was interested, "I really want to show a movie to my kids."
- He was also forgiving of Shia LaBeouf's bashing Transformers dismissing it as "fame is very hard on young people." Also said LaBeouf is a "great, great guy. He's a great actor and I have nothing but respect for him."
- Transformers 4 takes place four years after the end of Dark of the Moon. "Same lineage ...full new direction and feels very natural."
- Bay also said that the release date is Thursday July 4th, 2014, which is different then the previously said June 27th release date but all those fours do make more sense from a marketing perspective.

Mark Wahlberg Officially Cast in Transformers 4; New Logo Revealed

It started as a rumor denied by Michael Bay which turned into an idea that Bay liked. An now its official with a press release on MichaelBay.com confirming that Mark Wahlberg is the first official new cast member for Transformers 4. No information was provided on what the role will be. The two recently worked together on Pain & Gain that will be released next April. As part of the release, the site also showed off a new logo for the movie that is half the number four and half the Decepticon shield. Not sure if this is an official logo but the official Transformers Movie twitter account is using it.

Press release:

Hasbro Denies Disney Purchase Rumors

It seems that Wall Street caught up to Monday's rumors that Disney was considering bidding on Hasbro. The result was a 6.5% spike (+$1.62) on Hasbro stock the following Tuesday. Now the Providence Journal is reporting that Hasbro source say "absolutely nothing going on that they are aware of at all, in any way, shape or form." In addition, Wall Street analysts believe that if such a deal were to occur Hasbro would first have to end all its movie agreements with the other competing studios.

Mark Wahlberg in Transformers 4 Redux

It seems that Michael Bay has changed his mind. Mark Wahlberg might just end up being in Transformers 4 after all. It seem the recent rumor (that Bay struck down) led to some brainstorming and now he working with Ehren Kruger to see if there might be a part for Wahlberg.

I squashed a rumor that was on the internet last week. It was about Mark Walhberg. Mark was rumored to be staring in Transformers 4. We are working on another movie together, not T4. I had such a great time working with Mark on Pain and Gain, and he gave such a great performance – well let’s say that very internet chatter gave me some ideas. We are at the inception of our story process right now on T4. Let’s say some ideas are gaining traction with me and my writer – so I’m here to say thanks internet chatter.

Michael

$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.

Transformers: Regeneration One #85 Preview

Tomorrow brings the possible final confrontation between Megatron and Optimus Prime in the G1 Marvel universe in Transformers: Regeneration #85. Prime has finally arrived and seen what Megatron has done to Earth for the last 18 years. Simon Furman posted a long article describing his goal of pitting these too in a final confrontation, partial quote below. Click here to view the covers and first few pages of the issue.

Pretty much everyone now knows it features what I hope is the most titanic and revealing Prime/Megatron clash ever. I’d always felt vaguely unsatisfied that the two towering titans of Transformers-dom had never really had an appropriately epic smackdown in the (original) comic series. Circumstances and story direction just seemed to have them in different corners of the storyline, or the clashes would end in stalemate. ...So uppermost in mind when we got to continue the saga beyond it’s abrupt conclusion in issue #80 (in Regeneration One), was to put that to rights, to accelerate Optimus and Megatron into a showdown where all bets are off, the stakes and surrounding elements too mighty to brush off with an inconclusive draw (another stalemate was just not on the cards). In one corner, you’ve got Prime, who’s been head in the sand for the past 20 years, in the other Megatron, who’s been laying waste to Earth with almost the sole aim of sticking it to Prime and getting his attention. Well, now he’s got it — big time. The gloves are well and truly off. And just when you think it can’t get any more extreme (in terms of Prime’s state of mind), any worse — it does.

Disney Buying Hasbro?

MTV Geek is reporting an unconfirmed rumor that Disney is considering following up their $4 billion purchase of Star Wars by buying Hasbro. Hasbro currently has the license for Star Wars toys and of course is the home of Transformers.

Well, we have it on good authority that serious discussions are happening at the highest levels of both Disney and Hasbro to fold the largest toy and game company on the planet into the Mouse.

Transformers: The Ride Coming to Orlando

In the video below, Universal Studio announces that Transformers: The Ride is coming to Universal Studios Orlando in Summer 2013. The Ride has been at Universal Studios Singapore for almost a year and Universal Studios Hollywood for about nine months. Disney's Inside the Magic YouTube page has posted videos of the park crowd getting informed of the new attraction. Press release is here.
Lagoon Show | Optimus and Bee | Press Conference

Frank Welker Talks Transformers Prime, Cullen

In a new interview with Collider, Frank Welker talks about his career, voicing Megatron and working with Peter Cullen (voice of Optimus Prime). The interview is to help promote the 26 hour Transformers: Prime marathon airing on the Hub now. The full interview is here highlights below.

Highlights:
- Works 3 days a week, more or less from 10 to 4:30, calls it the "Voice Over Diet" since he skips lunch and lost 10 pounds. Limits days for "throat recovery rate (when I do monsters etc.)"

Transformers Prime Marathon Poster, Promo, and Clip (Updated)

A friendly reminder that starting Thursday, November 1st at 5:30pm EST, The Hub starts their 26-hour long Transformers: Prime marathon. It starts with the very first episode and ends with the season 2 finale "Darkest Hour". In the episode "Megatron comes up with a complex plan and once it's put together, Optimus is placed in a position where he is forced to make a risky decision that, if not carefully considered, could have an inescapable effect on the entire Autobot team." As part of the marathon, The Hub has created a poster (left) that depicts Optimus Prime using an image from each of the episodes. If you are interested in winning 1 of a 100 copies of the poster, click here. Don't forget that Transformers: Prime Season Two 4-disc set will be released on November 20th.

Update: Added a clip from "Darkest Hour" where revealed that Megatron's plan isn't to reformat Cybertron in his image but Earth.

Disney Buys Lucasfilm with ILM for $4.05 Billion

Tuesday it was announced that Disney has bought Lucasfilm from George Lucas for $4.05 billion. Lucasfilm's main properties that matter a great deal to Disney are Star Wars, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound (sound effects, mixing for most movies). ILM is the company that did all the visual effects for all three Transformers films and invented most of the effects we see in movies for the last 30+ years. It is assumed they are doing Transformers 4's effects but now that ILM is part of Paramount's movie studio competition, who knows if they will keep such an important summer tent pole picture there. Disney has posted several videos about the acquistion (below) making surprising use of the internet to get info about this purchase across. Normally something like this would be handled with a press release and maybe a quick press conference. Companies should pay attention to this approach.

Highlights:
- A new Star Wars Trilogy was announced with Episodes 7 (for 2015), 8 (for 2017), and 9 (2019). Treatments already exist for this.

Transformers Prime: The Game Out Today

Friendly reminder that Transformers Prime: The Game has been released for the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 3DS. The Nintendo Wii U version will be out on November 18th with the new console. Below the is the launch trailer and press release for game. Click here for screenshots.

Transformers: MTMTE #10 Preview

Wednesday is new comic book day with Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #10 hittings real and virtual comic stores. The issue goes back to the past, before the TF civil war, to tell a story of Orion Pax and the hunt for a serial killer. Considering the Lost Light has one on board, those skills might be useful in the present. A preview of the issue can be found here.

Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #10
James Roberts (w) • Alex Milne (a) • Milne, Nick Roche (c)
SHADOWPLAY continues! On pre-war CYBERTRON, Prowl and Chromedome realize they’ve got a serial killer on their hands, and Orion Pax receives a summons from an old friend that will change his life forever!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers: Prime 2.25 Regeneration Promo, TV Spot

Tomorrow Transformers Prime air the penultimate episode of season 2 on The Hub at 7PM EST. "Regeneration" has The Autobots and Megatron's Decepticons are drawn into Cybertron to face each other in a heroic battle over their mutual quests for the coveted Omega Lock, which, once unlocked with the four keys, would reawaken Primus' power." Considering that the previous episode Patch was a clip show, I suspect the next two episodes will be going full throttle, spending the money the bottle-episode saved. Below is clip and promo for episode, screenshots here. The 26 hour long Transformers: Prime Marathon that starts on November 1st at 5:30pm EST and ends with the November 2nd 7:00pm EST season finale episode "Darkest Hour." Don't forget that Transformers: Prime Season Two 4-disc set will be released on November 20th. The previous two episodes of TF Prime are also up on HubWorld.

Upcoming episodes:
11/02 Darkest Hour (2.26) - Season 2 finale. Megatron comes up with a complex plan and once it's put together, Optimus is placed in a position where he is forced to make a risky decision that, if not carefully considered, could have an inescapable effect on the entire Autobot team.

Transformers Prime Producer on Show Mythology, Beasts

In an interview with Hero Complex, Transformers Prime producer Jeff Kline talked a little bit about the last two seasons of the show and the upcoming third. The full interview is here, highlights below.

- From series start, had three seasons planned out but as "wanted it to get more epic", the idea of self contained episodes "became impossible." Also that 3 season roadmap was burned up by early season 2 "which is pretty typical."

- Having a full time writing staff allowed them to plot story arcs out. Normally cartoons have a story editor and freelance the writers.

- "the end of Season 2 will paint us into a corner and hopefully you’ll be surprised at how we get ourselves out of it. For Season 3, we’re actually bringing Beasts into the story, which is a big game-changers. Not necessarily “Beast Wars” way or “Dino-bots” but Beasts, which are part of the Transformers lore."

- "Season 3 will be even more about how Earth and Cybertron are brother, or twin, planets in some way. And, as we’ve been doing for two seasons, allegiances will change, good guys and bad guys will switch sides, new elements will be brought in and old elements will be sent away."

IDW January 2013 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for January 2013. This month kicks off the IDW crossover series Mars Attacks that Transformers is part of. It also marks the return of the Spotlight series with a focus on Thundercracker while the Tranformers Prime season 3 prequel comic Rage of the Dinobots continues. A total of six (I think a TF record) comics and 1 trade are coming out in January. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Locke & Key, and more click here.

Mars Attacks the Transformers
Shane McCarthy (w) • Matt Frank (a) • Ray Dillon (c)
The weekly invasion continues: AUTOBOTS vs. DECEPTICONS vs... MARTIANS?! The invaders from Mars take advantage of the colossal Cybertronian's conflict and begin their assault on Earth in full force. It's Martian vs. Machine as the audacious Autobots and the devilish Decepticons begrudgingly join forces to repel the inhuman invaders and save the planet!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

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

Hasbro Q3 Earnings Call, Shortened TF Prime Season

Today Hasbro held their conference call to report their Q3 earnings. You can get the business details here but basically sales and profits dropped for the quarter with expectation that Christmas and the Marvel toys helping to boost the bottom line and make up the difference. As part of the call, CEO Brian Goldner revealed that The Hub is cutting their production orders for new shows. This is important for fans of The Hub cartoons and especially Transformers Prime as the current rumor is season 3 is only 13-16 episodes long. Transcript of relevant portion below.

Question: Final Question… If you could just elaborate. You touched a bit on a prepared remark that I’m interested. You said you are reducing your production spend over the past several quarters… said due to efficiencies. Can you just elaborate more on that?
Answer: "Actually what we are saying is amortization has come down because ultimate revenue expectations have gone up. It’s one big driver on that. As we look at our ultimate revenue expectations for out programming because our performance we have on the television and digital distribution performance and revenue we are now expected to get from that programming; cross merchandising and program sales the amortization comes down."

Transformers 4 to Film in London?

Casting website Mandy.com has posted a listing for the two potential Transformers 4 leads under their "United Kingdom" section with note that "This is a Paramount Pictures production filmed in various locations overseas" with one location being "London". There are several ways to interpret this. One is the most obvious - its fake (one I lean too). Another is the lead casting is open to non-American actors as long as they can do the need accents. A third interpretation is they are looking for UK actors because filming in UK or London. The previous Transformers films have filmed in many different locations around the world but a majority (like 90% to 95%) of the filming took place in the United States. This is something that Michael Bay is very proud of doing for all his films and not a tradition I see him ending any time soon. Any case the text of the listing is below.

Production: TRANSFORMERS 4 (Feature Film)
Location: London
Employer: BDiscovered
Duration: 3 months, starts approx April/May 2013 (non-Equity artist contracts)

Director: Michael Bay. Looking for Talent to send to Casting Director - This is a Paramount Pictures production filmed in various locations overseas.
Apply to: Tina Hartery

2 breakdowns:
1. Female / 18-24 yrs. / Any Ethnicity.
FEMALE LEAD - 18 to play high school senior…LEAD ETHNICITY - ANY

2. Male / 18-24 yrs. / Any Ethnicity.
MALE LEAD - Her 20-21 year old boyfriend, raised in Texas & drives racecars…LEAD ETHNICITY - ANY

Ad created by user 783009 on: Oct 18, 2012. Expires: Nov 7, 2012

Transformers 4 Release Date, Filming Start Date, More Lead Characters Info

A new post from Acting-Auditions website has collaborates the info on the lead human characters for Transformers 4, revealed the planned filming start date (April or May 2013), and set TF4's release date as June 27th, 2014. A little more info was provided so now can described the lead as an 18 year old female high school senior and her 20-something Texan race car driver boyfriend. The choices allow Bay to (legally) play up her sex appeal while providing a "realistic" reason for why one or both can drive an Autobot vehicle like a professional for whatever action scenes Bay has designed that needs those skills. Coming Soon also reports that Paramount has designed their temporary logo for Transformers 4 where "the right half of the standard transformers symbol acting as the stem of the number four." A previous report had the release date set 6/29/14 (a Tuesday) but still in the July 4th holiday window that the previous films were released in.

Di Bonaventura Pictures and DreamWorks SKG in association with Hasbro are in development on the Paramount Pictures science fiction action film "Transformers 4". The casting directors are auditioning actors for the new lead roles in the film, as neither Shia LaBeouf or Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are returning. The female lead role is an 18 year old or above who can play high school senior age, and the male lead is an early twenties Texas race car driver who plays the female lead's boyfriend. Shooting will take place in various locations beginning in April or May of 2013. This film is currently being referred to as "Untitled Transformers Sequel".

Michael Bay "Sick" of Hugo Weaving

It seems that Michael Bay did not appreciate Hugo Weaving's honestly when he spoke about doing the voice of Megatron for the Transformers films. Weaving commented that despite doing three films he never met the director and that the role itself really did not mean much to him, that it was essentially just a paycheck. I see nothing wrong with that the honestly as really no different then how I have looked at most of my jobs over the years. Obviously Bay had no concerns about Weaving's ability to do the job considering he still has not met the actor. While I was mostly indifferent to the comments, Bay was angry about it and shared those feeling on the his blog. The comment was deleted but Collider has a copy.

Do you ever get sick of actors that make $15 million a picture, or even $200,000 for voiceover work that took a brisk one hour and 43 minutes to complete, and then complain about their jobs? With all the problems facing our world today, do these grumbling thespians really think people reading the news actually care about trivial complaints that their job wasn’t ‘artistic enough” or “fulfilling enough”? I guess The Hollywood Reporter thinks so.

What happened to people who had integrity, who did a job, got paid for their hard work, and just smiled afterward? Be happy you even have a job – let alone a job that pays you more than 98% of the people in America.

I have a wonderful idea for all those whiners: They can give their “unhappy job money” to a wonderful Elephant Rescue. It’s the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Africa. I will match the funds they donate.

While the odds of Megatron returning in the fourth film were already unlikely, this mini-argument probably put a permanent kibosh on the idea. I really have a problem with Bay's comments, just question the wisdom of saying anything as it renewed this story for another news cycle. The best move in this case would have been no move.

Transformers: Prime 2.24 Patch Promo, TV Spot

Tomorrow Transformers Prime gets ever closer to the season 2 finale on The Hub at 7PM EST. "Patch" has "Starscream proposes a truce with fully-recovered Decepticon leader Megatron, but his new righthand man Dreadwing threatens to stand in the way of the alliance, even going so far as to coax Megatron into subjecting Starscream to some sort of mind probe to see what he's really planning." Below is clip and promo for episode, screenshots here. The 26 hour long Transformers: Prime Marathon that starts on November 1st at 5:30pm EST and ends with the November 2nd 7:00pm EST season finale episode "Darkest Hour." Don't forget that Transformers: Prime Season Two 4-disc set will be released on November 20th. The previous two episodes of TF Prime are also up on HubWorld.

Upcoming episodes:
10/26 Regeneration (2.25) - The Autobots and Megatron's Decepticons are drawn into Cybertron to face each other in a heroic battle over their mutual quests for the coveted Omega Lock, which, once unlocked with the four keys, would reawaken Primus' power.
11/02 Darkest Hour (2.26) - Season 2 finale. Megatron comes up with a complex plan and once it's put together, Optimus is placed in a position where he is forced to make a risky decision that, if not carefully considered, could have an inescapable effect on the entire Autobot team.

Transformers 4 Lead Characters?

SpoilerTV has posted a very brief description of what it claims to be a description for the two leads for Transformers 4. The posts says "The new female lead that they are looking for is a high school senior and her boyfriend a Texas racing driver." No further details. Usual grain of salt warnings apply until get more information. Update: Info confirmed. Click here for story.

Hugo Weaving Has Never Met Michael Bay

In an interview with Collider, Hugo Weaving commented about working as the voice of Megatron on the three Transformers films. Specifically he mentioned he has not been approached about Transformers 4, has never met Michael Bay and knew nothing then nor nothing know about Transformers or Megatron (which explains why he never did press for the films). It kind of hints at the nature of voice over work for celebrities which is often very little work for high amount of pay. Basically it was a job and he went in at did it.

As the voice of Megatron, has Michael Bay called about the next Transformers movie yet?
WEAVING: No. That’s a weird job for me because it honestly was a two-hour voice job, initially. I was doing a play and I actually didn’t have time, anyway. It was one of the only things I’ve ever done where I had no knowledge of it, I didn’t care about it, I didn’t think about it. They wanted me to do it. In one way, I regret that bit. I don’t regret doing it, but I very rarely do something if it’s meaningless. It was meaningless to me, honestly. I don’t mean that in any nasty way. I did it. It was a two-hour voice job, while I was doing other things. Of course, it’s a massive film that’s made masses of money. I just happened to be the voice of one of the iconic villainess characters. But, my link to that and to Michael Bay is so minimal. I have never met him. I was never on set. I’ve seen his face on Skype. I know nothing about him, really. I just went in and did it. I never read the script. I just have my lines, and I don’t know what they mean. That sounds absolutely pathetic! I’ve never done anything like that, in my life. It’s hard to say any more about it than that, really.

NYCC 2012: Next Year's Hasbro Transformers

Thursday Hasbro teased their next sub-line of Transformers Prime called Beast Hunters that brings the Beast Wars design aesthetic back into the main TF line. Hasbro also held a panel where they provided their plans and images of the first wave or so of toys that will start hitting shelves in spring 2013. Below are links to the galleries and info that was revealed. Also links to a recording of the actual panel and below that is a summary of what was revealed.

Links: Hasbro Panel | 3rd Party Gallery | Blue 'Bee Kreon Review | Non TF Displays | TF Universe MMO Trailer
Panel YouTube Video: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Transformers: Prime 2.23 Inside Job Promo, TV Spot, Road So Far

Tonight Transformers Prime moves close to the season finale on The Hub at 7PM EST. "Inside Job" has a captured Smokescreen learning where the Omega Key while trying to get the other three from Megatron. Below is clip and promo for episode. Also Hasbro has posted a sorta "The Road So Far" (cue up Carry on Wayward Son) for the first two season of Transformers: Prime to promote their epic 26 hour long Transformers: Prime Marathon that starts on November 1st at 5:30pm EST and ends with the November 2nd 7:00pm EST season finale episode "Darkest Hour." Don't forget that Transformers: Prime Season Two 4-disc set will be released on November 20th. The previous two episodes of TF Prime are also up on HubWorld.

Upcoming episodes:
10/19 Patch (2.24) - In an effort to secure a peaceful truce that would be beneficial to all parties involved, Starscream offers Megatron a ceasefire but Dreadwing has other ideas and does whatever he can to keep the diplomatic agreement from taking place.
10/26 Regeneration (2.25) - The Autobots and Megatron's Decepticons are drawn into Cybertron to face each other in a heroic battle over their mutual quests for the coveted Omega Lock, which, once unlocked with the four keys, would reawaken Primus' power.
11/02 Darkest Hour (2.26) - Season 2 finale

NYCC: New Transformers Prime Faction, Season 3 Teaser Trailer (Updated)

Today the New York Comic-Con 2012 started and Hasbro was on hand to tease their 2013 plans for Transformers Prime season 3. Below is a teaser trailer for Transformers Prime - Beast Hunters, set to start in the Spring (no exact date). With it comes a new faction, the Predacons along with Predaking (likely leader) with dragon alt mode. In G1 cartoons Predacons were the team of five Decepticons with creature alt modes merged to form Predaking. In Beast Wars, the Predacons are basically the ancestors of the Decepticons who continued the war against the Maximals, the Autobot ancestors.

Since Transformers Prime is part Hasbro's official canon for Transformers, it seems this is Hasbro's attempt to bring the successful Beast Wars approach into the toy line to open up the possibilities of alt modes back to real world animals and fantasy creatures. Depending on how the story goes and how well designed the (hopefully) new toy molds are, this could be kind of best of both worlds for TF fans. Hopefully more will be revealed of the line-up over the weekend. A gallery of Predaking can be found here.

Update: Hasbro has issued a press release providing an official image of Predaking's dragon alt mode. They also showed a teaser clip (below) that introduces the character, all the while keeping his robot mode secret.

"BEAST HUNTERS is an exciting new direction for TRANSFORMERS brand entertainment and the introduction of the PREDACON faction is a pivotal moment for OPTIMUS PRIME and the heroic AUTOBOTS, impacting the world of TRANSFORMERS which will never be the same," said Jay Duke, Global TRANSFORMERS Brand Vice President at Hasbro. "Kids and fans will be amazed by how Hasbro will bring this story and the 'beasts' to life across the brand's major entertainment platforms in 2013."

TF Linkfest - Hoodies, Pinball, and Posters

This edition of TF Linkfest is an interesting hodge podge of Transformers stuff. We have hoddies, new poster art, "cheaper" pinball machine, and custom TF art. New (currently) Takara only toys have been announced along with galleries for the next Masterpiece toy. Last but not least is video reviews for not Reflector, TF Prime Ultra Magnus, TRU Exclusive MP Prime, Gaia Unicron, not Brawn and not Cosmos.

Optimus Prime and Grimlock Hoodies
Now available from 80s Tees is two unique hoodies that could double as an easy Halloween costume. Grimlock is currently sold out but Optimus Prime is available. They cost $60 each.

Bay: TF4 Will "Feel Very Different"

While promoting his Doritos Super Bowl Contest to Entertainment Tonight, Michael Bay briefly commented about Transformers 4. He didn't really say anything different then what he said previously.

"What I can say is that it's going to pick up where the other three left off," said Bay of the film, which will predominantly feature new actors from its predecessors. "It's going to feel very different. It's going to definitely open the franchise up for many more to come, and it's going to have a freshness to it."

Transformers: RID #10 and Regeneration One #84 Previews

Wednesday brings Transformers: Robots in Disguise #10 and Transformers: Regeneration One #84 to stores. RID #10 switches gears to play catch up with Optimus Prime Orion Pax as he searches for Jhiaxus and his Decepticons. Regeneration #84 continues telling story of the Wreckers plan to stop Megatron with what little remains of human resistance. The preview of RID #10 is here and Regeneration #84 is here.

Transformer Prime The Video Game Wii U Trailer

From Wired.com, here is a new trailer for Transformers Prime The Video Game that will be released for Wii, Wii U, DS and 3DS. The Wii U version will be out on November 18th, the other consoles on October 30th.

Tyrese Back for Transformers 4?

In an interview with Mobli Tyrese Gibson indicated he was talking with Michael Bay about reprising his role of Robert Epps for Transformers 4. The discussion is in the literal early stages (text messages) so subject to change. Tyrese has already said before he was up for a return so all this indicates is Bay may be open to the idea also. Whatever story Bay comes up with there is likely to be a military component to it so why not have a military based character or two act as a bridge between the first trilogy and this "new direction" that Hasbro and Bay are planning. Transcript of TF4 section below, full video here.

“I don’t know… me and Michael Bay, we’ve been exchanging e-mails… I mean Text Messages and I just hope that it works out… I mean things fell apart with Megan Fox and so we had to do what we had to do to pick up the pieces and keep moving with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. And now things fell apart with Shia. Business is business I think. I think Shia has expressed his opinion. I think when you are associated with movie like Transformers other than the box-office sees you as an actor... a full-on actor, lot of people arguably can say they don’t take you serious… in this town called “Hollywood”... because the reason all these doing big is because of the robots, the big action and special effects and so in some capacity could diminish your value as an actor which you bring to the table. Even though it’s huge for your brand and your image and your celebrity around the world. But Shia is one of those real actors full-on real actors... whether gets an independent role where he just get paid Per diem or at some role he’s just passionate about and that he may do for free. As long as he gets associated with these heavy-weight actors… that’s the space he’s been. But for me I started this s*** with Shia, Josh, Michael Bay and the Team and sometimes you lose a team member. In my mind not be in a part with Transformers 4… if that’s even happening… it f**** me up. I’ll be honest… I love it. It was the childhood, movie, favorite of mine… you know I don’t really not wanna be a part of the franchise. Period. You know when you lose a team member sometimes you gotta keep going. Period.”

Transformers: Prime 2.22 Hard Knocks Promo, TV Spot

Tomorrow a new episode of Transformers Prime is on The Hub at 7PM EST. "Hard Knocks" is described as "When their desperate efforts to acquire the coveted Omega Keys take an unexpected and frantic turn, Knock Out is able to take advantage of the power of sound while Starscream uses his efforts to focus on the power of hyper-speed." Below is a clip and promo for the ep. Additional screenshots here. Also don't forget that Transformers: Prime Season Two 4-disc set will be released on November 20th.

Upcoming episodes:
10/12 Inside Job (2.23) - When Smokescreen is captured, he learns the location of the Omega Key and attempts to retrieve all the other stolen keys.
10/19 Patch (2.24) - In an effort to secure a peaceful truce that would be beneficial to all parties involved, Starscream offers Megatron a ceasefire but Dreadwing has other ideas and does whatever he can to keep the diplomatic agreement from taking place.
10/26 Regeneration (2.25) - The quest for the Omega Lock takes the Autobots and the Decepticons to Cyberton for a battle.
11/02 Darkest Hour (2.26) - Season 2 finale

Transformers: Prime 2.21 Alpha, Omega Promo, TV Spot

Tonight is a new episode of Transformers Prime on The Hub at 7PM EST. "Alpha, Omega" is described as "The Omega Keys and the influential secrets they contain catch the interest of the Autobots; the powerful capabilities of the Primes are noticed by Megatron, who takes it upon himself to do whatever it takes to extract them for his own use." Below is clip and promo for the ep. Additional screenshots here. The two previous episodes, The Human Factor (2.19) and Legacy (2.20) can be viewed at HubWorld. Also don't forget that Transformers: Prime Season Two 4-disc set will be released on November 20th.

Upcoming episodes:
10/05 Hard Knocks (2.22) - When their desperate efforts to acquire the coveted Omega Keys take an unexpected and frantic turn, Knock Out is able to take advantage of the power of sound while Starscream uses his efforts to focus on the power of hyper-speed.
10/12 Inside Job (2.23) - When Smokescreen is captured, he learns the location of the Omega Key and attempts to retrieve all the other stolen keys.
10/19 Patch (2.24) - Starscream proposes a truce with Megatron but Dreadwing threatens to stand in the way.
10/26 Regeneration (2.25) - The quest for the Omega Lock takes the Autobots and the Decepticons to Cyberton for a battle.

IDW December 2012 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for December 2012. It is a bigger month then normal with five comics and 4 traders being released that month. The comics continue the post war Cybertron adventures, Scorponok returns in the G1 Marvel book, a look at Optimus Prime's pre-war past, and more. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Locke & Key, and more click here.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise Ongoing #12
John Barber (w) • Andrew Griffith (a) • Andrew Griffith, Casey Coller (c)
THE RETURN! He’s back… and CYBERTRON will never be the same. Everything BUMBLEBEE and his AUTOBOTS have built teeters at the edge of collapse—and STARSCREAM has to make the choice his whole life has been leading to.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers RID Annual, MTMTE #9 Previews

Tomorrow is new comic Wednesday and this week brings two Transformers related issues to stands. Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #9 brings us a story from Cybertron's past while Robots in Disguise Annual provides a little more on the origin of the Transformers race when Metrotitan (like Metroplex but not) lands on Cybertron. A preview of MTMTE #9 is here and RID Annual here.

Transformers: More than Meets the Eye #9
(W) James Roberts (A) Alex Milne (CA) Alex Milne, Nick Roche
SHADOWPLAY begins here! One AUTOBOT connects the crew of the Lost Light with pre-war CYBERTRON and the rise of the DECEPTICONs. His name? OPTIMUS PRIME. The past and the present collide as Rewind begins telling his crew mates the most shocking story of all!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers: Robots in Disguise Annual
(W) John Barber (A) Brendan Cahill, Guido Guidi (CA) Tim Seeley, Andrew Griffith
CRASHING DOWN! The mysterious Metrotitan from last month's More Than Meets the Eye Annual arrives on CYBERTRON-smashing into the ruins of the legendary Crystal City! Starscream and Prowl begin a battle of wills over the fate of this behemoth-and the outcome will shock you!
FC • 48 pages • $7.99

New Fall of Cybertron Massive Fury DLC Out Today

Today High Moon Studios will release their Massive Fury DLC pack for Transformers: Fall of Cybertron that includes the Retro Pack from the game's initial release. The pack adds five new playable characters (and their component parts) for multiplayer mode & character creations along with three new single player campaign items. For multiple player you have G1 Retro Optimus Prime, Hound, and the three Insecticons Kickback, Sharpshot (aka Shrapnel) and Hardshell (aka Bombshell). I guess Hasbro lost the copyright on those names. For single player you have the Generation 2 skin for Bruticus (in time for upcoming Amazon exclusive release), G1 Shockwave Blast Cannon weapon (retro pack) and G1 Megatron Pistol Gun weapon (retro pack). I am unclear if those that don't have the Retro Pack at game launch are able to play as Prime in single player mode or not. Below is a game play video from Kotaku

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.

Bay: Transformers 4 Set After Dark of the Moon

In an interview with the Huffington Post to promote his Doritos contest, Michael Bay discussed his upcoming movie Pain & Gain and provided a few more details about Transformers 4 including why he returned to the franchise and when it is set. The full interview is here.

Highlights:
- Movie set after Transformers: Dark of the Moon
- Peter Cullen will be back as the voice of Optimus Prime
- No indication on what other character may return (be really surprised if Bumblebee didn't)

Bay: "New Direction" for Transformers 4

Michael Bay posted a brief update and poster for his next movie Pain & Gain that he is currently editing. As part of that he provided a kind of mini-update on Transformers 4.

"The editing process is a bit slower on this one because I'm in the middle of launching my three TV shows and prepping Transformers 4–which is going in a total new direction and in a way to really broaden the franchise to give it lasting legs."

That aligns with Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner's desire to reinvent the brand to help boost toy sales.

Transformers: Prime 2.20 Legacy Promo, TV Spot

A new episode of Transformers Prime is airing on The Hub at 7PM EST. The ep is called "Legacy" and described as "Megatron does his best to distract Optimus from the reality of a weapon of legend belonging to the Primes, which if discovered, could change the entire outcome of the war; Jack and his new Autobot companion set out on a mission." Below is the promo and clip for the episode. The two previous episodes, New Recruit (2.18) and The Human Factor (2.19) can be viewed at HubWorld. Also don't forget that Transformers: Prime Season Two 4-disc set will be released on November 20th. On a related note, Rescue Bots voice actor D.C. Douglas has blogged that it is getting a season two. It was kind of assumed but this is the first mention from anyone associated with the show.

Upcoming episodes:
09/28 Alpha; Omega (2.21) - The Omega Keys and the influential secrets they contain catch the interest of the Autobots; the powerful capabilities of the Primes are noticed by Megatron, who takes it upon himself to do whatever it takes to extract them for his own use.
10/05 Hard Knocks (2.22) - As the race grows more desperate, Knock Out harnesses the power of sound while Starscream the power of hyper speed.
10/12 Inside Job (2.23) - When Smokescreen is captured, he learns the location of the Omega Key and attempts to retrieve all the other stolen keys.

Work with Michael Bay Transformers 4 Contest

USA Today has revealed that Doritos and Michael Bay are working together on a new contest for the 2013 Super Bowl and Transformers 4. The contest focuses on consumer-generated commercials. The winner whose commercial is chosen will win $1 million dollars, have commercial air during the Super Bowl and work with Michael Bay on Transformers 4 (how much time and on what isn't specified). Submissions open on October 8th, a little bit more info can be found at the Doritos facebook page.

The next Transformers movie could have an unlikely film credit: yours.

Doritos, the Frito-Lay brand that has embraced the Super Bowl as the salty snack's sweet spot for consumer-generated commercials, on Wednesday will announce plans to seriously boost the booty in its seventh annual Crash the Super Bowl contest.

Linkfest - TF Legends

This linkfest brings you a little bit of info on two new video games (one mobile, one for Wii U), Digital Domain bankruptcy, TFs on your street, transforming furniture, real life transforming car, new take on Unicron, a mobile card game and an amusing repaint. For videos we have an amusing new Kre-O commercial, a not Devastator stop motion video, reviews of MP Thundercracker, Bruticus, Dreadwing and more.

Transformers Prime The Video Game for Wii U Dated
Nintendo has officially announced the release date of the Wii U for North America as November 18, 2012 with a price of $350 (there is a $299 model but no point in getting that one). One of the official launch games will be Transformers Prime The Video Game (also be Wii, DS, and 3DS versions). Oddly the listed release date is November 13, 2012 with retail price of $49.99. The game lets you play as various TF Prime characters in 3rd person action in a new single player storyline or multiplayer action.

Digital Domain Files for Bankruptcy
The company that James Cameron (Avatar) created and Michael Bay once owned a stake in (but sold off more than three years ago) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company created visual special effects for the three Transformers films, Apollo 13, Titanic, The Fifth Element, Star Trek: Nemesis, Tron: Legacy, Avatar, X-Men: First Class and host of others. Upcoming films they are set to work on (for now anyway) are Ender's Game, Jack the Giant Killer and G.I. Joe: Retaliation. The cause for the financial problems does not seem to be known except that the bankruptcy was initiated because it was in default on its loans. A public auction to sell the company is set for September 21st with Searchlight Capitol indicating it will bid $15 for it. The speed to deal with the bankruptcy is due to studios threatening to pull their films to give other studio effects companies’ time to complete any visual effects.

Transformers Prime - Beast Hunters?

According to a document leaked to a TFW2005's Neo-Bombshell from Hasbro's South American operations, it looks like the Fall 2013 will bring us Transformers Prime Beast Hunters. As Seibertron found, Hasbro has filed for the trademark to "Beast Hunters" calling it "an on-oing animated television series for children" and IDing it for "toy action figures, toy vehicles and toy robots convertible into other visual toy forms." Back in 1999 the name Beast Hunters was the initial name for what became the Beast Machines cartoon series that followed after Beast Wars.

The presentation image along with trademark information indicates that this will be used for Season 3 of TF: Prime and likely part of how the Dinobots will be added to the series cast. Also makes you wonder if and what aspects of Beast Wars/Machines might be incorporated into the Hasbro canon. Other relevant information is Transformers: Generations will continue through to 2014 as a kind of mark of the 30th Anniversary of the series. Also Hasbro hopes to continue Transformers Prime and Rescue Bots going through at least 2015. Feel free to speculate in the comments what TF Prime combined with Beast Hunters mean.

Transformers: Prime 2.19 The Human Factor Promo, TV Spot

Friday on The Hub at 7PM EST is a new episode of Transformers Prime. Called "The Human Factor" the episode is described as "Silas is given a new lease on life and approaches Megatron with a plan to join the Decepticon ranks". In a previous episode Silas' mind was transferred into a human built Transformer that uses Starscream's transformation cog. Below is promo and clip for the episodes. More screenshots are here. The two previous episodes, New Recruit (2.18) and Out of the Past (2.17) can be viewed at HubWorld. Also don't forget that Transformers: Prime Season Two 4-disc set will be released on November 20th.

Upcoming episodes:
09/21 Legacy (2.20) - Megatron does his best to distract Optimus from the reality of a weapon of legend belonging to the Primes, which if discovered, could change the entire outcome of the war; Jack and his new Autobot companion set out on a mission.
09/28 Alpha; Omega (2.21) - The Omega Keys and the influential secrets they contain catch the interest of the Autobots; the powerful capabilities of the Primes are noticed by Megatron, who takes it upon himself to do whatever it takes to extract them for his own use.
10/05 Hard Knocks (2.22) - As the race grows more desperate, Knock Out harnesses the power of sound while Starscream the power of hyper speed.

Transformers 4 Direction Motivated by TF3 Toy Sales

Hasbro's CEO Brian Goldner was at the UBS Best of Americas 2012 Conference (not a clue what that is) where the company provided a little bit of information about Transformers 4 including their placeholder logo until something official is developed with Paramount for the current summer 2014 release date. TFW2005 was able to provide the Transformers specific highlights.

Highlights:
- Called Botshots and Kre-O part of the gamification of Hasbro brands.
- Transformers 3 toy sales lower than expected blamed having the same characters in all the movies.
- Drop in sales motivated desire to use new characters in a new story specific to them.
- Desire to expand Transformers 3 to young kids lead to creation of Rescue Bots.
- Goldner hinted that Transformers 4 may lead to a re-imaging or reinvention of the brand.

It is easy to read too much into this but nothing surprising here. Hasbro take. Sales of TF3 toys were down, not surprising considering how many of them were just modifications of previous lines releases. A key way to refresh the line is new characters with new story arcs that could still tie into the larger TF Bay-verse if choose to or go into a new direction. Until we see of what Michael Bay has in store for TF4, it will be difficult to judge exactly what a reimaging or reinvention may actually mean. Thanks to Sahara A. for the link.

Dinobot Destructor Pack Released

Today High Moon Studios has released its next DLC pack for Transformers: Fall of Cybertron called "Dinobot Destructor Pack" for 360, PS3, and PC. The game gives you four Dinobots to play in multiplayer mode or use their component parts in creating your own custom Transformer. Below is a look at the pack from G4 and trailer for all the DLCs.

Transformers: MTMTE Annual Preview, Rage of the Dinobots Interview

Transformers is getting its first annuals in a long time (or ever, not sure) starting with Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye Annual #1. The issue will provide more background on The Knights of Cybertron that kicked of Rodimus and gang's mostly disasterous adventure in space. An eight page preview can be found here.

In addition, IDW Senior Editor John Barber was interviewed about the Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots miniseries that launches in November. The in canon series will take the origin of the Dinobots from Fall of Cybertron and bring it into the Transformers Prime storyline suggesting (but not confirmed) that one or more of the characters could pop in season 3. It starts where Fall of Cybertron ends, with the Ark leaving Cybertron with the Dinobots and others left behind. The full interview can be found at Ain't It Cool News.

Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Annual 2012
James Roberts (w) • Jimbo Salgado, Guido Guidi (a) • Tim Seeley, Alex Milne (c)
THE ORIGIN OF THE KNIGHTS OF CYBERTRON! Rodimus and the crew of the Lost Light finally reach Crystal City, home to the mysterious Circle of Light. But what they find waiting for them is going to change everything—and not necessarily for the better!
FC • 48 pages • $7.99

Transformers: Prime 2.18 New Recruit Promo, TV Spot

Tonight brings new Transformers: Prime 2.18 episode New Recruit to the Hub at 7pm EST. The episode is described as "Starscream goes on a quest for Red Energon; a new Autobot joins Team prime. The Autobots and Decepticons come across some clues that could have the potential to change the war and perhaps restore Cybertron." Below is the promo and clip for the episode. If missed the previous episode, Out of the Past, it is now up on Hub World. Season 2 DVD/Blu-ray set will be out on November 20th.

Upcoming episodes:
09/14 The Human Factor (2.19) - Silas is given a new lease on life and approaches Megatron with a plan to join the Decepticon ranks.
09/21 Legacy (2.20) - Jack is paired off with a new partner; Megatron tries to keep Optimus from discovering the existence of a legendary weapon.
09/28 Alpha; Omega (2.21) - Omega Keys and the secret they hold; Megatron takes extreme measures to harness the power of the Primes.
10/05 Hard Knocks (2.22) - As the race grows more desperate, Knock Out harnesses the power of sound while Starscream the power of hyper speed.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Dinobot Destruction Pack DLC

High Moon Studios has officially announced their upcoming release of their new DLC for Transformers: Fall of Cybertron called "Dinobot Destruction Pack". It will be released on September 11th (probably for $10) for the PC, 360 and PS3. The pack will make Grimlock, Slug, Snarl, and Swoop available for multiplayer with their component parts for use in creating your custom Transformer. Press release below, images here.

Transformers: Regeneration #83, Robots in Disguise #9 Previews

Tomorrow Transformers: Regeneration #83 and Transformers: Robots in Disguise #9 will hit comic and online stores. Regeneration continues the Marvel take on the TF universe from the late eighties only jumping ahead 20 years to "our" present. Which isn't doing so hot since Megatron conquered and essentially destroyed the planet while the Autobots where enjoying their 20 years of peace. The Wreckers have crashed landed on the planets trying to avoid Megatron's zombie Decepticons and figure out what to do next to save what remains of the human race. Meanwhile in RID Ironhide and the Dinobots continue to explore the dangers of a reformatted Cybertron. To view an eight page preview of Regeneration click here and for Robots in Disguise click here.

Transformers: Regeneration #83
(W) Simon Furman (A) Andrew Wildman (CA) Andrew Wildman, Guido Guidi
The Wreckers are on Earth-and their fates rest in the hands of… a human? A very particular human-Spike Witwicky, the Circuit Smasher! The AUTOBOTs learn what MEGATRON's been doing the past 20 years… and OPTIMUS PRIME struggles to come to a decision about the future!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers: Robots in Disguise #9
(W) John Barber (A) Andrew Griffith (CA) Casey Coller, Andrew Griffith
DINOBOT HUNT! Ironhide and the DINOBOTS journey deep into the Cybertronian wilderness… and what they find is not what they expected! Meanwhile, the DECEPTICONS enact a dangerous plan with bizarre consequences!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99