Transformers Prime Returns Tomorrow, Movie Announced, Cast Interview

Tomorrow is begins the final season of Transformers Prime on The Hub at 7:30pm. The premiere episode titled "Darkmouth" picks up where the season 2 finale ended with Optimus buried in the remains of the now destroyed Autobot base and the rest of the Autobots separated from each other. It also turns out that Hasbro plans to end the series with a little bit of a bang with an animated movie called "Transformers Prime Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising". From the press release:

The eagerly anticipated conclusion of the CG animated Daytime Emmy® Award winning series will make its network television premiere as a Hub Original Family Movie. A 90-minute epilogue to the final season wraps up the series that chronicles the epic battle between the Decepticons and the Autobots in their mission to defend Earth and one day restore their home planet of Cybertron. The Hub Original Family Movie is produced by Hasbro Studios. The final season of “Transformers Prime Beast Hunters” begins on Friday, March 22, 7:30 p.m. ET.

Since a new season that means a few interviews with the cast, hit the links below to watch videos with each.

Transformers Verified for Detroit with Plot Details

The Michigan Film Office has issued a press release verifying that Transformers 4 is returning to the state to film. Based on the $20 million tax credit on the rather precise figure of $81,933,992 that is expected to spent filming TF4, it indicates that the production will spend a significant amount of its schedule in the state. Previously Transformers and Transformers 3 production spent a few weeks in Detroit area filming various scenes. With the release is an interesting new description on the plot of the film.

As humanity picks up the pieces, following the conclusion of Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Autobots and Decepticons have all but vanished from the face of the planet. However, a group of powerful, ingenious businessman and scientists attempt to learn from past Transformer incursions and push the boundaries of technology beyond what they can control – all while an ancient, powerful Transformer menace sets Earth in his crosshairs. The epic adventure and battle between good and evil, freedom and enslavement ensues.

I suspect Unicron fans will be all over the last two sentences.

Transformers: More Than Meets The Eyes #15 Preview

Tomorrow brings Transformers: More Than Meets The Eyes #15 to stores and the expectation is a bit of an Autobot bloodbath for the crew of the Lost Light. Overlord has escaped his hidden prison on the ship and has decided to kill every Autobot in sight. Considering he is more powerful then Megatron, the odds don't look good that most will survive the encounter. Click here to view a preview of the first few pages of the issue.

Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #15
James Roberts (w) • Alex Milne (a) • Milne, Nick Roche (c)
DEATH IN THE RANKS! Rodimus and his crew are confronted by the enemy within—and not everyone will survive the encounter. Everything has been building to this: all-out war aboard the Lost Light!
*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers Sponsoring Formula D Racer

Wrecked Magazine is reporting that Hasbro's Transformers will sponsor Otto Graven and his "Ultimate 86" Formula D Scion FRS vehicle.  While not stated, chances are this will be the vehicle that Jack Reynor's race car driving character will have for Transformers 4. It might also clear a copyright hurdle as all the vehicles used in Transformers 4 would have to be signed off on by their corporate creators. (via TFW2005)

Transformers 4 Returning to Chicago

While a Detroit shoot still has not been confirmed, it seems Reel Chicago has been able to verify that Michael Bay and his crew is heading to Chicago once again for Transformers 4.  According to the site,  "Neither the production schedule nor cast has been completed, although Chicago location scouts have been hired and the L.A. production staff is expected to land here en masse in June and reportedly will shoot from July through October."  Back in January Mark Wahlberg had slipped and said he was house hunting in the area for a four month rental.  Bay had previously filmed in Chicago for Transformers: Dark of the Moon and had nothing but praise for the city. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

IDW June 2013 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for June 2013. Five comics and two trades are being offered that month. Of potential interest is The Transformers 30th Anniversary Collection hardcover that collected various TF comics over the last 30 years. Sadly the solicitation doesn't specify which ones (around 10-12 issues based on the 320 page count) so hard to tell if worth the $50 cover price (or $28 if pre-order from Amazon). For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Locke & Key, and more click here.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise #18
John Barber (w) • Atilio Rojo (a) • Rojo, Casey Coller (c)
SURVIVOR'S GUILT! After the shattering events of the past two issues, we can't tell you who's alive and who's dead. But we will hint that one CYBERTRONIAN has to reconsider her worldview—while she comes face-to-face with some old enemies. We won't mention any names, but she's in for the fight of her life!
*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 6/5/13

Transformers Returning to Detroit?

A Michigan Live article seems to indicate that the city of Detroit wants Transformers 4 to film there. I think. To call it "reporting" would be a gross exaggeration as the article asks if Transformers 4 will be filming in the city but the Michigan Film Office spokeperson Michelle Begnoche replied "There is nothing I can confirm at this time. I will certainly keep you posted if that changes!" The chances of Michael Bay returning to Detroit is relatively high compared to most cities since he filmed there for Transformers and Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Also the film takes place four years after the last movie so still in the same continuity. Any case filming is expected to start this summer and since Bay likes to keep his films in the US as much as possible, it will be interesting to see what locations emerge as production progresses. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

New Transformers Prime Trailer with Ultra Magnus

A new Transformers Prime Beast Hunters trailer from Singapore reveals the introduction of Ultra Magnus to the Prime universe. The trailer is to promote the return of the new season that starts this Friday in that country. TF Prime will start back up here in the States next Friday.

Transformers Regeneration One #89 Previews

Wednesday's new comic day brings Transformers: Regeneration One #89 to newsstands and digital (assuming Comixology is fixed by then). Regeneration One is the continuation of the Marvel Transformers story line but set in our "present" where Megatron has destroyed the Earth and Prime finally killed him for it. Meanwhile on Cybertron, Scorponok uses his new tech to turn Autobots into Decepticons while Grimlock tries to find the rest of the Dinobots to put a stop to the rampage. A preview of the issue can be found here.

Josh Duhamel Returning for Transformers 4?

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Josh Duhamel suggested that Michael Bay is considering having him reprise his role of Captain Lennox for Transformers 4. TF4 takes place 4 years after the end of Transformers: Dark of the Moon and the character didn't die in the film so no reason can't be recalled to service depending on the story needs. Besides Bay loves to work with the US military for his films, so there is likely going to be a strong military aspect to TF4 similar to the previous films so finding a spot for Lennox, either in a major role or just a fun cameo, would probably be very easy to do.

The happy news earned a congratulatory call from Michael Bay, who directed Duhamel in the first three Transformers films, and is currently readying a fourth. And while the franchise is looking to reboot -- "They're going younger," the 40-year-old actor says -- that doesn't rule out a cameo.

"[Michael] said he wants to put me in it someplace. I don’t know if he was just saying that because he had me on the phone and he felt obligated or what, but you know what? I got to do three of those. It changed my career, it changed my life getting to be a part of something that big, so I’m grateful for even doing the first three of them," Duhamel said.

Linkfest - More Beast Hunters

More Transformers are coming, official or otherwise. For 3rd party makers, combiners seems to be the main theme while Takara has truly embraced the Masterpiece line and Hasbro is moving ahead with a full Beast Hunters line despite the short final season of Transformers Prime.  Hasbro finally revealed what Masterpiece Acid Storm looks like while Takara shows off blurry images of MP Prowl and Bluestreak.  Add to that lots of reviews of upcoming Beast Hunters toys, two members of TFC Toys Uranos combiner, next Throttlebot combiner member, and more.

Masterpiece Update - Hasbro MP Acid Storm | Hasbro MP Soundwave | Takara Prowl and Bluestreak
This year is just chock full of Masterpiece releases once include by the Takara and Hasbro plans. Already this year has seen the release of Takara's Soundwave toy with two of his cassettes (review below). On top of that have MP-10B Nemesis Prime 2.0 cab (March), MP-12T Tigertrack (July), MP-16 Frenzy and Rumble (April), and now a look at MP-17 Prowl (August), MP-18 Bluestreak (October) and later MP-19 Smokescreen (September). On top of that can add Hasbro's official images Masterpiece Acid Storm which is a repaint of Starscream 2.0 in a military green and black look while Soundwave is identical to the Takara release only it will come with all five cassettes instead of separate two pack releases.

Latest Transformers Prime Promos

The final season of Transformers Prime returns on March 22 and The Hub has started introducing more promos for the premiere (previous one here). The first video provides a pretty concise summary of the first two seasons of TF Prime to get you caught up, the second one introduces the new "stealth" look of Bumblebee and the last provides a tease of Predaking (but isn't new footage).

Transformers Bumblebee, More Than Meets The Eye #14 Previews

Wednesday is new comic book day and with it is two new Transformers books. Transformers Spotlight - Bumblebee returns to Earth to look at a point when Bumblebee first took over as leader of the Autobots after Optimus Prime handed over the reigns in a crisis of confidence. The other issue is Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #14 which turns its eyes to Overlord, currently a prisoner on the Lost Light...except almost no one board knows he is there. A first few page preview of Bumblebee is here and MTMTE #14 is here.

New Transformers Prime Trailer, Cancellation Confirmed

IGN has officially confirmed (in case the comments from a Senior VP was not enough) that Transformers Prime has been officially cancelled after season 3. The final 13 episodes for Transformers Prime Beast Hunters start airing on March 22nd at 7:30PM EST. The current plan is to air four news episodes each week then starting on April 19 repeat those same four with added "Autobits" ("behind-the-scenes trivia with exclusive in-picture commentary designed to create an immersive viewing experience") and then resume with new episodes in May. Considering Hasbro plans on releasing a wave of Beast Hunters toys for the Christmas holiday season, I would not be surprised if the season gets split in two with around 7 episodes before summer and the rest in early Fall with the season 3 DVD release in late October, early November. New trailer below.

Two Deleted Transformers: The Movie Scenes

From The Spacebridge Facebook page, below are two re-created deleted scenes from 1986's Transformers: The Movie from production storyboards. The first scene shows how Devastator was finally taken down after the Dinobots failed to while providing a bridge to what Megatron was looking at when Optimus Prime engaged him for the now most quoted fight sequence in Transformers history. The second scene explains why Ultra Magnus' (brief) death seemed oddly delayed due to being literally pulled apart by the sweeps' energon ropes. The two moments make for nice new insight on an old favorite. If you have never seen Transformers The Movie, I think its up on the various streaming sites. Worth checking out if only to so can see where so many of today's Transformers quote references and desired story plots (Unicron) come from. (via Unicron.com)

Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Premieres March 22

In a press release from The Hub with their March programming of new shows, we now have an official release date for Transformers Prime Beast Hunters, the third and final season as Friday, March 22nd at 730pm EST. The premiere episode airs after a mini-marathon of season two episodes from 3:30 to 7pm EST. If you recall the second season ended with Megatron destroying the Autobot base with Optimus Prime still in it as the rest of the Autobots retreat.

Upcoming episodes:
03/22 - Darkmouth, NV (3.01) - While Optimus struggles to survive after Megatron’s destruction of the Autobot base, the separated members of Team Prime try to reconnect.
03/29 - Scattered (3.02) - The Autobots search for signs of each other, but start to lose hope while the Decepticons welcome a key player to their ranks. A win for Wheeljack may ultimately lead to an Autobot defeat.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise #14 Preview

This Wednesday at comic books stores everywhere, the current Cybertron story arc starts to reach its conclusion as a fully restored Megatron enters the field with the might of the Decepticons once more at his command. Add to that Prowl switching sides, the Cybertron government led by Bumblebee crumbling and the Autobots in disarray and the stage is set for Megatron to finally achieve his goal of conquering Cybertron. A preview of Transformers: Robots in Disguise #14 can be read here.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise Ongoing #14
John Barber (w) • Andrew Griffith (a) • Andrew Griffith, Casey Coller (c)
FALL OF THE AUTOBOTS! The day the AUTOBOTS hoped would never arrive... is here. CYBERTRON is burning, BUMBLEBEE’s government is crumbling, and the end is near! Sides are chosen... and heroes fall.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

The AllSpark Returns for Transformers 4?

Is The Cube, aka the device that gives Transformers life, returning to the big screen in Transformers 4? Possibly, at least based on an NPR article about set decorators whose attention to details helps bring a set to life. One aspect of the article focuses on Transformers 4 set decorator Rosemary Bradenburg (image left) who along with Paramount archivist Randall Thropp (jokingly recoiling in fear) look over the hero AllSpark Cube prop used in the first Transformers film. Based on below it sounds like it just be used as a easter egg for fans but maybe more. (via TFW2005)

Sometimes, objects have to be made for a film by Hollywood's many artisans. Some of these pieces are housed and protected at the Paramount Studios Archives in Hollywood. There's a faux Russian nuclear launch device and a telephone from Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol, along with various items from the Transformers films, including an 8-inch cube made to look metallic — it's really a wooden box — and patterned with wavy lines and mysterious symbols. It's called the AllSpark Cube, introduced in Transformers (2007) as the key to the robot alien civilization.

Rage of the Dinobots #4 Preview

The final issue of Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots is hitting stores tomorrow. The issue concludes the post War for Cybertron / pre Transformers Prime Beast Hunters story of the Dinobots as they seek revenge of Shockwave and deal with his Predacons. The story of the TF Prime Dinobots will continue in May with the Transformers Prime Beast Hunters comic from IDW. The preview can be found here.

Transformers: Prime—Rage of the Dinobots #4 (of 4)
Mike Johnson & Mairghread Scott (w) • Agustin Padilla (a) • Ken Christiansen (c)
DINOBOT WAR! GRIMLOCK leads the DINOBOTS against SHOCKWAVE’s troops—and the results won’t be pretty! With SWOOP under SER-KET’s control, it’s an all-or-nothing battle of DINOBOT versus PREDACON—with the fate of CYBERTRON hanging on every punch, blast, jab, and bite! Don’t miss the senses-shattering conclusion to this mind-blowing miniseries!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

IDW May 2013 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for May 2013. Five comics and two trades are being offered for the month. The month brings us the first issue of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters that focuses on Grimlock and the Dinobots. Robots in Disguise re-introduces Shockwave to the IDW universe while it looks like More Than Meets The Eye might have started focusing back on the Knights of Cybertron mission. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Locke & Key, and more click here.

Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters #1
Scott & Mike Johnson (w) • Agustin Padilla (a) • Ken Christiansen (c)
BEAST HUNTERS! They were there when CYBERTRON fell—but what happened to the DINOBOTS for the past few thousand years? Here’s a hint—GRIMLOCK and company haven’t been sitting around and relaxing! The time is now—the place is CYBERTRON—and the recipe is ACTION!
*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio
*1 subscription variant cover for comic book store subscribers
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Linkfest - G1 Recreations

Toy Fair showed us a great upcoming line up of toys coming out months from now but time to focus on the more immediate future with lots of new Beast Hunters and 3rd part offering in the pipeline along with a few interesting tie in products. More Beast Hunters products are starting to hit shelves so lots of reviews to look at for them. On the third party front we have a look at a not Stunticons line-up, review of not Shockwave, not Jumpstarters, not Fall of Cybertron Omega Supreme and more. Masterpiece Soundwave is out so a review for him. New not toy products include a expensive coin set from New Zealand and a Optimus Hockey Jersey. Basically as the links and reviews show, the next year is going to be a wallet buster.

Causality not Stunticons - T-Bone
From Fansproject, their next series is the not Stunticons of CA-09 Car Crash, CA-10 T-Bone, CA-11 Down Force and CA-12 Last Chance. Apparently they are designed to merge into not Menasor but have not seen that gestalt form or what these four look like in appendage mode. Even if don't merge, each looks like be great additions to a collection. The average prices is $60 with Car Crash out in February, T-Bone in March and no dates on the rest.

Transformers Prime Cancelled After Beast Hunters Story Arc

An article from the magazine Kidscreen has verified that Hasbro is ending Transformers Prime with the 13 episode Beast Hunters story line. From AllSpark's Vivid Redshift page scan:

As for Hasbro's established stable of series, which drive the programming on its US joint venture network The Hub, the 13 episodes of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters due to launch this year represent the final chapter of the Transformers Prime story. It has grown to encompass 65 half-hour episodes that continue to roll out around the world. Look for a 75-minute Transformers Prime Beast Hunters movie to hit DVD shelves in Q4.

But that's not the end for Transformers. [Hasbro's SVP of International Distribution and Development Finn] Arnesen says a "new iteration of the animated TV series" is slated for delivery in late 2014, which looks like it might be shaping up to be the year of Autobots, given that audiences are already expecting the fourth live-action blockbuster in July.

Sadly this doesn't come as a surprise as I called this back in October when news first broke of the shortened seasons. Where prime time television considered 100 episodes to be the "magic number" for syndication (Fringe's season 5 renewal is thanks to this line of thinking), for whatever reason cartoon's "magic number" threshold is much lower at 52. The season 3 renewal was probably only because of the Beast Hunters angle to fill the gap to Generations (fall 2013) and Transformers 4 product line (spring 2014). So enjoy it while it last (trailer here) and start speculating on what Hasbro plans after TF4.

Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Teaser Trailer, Press Release

Hasbro has released the first trailer for Transformers Prime Beast Hunters along with a press release officially announcing their new Beast Hunters line. Sadly no specific release date, just "this Spring" but it provides a good look at Predaking in action. As for the press release (both below), nothing new that wasn't already revealed during Toy Fair.


Press release:

Transformers: Regeneration One #88 Preview

Tomorrow brings Transformers: Regeneration One #88 to stores. The story shifts from a destroyed Earth to Cybertron as Scorponok begins his push to take over in the absence of Optimus Prime. The cover and first few pages of the issue can be found here.

Transformers: Regeneration One #88
Simon Furman (w) • Andrew Wildman (a) • Wildman, Guido Guidi (c)
WAR IN THE CITY! Anarchy reigns on the streets of Iacon as SCORPONOK’s grip tightens further, and those AUTOBOTS still willing and able to resist look to their absent leader—who is on an endangered list all of his own. Beneath the surface of CYBERTRON, HOT ROD runs for his life, locked on a collision course with his maker, PRIMUS!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Toy Fair 2013: Fall of Cybertron Metroplex and More Revealed

Yep, that is a two foot tall War for Cybertron Metroplex. From Hasbro, not a 3rd party creation or Takara. 2014 is the 30th Anniversary of Transformers and Hasbro has made it clear they are taking it seriously with their upcoming slate revealed Saturday at the 2013 New York Toy Fair. In addition to Metroplex, there are new triple changers, bunches of Beast Hunter toys, new wave of Kre-O toys, IDW inspired toys and bunch more. Basically for Transformers fans both new and G1, the next year is going to fun. Below is a bunch of links to galleries and videos about all that is coming.

Metroplex
Based on his Fall of Cybertron appearance. Only member of the Generations line Titan class. At 24" tall, largest Transformer Hasbro has ever created, a touch taller then even Fortress Maximus. Cost is $125, hit retail in August, has light up eyes, flip down visor that controls diameters of eyes, sounds, talking phrases (from the game), and scaled for Legends class figures.
Toy Fair floor: Gallery 1 | Gallery 2 | Gallery 3
Hasbro Official: Gallery 1
Videos: One | Two (same as below)

Toy Fair 2013: Hasbro's Investor Event

While New York is getting hit with a blizzard, today was also the first day of the 2013 New York Toy Fair. All the toy makers and sellers gather to show off their plans for the upcoming year including Hasbro who held their Investor Event today. The event covered all of Hasbro's properties but on the Transformers front they high-lighted their plans regarding Beast Hunters, a new line called Construct-Bots, and a new Transformers TV series. Below are the highlights but TFW2005 has the full slide show with more details here and a Beast Hunters Guide book here.

Highlights:
- Transformers Prime officially being re-branded as Transformers: Beast Hunters, CEO Brian called it "completely re-inventing Transformers" and will drive the marketing of the franchise until next year when TF4 takes over.
- Transformers: Prime is broadcast in 182 countries
- Chief Marketing Officier John A Frascotti: "At Hasbro Studios we’ve developed entirely new Beast Hunters Television Series and we’ve also developed wide array of digital assets that will leverage throughout the year."
- Planning lot of "Lifestyle Licensing" based on Beast Hunters so expect clothes, hats, bags, and so forth with BH related imagery.
- Construct-Bot still transform but now parts of the figure can be swapped out for other parts so can create robot and alt modes of own design (more images here).
- 8 Kre-O Beast Hunter sets planned
- New Transformers TV Series is for China only to air on China Central Television
- No mention of Transformers: Generations plans but that is more of a sub-line so not part of their main marketing push

ILM VFX Supervisor Jeff White Returning for Transformers 4

While we have not heard much on the Transformers 4 front, it doesn't mean things are not in motion. In another interview with Collider, ILM Visual Effects Supervisor discussed his team's Oscar nomination for The Avengers and commented briefly on starting pre-production on Transformers 4. No details provided but still interesting to read his perspective on the franchise. His interested in his take on working on The Avengers, the entire interview is here.

Where do you go from here? What are you working on next?
WHITE: I’m starting pre-production on Transformers 4, which has some really exciting stuff in it. And then, we’ll see what the future holds. Certainly, if the opportunity came to work on the next Avengers, I’d definitely jump at it.

When you work on sequels, do you always get nervous about topping the last film?
WHITE: We worked so hard to get to where we were on The Avengers 1. Now, we’ve got this basis built for The Hulk and we learned a lot, along the way. We’re actually really excited about all the things that we could push forward on, in the future. It is always fun that, with the Marvel projects, everyone seems to want to one-up one another. With Iron Man, he already had two great ways of putting the suit on and taking it off, but for The Avengers, Joss came up with two entirely new ways that were even cooler. That’s certainly part of any sequel. It’s gotta be bigger and better. But, the great thing about Joss is that it won’t just be a bigger film to be bigger. He’ll really dive deeper into the characters. That’s what’s so fun about working with him.

MTMTE, Megatron Spotlight and Rage of the Dinobots Previews

Today brings three new Transformers comics to stores as IDW finishes its January solicits with More Than Meets the Eye #13 and Rage of the Dinobots #3 while kicking February with Megatron Spotlight issue. In MTMTE #13, the adventures on the Lost Light continue with its goofy but well executed humor. A preview of that issue is here.

In Megatron Spotlight, its a flashback to ..uh not really sure when in continuity with a story that gives insight on why Megatron just doesn't finish Starscream off for his constant attempts to take over the Decepticons. Preview here.

Last is Rage of the Dinobots that continues the story of the Dinobots vs Shockwave after the Autobots abandoned Cybertron in War of Cybertron video game story arc. And that preview is here.

di Bonaventura: TF4 "Completely Different"

Transformers producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura spoke with MTV about Transformers 4 while at the premiere of Side Effects. He spoke about his hope that Bay returns to complete the 2nd Transformers trilogy by directing Transformers 5 and 6. He also reiterated Bay's statement that the film isn't a reboot but "it's completely different." It should be interesting to see what the final result is. Considering that the Transformers cartoon side goes through a redesign (and reboot) about once every five years, the movies are schedule for the same. The idea of a redesign without reboot is a intriguing one and hope designs start leaking soon.

"I can't speak for Michael. I hope he would [direct the next two]. It would be great, but it's certainly something in our design of this," he said. "It's going to be an ongoing story, so the possibility, again, as long as the audience shows up for us, there's a lot of story still to be told."

"There's a lot of new elements. I wouldn't say we've completely changed this world, and yet it's completely different," he said. "There are new characters, new situations. I don't think we revisit a single location. Michael really has a great way of approaching this thing."

On Shia LaBeouf cameo: "I don't believe that would be true. You never know. Things are not set in stone, and if something evolved and that came naturally. That wouldn't be the intention," he said. "The intention is this is new world, with new characters, with Mark Wahlberg leading us. It's a different movie, but a lot of the things that you love about the other ones are joining the ride."

Bay: Everything Redesigned for Transformers 4

After weeks of silence, there is finally some Transformers 4 news. It isn't exactly new news though as Michael Bay repeats his previous comment that TF4 is not a reboot but "we've redesigned everything from top to bottom". This redesign might explain why Mark Wahlberg considered the movie a reboot even though it takes place four years after the end of Dark of the Moon. The interview with Forbes is part of him promoting the Doritos Super Bowl Ad contest that will give one of the five finalists a chance to work with Bay on the set of Transformers 4. The full interview is here, TF4 related portions below. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

What will the winner actually get to do on the Transformers 4 set?
Replace me as director. No, we’ll see who the person is and depending on what he is interested in being, a producer or a director, we’ll try to tailor the job. It’s all hard work when you’re working on a movie.

Will that change the way you do anything on Transformers 4?
We’re going to start off smaller. There’s a brand new cast. To freshen the franchise we’ve redesigned everything from top to bottom. The history of the first three movies is still there, we start four years later and there’s a reason why we’re meeting a new cast.

Mars Attacks The Transformers Preview

IDW has the martians attacking in Mars Attacks the Transformers one shot that is hitting stores tomorrow. This issue is part of their "Mars Attacks" crossover for their various media properties, similar to last year's zombie invasion. Click here to view the first few pages from the issue.

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

Raynor Comments on New Transformers 4 Role

While at the London Critics Circle Film Awards last week, new Transformers 4 hire Jack Reynor commented on how he won the role, confirmed that it is a race car driver and that training has begun.

"I'm training very intensely at the moment. I'm going to keep that up until we shoot. I'm going to do some different courses, some different things I need to pick up for the film. My character seems to be a race car driver so I'm going to be doing a couple of driving courses and getting out on the track."

Quizzed about how he landed the role, he added: "It was after a film I was doing, 'The Delivery Man', with Dreamworks. I went through quite a rigorous audition process out in L.A., and after a certain amount of auditions and meetings with different executives, I managed to pull it off."

"I haven't met [Mark Wahlberg] before, but I'm really excited. He's one of my favourite actors. I just think he's brilliant. I have a huge amount of respect for him as an actor so I can't wait to get on set with him."

"I think Michael Bay has his ideas about it and I'm going to go along with him. He seems to know what he's doing."

IDW April 2013 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for April 2013. Four comics and four trades are being offered for the month. The month concludes the first major arc in Robots in Disguise and More Than Meets the Eye where it seems many will die. 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.

Wahlberg: Transformers 4 a "Complete Reboot"

Last night while promoting his latest movie on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Mark Wahlberg contradicted Michael Bay by calling Transformers 4 a "complete reboot." Michael Bay had wrote "Transformers 4, is not a reboot. That word has been floating around on the net." In the video he said:

"We’re doing a complete reboot of the Transformers. I did a movie with Michael Bay called Pain and Gain, which comes out in April. And we had an amazing time together and really hit it off, and he said ‘Hey, you want to do this other little movie I’m doing?’ Because that was a little movie, and I said ‘Yeah, I like doing little movies.' And he said Transformers. Whoa! You know what, we had such a great experience, I’m in."

Wahlberg Talks Joining Transformers 4, Filming Start Date

Mark Wahlberg continues to make the rounds to promote Broken City and with it comes Transformers 4 questions. While he doesn't reveal any story specifics he does talk about why he joined the project and that he thinks filming will start "at the end of May.

From Knoxville News:

Q: You're going to be in Michael Bay's "Transformers 4." What can you say about it?
Wahlberg: Just that I had a great experience working with Michael (Bay in the action comedy "Pain & Gain"). We really hit it off and we complimented each other so well on the set. We made something that was really good and special. So he goes, "What do you think about doing this 'Transformers' movie?" I said, "Well, what do you want me to do?" And he told me, and I said, "Absolutely.

Linkfest - Beast Hunters

The new year is now here and that means more new Transformers. The first wave of deluxe toys for Transformers Prime Beast Hunters have hit Toys R Us with links to their reviews below. Their are also links to around a dozen different Beast Hunters toys in various classes. Takara has a few exclusives that are about to come out so get a peak at those while third party vendor have their own slate of toys. Basically if you are a die hard collector, its going to be another expensive year.

Beast Hunter's Galleries - deluxe Wave 1 | deluxe Wave 2 | wave 1 Legion | deluxe Bulkhead | Voyager Optimus Prime | Voyager Predaking | deluxe Smokescreen |
It seems the floodgates have opened as a bunch of new images have popped up for the first few waves of legion, deluxe, and voyager class toys. The toys should be coming out over the next few months as get closer to the premiere of Transformers Prime Season Three which is not Feb. 15 as previously reported, actually date unknown.

Transformers Prime Season 3 Starts... (Updated)

Update: Zap2It reports "Some kind of mistake has been made in which the Zap2It Transformers Prime episode guide has attributed an old episode of Transformers Animated (“Lost and Found”) airing on 2/15 as being a new episode of Transformers Prime. It is incorrect. This is being revised." So back to waiting on the actual premiere date.

Zap2It has posted the premiere date for Transformers Prime season 3 as February 15th, 2013 with first episode titled Lost and Found. Season 3 premiere the Beast Hunters subtitle as Hasbro and Transformers starts to dabble with Beast Wars type ideas. Below is the NYCC teaser from last year and after another teaser featuring Shockwave. (via Unicron)

Jack Reynor Cast in Transformers 4

Michael Bay has announced the other male lead for Transformers 4 is Jack Reynor, joining the already cast Mark Wahlberg. The actor, new to American audiences, was one of the male actors reported to be on the short list of actors testing for the role of Wahlberg's daughter's race car boyfriend. The role of the daughter has not yet been cast.

I just hired a great new actor for Transformers 4 to star against Mark Wahlberg. Jack Reynor, he is an Irish kid that came to America with 30 bucks in his pocket. Pretty ballsy. Seriously who does that? Anyway I spotted him in a great little Irish movie WHAT RICHARD DID. This kid is the real deal.

Transformers 4, is not a reboot. That word has been floating around on the net.

This movie takes place exactly 4 years after the war in Chicago. The story makes a very natural transition, and reason as to why we have a whole new cast. This Transformers will feel very different then the last three. We are embarking on a new trilogy.

Michael

Transformers RID #13, Regeneration One #87 Previews

Tomorrow brings Transformers: Robots in Disguise #13 and Transformers Regeneration One #87 to stores. RID #13 continues with Bumblebee dealing with the fallout from Megatron's return while in Regeneration One Scorponok has perfected his tech that transforms Autobots into Decepticons including Grimlock. The preview of RID #13 is here and Regeneration One #97 is here.

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.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2013, may it be better then the previous one. To start the year of new movies, including spring start on Transformers 4, below are two excellent montages that look back at the movies of 2012.

R.I.P. Mike Hopkins, Sound Editor on Transformers

New Zealand Stuff reports that Oscar winner Mike Hopkins died at the age of 53 after his inflatable raft slipped on the Waliohine River, NZ around 3pm Saturday December 30th. Hopkins won his Academy Awards for Sound Editing on The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers in 2003 and another on King Kong in 2006. He was also received an Oscar nomination for Sound Editing for Transformers in 2008. He was the Supervising Sound Editor on the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Kung Fu Panda, and more. Condolences to his family and friends.

Transformers: The Ride Voice Actor Interviews

Below is a "old" video but first time I was aware of it as the various voice actors used in Transformers: The Ride discuss their roles. The video is from the May opening of the attraction at Universal Studios Orlando with Dustin Leighton (Evac) and Frank Welker (Megatron). Thanks to Feris for the link.

Merry Christmas from David Kaye (and TFLive)

Merry Christmas!
Just like he did last year, the voice of Beast War Megatron, David Kaye provides his Christmas wishes to all using not just Megs but Clank, animated Optimus Prime and TF Prime Hardshell.

Linkfest - Merry Christmas

Finally got around to playing catch-up on the latest in Transformers toy news. Upcoming toys include Capbots (transforming plastic ball caps), tease of the Beast Hunters line, look at Kre-O combiners, discount info on TF Prime toys, new 3rd party toy, and TF video game info. Also have video reviews Fall of Cybertron Grimlock & Starscream, MP Sideswipe & Red Alert, and more. This will be the last link fest of 2012 but next year is looking great with lots of great Hasbro toys in the pipeline including Transformers Prime Beast Hunters, more Fall of Cybertron and Generations toys. Third party makers have hinted at around 3 separate combiners (not Aerielbots, Dinobot combiner, and Throttlebot combiner) along with a bunch of more G1 homages. Takara has MP Soundwave coming and who knows what other creative twists they have in store of us. Over all next year is looking very good for Transformers and that is not even counting Transformer 4 that should start filming in late Spring.

Capbots Gallery
Yep plastic baseball caps that turn into Captimus Prime and Capticon. Still annoyed missed out the the Nike Shoeformers (plastic shoes that transformed) so went ahead and ordered without waiting on review like normally do. They are available now for around $26.

Bay Blames Transformers 4 Leak on Hasbro (and IDW)

Michael Bay has added a post script to his message yesterday about the alleged Transformers 4 script leak saying it is probably a planned comic story and so the leak came from Hasbro (and so by extension IDW).

P.S. I bet it is something from Hasbro. This time they are not doing a comic book of the movie because we want to keep our story under wraps. It must be their version of a comic themed Transformers story they are creating.

I really have no clue how he came to this conclusion as there is nothing in the script summaries to suggest any tie in to anything Hasbro or IDW has been doing for the last 10 years on either the comic book, video game or toy front. Everything about it screams fan fiction. The problem with him making guesses like this is his can cause people to lose their jobs and he needs to be more careful voicing them.

To be fair, he doesn't read comics, especially Transformers one. He probably knows they exist and he gets a little money from them but that is about all. My guess (cause mine do not have consequences) is this is residual resentment from when Amazon (not Hasbro or IDW) accidently leaked nearly all of Transformers: Dark of the Moon a month before release via a technical error when trying provide a few pages to preview the collected adaptation of the movie. Bay does not like leaks, he does not forget and so a comic adaptation will not be provided for Transformers 4. I am sure IDW is not happy about this but have no choice but to grin and bear it.

Transformers MTMTE #12 Preview

Just a week to go until Christmas. Until then if happen to be near your local comic book store (or tablet), this Wednesday brings the new Transformer comic. Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #12 continues the often funny (the character quirks are genius) and tragedy of the Lost Light. A seven page preview can be found here.

Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye Ongoing #12
James Roberts (w) • Alex Milne (a) • Milne, Nick Roche (c)
AUTOBOTS VERSUS DECEPTICONS! The crew of the Lost Light confronts a band of rogue DECEPTICONS—with terrible consequences. As an AUTOBOT slips closer to death, a single decision sets in motion a chain of events that might just spell the end for RODIMUS and his band of travelers.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

IDW March 2013 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for March 2013. Four comics and maybe two trades are being offered for the month. The maybe two trades depends on if you look at the Rise of the Dinobots comic as a new one-shot or a compilation of the four part digital series that detailed the origin of the Dinobots under Shockwave's evil hands. 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.

Michael Bay Denies Leak, Provides Script Progress Update

Michael Bay has posted on his website that this morning's script leak of the Transformers 4 script is a fake. Even better he let us know that they are up to page 70 on the script so probably a touch over halfway done. In general most scripts sort of work out to about page a minute so the final script will likely clock in at around 120 pages or so depending on the level of detail it provides.

Some Internet sites this morning reported that some document recovery guy has found a legitimate 120 page script of Transformers 4. I can absolutely 100 percent say this is completely false. The only two people in the world that have our unfinished script are Kruger and myself. Also we are only up to page 70 in our T4 script. Maybe this guy has a cartoon or something else – but definitely not our movie!

Bay

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.

Transformers 4 Shoot Begins in May

In an video interview (below) with Collider, Mark Walhberg commented on how he joined the cast of Transformers 4 and revealed that the current plan is to start filming the movie in May 2013.

“That’s why Transformers came about, because we had such a great time working together [on Pain and Gain]. We kind of complemented each other throughout the entire process, what he does and what I do and what we were able to do together, and then after that I was like ‘Dude we gotta work together again,’ and he was like, ‘Well I got a project, you interested?’ (laughs)”

Transforming Antique Desk

The idea of transforming has been around for a while as the below video of the Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet proves. What appears to be a large clock is really a desk with a whole lot of built in secrets activated through key turns and spring releases. The cabinet was built sometime in the late 18th century and owned by King Frederick William II of Prussia by Abraham and David Roentgen. The desk is currently on display at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Hasbro Restructures Hollywood Operations

The Hollywood Reporter indicates that Hasbro has restructured their Hollywood properties (TV, movies, commercials, etc.) under Stephen Davis who was the president of Hasbro Studios. Before the change he was in charge of the development, production of distribution of Hasbro's TV properties like Transformers Prime and most of their original The Hub line-up. This change would make him in charge of Hasbro's movie slate from this day forward which includes Transformers 4.

“We are in the early stages of unlocking the full power of Hasbro brands globally, and this new group will capitalize on our talent and creativity on both coasts,” Davis said. “We are now in a tremendous position to expand our content and storytelling more impactfully across all screens around the world.” Davis will report to Hasbro's chief marketing officer John Frascotti who in turn reports to CEO Brian Goldner. From a Transformers perspective I don't think this really changes anything. Davis has been been involved with Transformers Prime since its inception so not someone unfamiliar with the brand. Since the movie franchise is still considered Michael Bay's baby, his influence will probably not really be felt on the movies until TF5 gears up.

Transformers Orion Pax and RID #12 Previews

Transformers Spotlight: Orion Pax one-shot will be in stores on Wednesday. The issue is set before the civil war when Optimus Prime was simply Orion Pax as he goes on an adventure to save a friend. A look at the first few pages can be found here.

Also on Wednesday Transformers: Robots in Disguise #12 has the return of Megatron to Cybertron. Just as the population is deciding to vote for Starscream, Bumblebee or Metalhawk for leadership of the planet. Those preview pages can be found here.

Peltz and Thwaites Cast in Transformers 4? (Updated)

Twitch Film reports that Michael Bay has tapped Nicola Peltz (The Last Airbender) and Brenton Thwaites (Blue Lagoon) as the two leads in Transformers 4. If true Peltz would play the around 18 year old daughter to Mark Wahlberg's character and Thwaites as her 20-something Texan race car driving boyfriend (useful skill for an action movie involving cars). The pair were on the short list of actors that Bay was reporting to be screen testing.

Update: MichaelBay.com has posted a quick comment saying "Actor announcement on some web sites last night about Transformer cast joining Mark are completely false." No further info provided. The initial short list report was never verified so unable to say if means the actors are out of the running or never in it to begin with. Bit of a shame as get feeling Peltz is untapped potential.

Botcon 2013 Locations and Date Announced

Botcon, the official annual Transformers convention, has announced that it will be held in San Diego, California from June 27 to 30th at the Town and Country Resort. The annual convention is one of the few officially recognized by Hasbro. It includes a year "Hall of Fame" ceremony and Hasbro tends to announce the next six months of upcoming TF toys there with various voice actors from the different iterations of the cartoon series participating in panels. While Michael Bay has participated in a few Botcons, he and Paramount do not use it as a place to announce anything movie related. If anything were to be planned involving TF4 more then likely it would be reserved for the San Diego Comic-Con held in July.

Press Release:

Real Life Toy Sized Transformer

Below is a video of a 1:12 scale remote controlled robot that actually transformers by itself into robot mode and back to car vehicle mode. The transformation sequence almost looks like it was taken from one of the G1 cartoons. Other features include built in Wi-Fi cameras, spring loaded weapons and LED lightning. It can also be yours for $24,000 from Brave Robotics. (via Bleeding Cool)

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.)"