Transformers 4 Prep Has Started in Michigan

Transformers 4 is getting ever close to the start of principal photography sometime in late May as the Michigan Motion Picture Studios has begun to build sets for the film. The 535,000 square foot facility in Pontiac, MI is just one of many locations that Transformers 4 will be filming at. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

As for this very cool Autobot logo with a touch of color, it was created by Pixel Rally's Jeffrey Marshall. It is not an official logo from Paramount or Hasbro. If use it for something, make sure to him and his site credit. A few his alternate designs can be found here.

"They are in the process of pre-production right now," Wenson told MLive Detroit, when asked if Bay's film crew is in town. "They are filming in several other states, too. The majority of their shooting, I believe, will be done in the state of Michigan.

"In addition to working on our stages, they’ll also be working throughout the state at different locations. We’re really excited that they’re here. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to service another film.”

Everything Wrong with Transformers In 7 Minutes or Less

A new edition in CinemaSin's "Everything Wrong..." series turns its snarky but funny eye on the first Transformers film. Can't help but notice how many of its observations are spot on.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise #16 Preview

Tomorrow Transformers: Robots in Disguise #16 brings an end to the first major story arc of RID as its Autobots vs Decepticons once again for the fate of Cybertron as Megatron leads his forces against Bumblebee and his weakened forces. Fortunately Ironhide and the Dinobots have arrived to turn the tide, assuming they can get past Devastator. A preview of the issue can be found here.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise #16
John Barber (w) • Andrew Griffith (a) • Griffith, Casey Coller (c)
FINAL BATTLE! The leadership of Cybertron will be decided once and for all! It’s all-out war against the forces of MEGATRON! Will the Autobots wrest control from their attackers—or will the DECEPTICON flag fly over Cybertron forever? Heroes will fall, and nothing will stay the same.
2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio • FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Stanley Tucci Cast in Transformers 4

At CinemaCon, Michael Bay announced that Stanley Tucci (The Hunger Games and huge list of movies) has joined the cast of Transformers 4 along with Mark Walhberg, Jack Reynor, and Nicola Peltz. Bay also suggested there is another young actor announcement to come. CinemaCon is an annual convention of theater owners in Las Vegas which the studios use to preview their slate of summer movies and future plans. Thanks to Wynton R. for the heads-up.

Transformers 4 to Shoot in IMAX Format

IMAX has announced at CinemaCon that they and Paramount have a five picture deal to shoot film sequences using IMAX cameras, including Transformers 4. Standard film is shot in 35mm while IMAX is 70mm. The last time Michael Bay filmed in true IMAX was for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. It is suggested only on some sequences will be shot in real IMAX, not the entire film. While Transformers: Dark of the Moon was shown in IMAX theaters, it was not naively filmed that way. Transformers 4 is already planning on being shot with Real 3D cameras.

In the video interview (below) with Collider, Michael Bay spoke about returning to the IMAX format for "showcase scenes" as TF4 will be the first to use the next generation of smaller, better IMAX 3D digital cameras. He also said he would not being shooting in 48FPS (as used by The Hobbit).

Bay and Wahlberg Talk Working Together Again on TF4

In the below clip from MTV to promote Pain & Gain, Michael Bay and Mark Wahlberg briefly discussed Transformers 4. No real spoiler were revealed except that the movie would continue the war of Autobots vs Decepticons and that its "fresh" and "not revisiting a lot of the same territory." The clip is after the break. Thanks to Margarita for the links.

Bay on TF4: "Chase from Hell"

While its not much to go on, Michael Bay provided a micro-tease for Transformers 4 that starts filming in a month or so. He told ComingSoon that the plot of the movie is a "Chase from Hell." Hopefully more details might emerge as Bay makes the rounds to promote his film Pain & Gain that is coming out on April 26th. Feel free to speculate in the comments exactly what he means with his tease.

As for the logo attached to this post it was created by Pixel Rally's Jeffrey Marshall. It is NOT an official new logo from Paramount or Hasbro even though it looks so awesome I understand if others might think so. If grabbing it to post elsewhere, please make sure to give him and his site credit. Also thanks to Jeff for the new banner at the top of the blog. He provided a few other Autobot versions that I will also post in the future.

IDW July 2013 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for July 2013. Five comics and two trades coming out that month. The Monstrosity mini-series is the same as the current digital only series just in printed form. Of note is it seems that Robots in Disguise might be working towards bring some Beast Wars aspects into the franchise with the mention of Waspinator. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Locke & Key, and more click here.

Transformers Prime 3.04 Rebellion Clip and Promo

Friday on The Hub is the next new episode of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters. The fourth episode of the season, and possibly the last for a few months, is titled "Rebellion". The last episode ended with Optimus Prime still down with Wheeljack Smokescreen trying to help him while the rest of Team Prime (along with Ultra Magnus) seige the Decepitcon fortress. Below is a clip and promo for the episode. If had not had a chance to watch the previous two episodes, you can find them at Hubworld. If you don't mind knowing how the episode ends, click here.

Transformers 4 Passes on GM Plant

A few weeks ago it was reported that Transformers 4 production team was scouting the GM Weld Tool Center in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Now Michigan Live is reporting the team has decided to pass due to scheduling conflicts. The plant is closing in July but apparently production needed to to use the site before then. Of note is a comment about there was also some discussion about leaving some equipment behind for part of the film." It seems that while TF4 needed the space minus employees getting in the way, it also wanted the industrial equipment for whatever the set would have become. Bay loves his big machines so be interesting to see what site they chose instead. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

Transformers Regeneration One #90 Preview

The next issue of Transformers Regeneration One hits stores this Wednesday. Issue #90 continues as Scorponok's plan to take over Cybertron by converting Autobots into Decepticons continues with only the Dinobots standing in his way. A look at hte cover and the first few pages can be found here.

Transformers Regeneration One #90
Simon Furman (w) • Andrew Wildman (a) • Wildman, Guido Guidi (c)
TOO LITTLE—TOO LATE! As Scorponok’s Dark Reign comes ever closer to spreading right across Cybertron, Grimlock launches a desperate counterstrike, in the face of almost innumerable odds. Does the Dinobot commander really have one last ace up his sleeve, or does his “plan” amount to a glorious—but doomed—last stand?
2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio • FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers: Prime 3.03 Prey Clips and Promo

Tonight on The Hub at 7:30pm EST is a new episode of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters called "Prey" when "A new Autobot arrives as the Decepticons unleash the ultimate hunter." The previous episode ended with the arrival of Ultra Magnus and Predaking with Shockwave siccing the dangerous Decepticon on Wheeljack. Below is a clip from the ending of the last weeks episode along with promo for Prey. If had not had a chance to watch the previous two episodes, you can find them at Hubworld.

Upcoming Episodes
04/12 - Rebellion (3.04) - Team Prime wages war against the Decepticon citadel.

Transformers 4 Officially Heading to China

Paramount has issued a press release (below) confirming a rumor from last year that Transformers 4 has entered a "Cooperation Agreement" with the China Movie Channel and Jiaflix Enterprises. It sounds like a similar agreement that Hollywood has entered into with the company for filming portions of Iron Man 3 and The Wolverine. The latter film even has a special cut of the film that features several China stars just for the China market. The reason for the deal is the $165 million box office Dark of the Moon earned in the country and Paramount is hoping that number will be higher for TF4 if its got portions of the film actually made in the country. China talent will be cast in the film but too early to know how the extent of their roles nor how much of the film will actually be produced in the country.

Last November I stated a few reasons for deals like this and the danger it puts in any crew sent to China. Suffice it to say that money and blackmail have a lot to do with it. It will also be interesting to see if Bay and the cast are willing to head over to China to film scenes or if that side will be a 2nd unit only production (so mostly supporting actors or non-actor specific scenes will be filmed there). I think the phrase "Cooperation Agreement" is pretty telling as I suspect it allows for a great deal of latitude on exactly how much Hollywood actually films in the country and what portions of the film use or are set in the country. At the end of the day the Chinese government's primary goal is to keep their propaganda machine going for their own citizens so if none of the main unit films there, I doubt they could care less as long as they are able to insert their own propaganda into the film as desired.

Entire Transformers Trilogy Filming This Summer?

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

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

Transformers Spotlight - Trailcutter Preview

Tomorrow bring Transformers Spotlight - Trailcutter one-shot to store. The issue focuses on the G1 character on board the Lost Light. I assume this takes place before Overlord's attack in MTMTE #15 mainly because most Spotlight issues tend to be essentially flashbacks. A preview of the issue can be found here.

Transformers Spotlight: Trailcutter #1
James Roberts (w) • Matt Frank (a) • Frank, Livio Ramondelli (c)
STEALTH ATTACK! Trailcutter has a problem: the Lost Light has been taken over by the Decepticons—and no one else seems to have noticed! Can the Autobots’ defense strategist singlehandedly see off an army of infiltrators? And even if he does, will it convince his crew mates that he's got more to offer than kind words and forcefields?
2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio • FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Shia LaBeouf Back (Sorta) for Transformers 4?

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

Transformers 4 Filming Starts at End of May

At a the premiere of G.I. Joe: Retaliation that just came out, Transformers and Joe producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura answered a few questions about the movie including the suggestion of a G.I. Joe vs Transformers movie. He said that he starts on Transformers 4 "at the end of May."

On a not really related note, he also said while he would be open to a G.I. Joe vs Transformers movie if the story was right, he doubts it will happen. So do I, the budget alone would make it non-starter even assuming a great story that could juggle that many characters could be written.

Transformers: Prime 3.02 Scattered Promos

The second part of the opening story for Transformers Prime Beast Hunters season 3 airs tonight on The Hub. Called "Scattered", the episode is described as "The Autobots search for signs of each other, but start to lose hope while the Decepticons welcome a key player (Shockwave) to their ranks. A win for Wheeljack may ultimately lead to an Autobot defeat." Below is a few vids to promote the episode. The first two are bios for Bumblebee and Predaking. Also MTV Geek interviews the voice of Optimus, Peter Cullen as he discusses the final season.

Upcoming Episodes
04/05 - Prey (3.03) - A new Autobot (Ultra Magnus) arrives as the Decepticons unleash the ultimate hunter (Predaking).
04/12 - Rebellion (3.04) - Team Prime wages war against the Decepticon citadel.

Transformers 4 Production Spotted in Pontiac, MI

According to a tweet from Matt_Boyd, "Yellow signs for a production named 'E7' off the highway near Raleigh Studios in Pontiac, Michigan." The yellow "E7" signs where used to mark the production locations of the three previous films (pic example from ROTF) so not a leap to assume this is for Transformers 4. Since its still early for principle photography to start, its likely pre-production prep but 2nd unit could be getting an early start. (via OLV)

Transformers 4 Female Lead Cast (Update)

A tweet from the official Shoot for the Edit's twitter account @S4TE indicates that Nicola Peltz (The Last Airbender, Bates Motel) has been cast as the female lead in Transformers 4.

The tweet was a reply to a previous tweet from S4TE about bringing Megan Fox back and the reply was "No. Female lead has been cast." If true her role would be the daughter of Mark Wahlberg's unnamed character with Jack Reynor as her unnamed race car driving boyfriend. Her name came up last year several times for the role. Now this information really isn't official since the twitter feed isn't from Michael Bay himself but from his site admin who uses it to promote Bay's various projects. Still the website has been reliable with information in the past. It is about as close to verified as you can get without a press release or post from Bay himself. Thanks to Sam N. for the heads-up.

Update: MichaelBay.com has just added a post that simply says "Welcome Nicola Peltz to Transformers 4" with a picture of the lovely new lead. I just hope she is a better ambassador for Transformers then previous leads who acted like they were embarrassed to be in the movies. At the very least she will maintain the Bay tradition of having ladies that are very easy on the eyes.

Transformers 4 Filming in Real 3D

Michael Bay's Shoot for The Edit twitter account has confirmed "#transformers4 to be filmed in 3D." Since this is Bay I am taking the small leap that this means with real 3D cameras so no post-production conversion that can be hit or miss depending on money budgeted for it. The news isn't exactly a surprise since Transformers: Dark of the Moon was also filmed in 3D and the 3D craze remains for Hollywood with no signs of going away.

Transformers 4 Scouting GM Plant

Now that we know that Michigan and the Detroit area is one of the states that Transformers 4 production will be filming the question now is what locations. According to MLive.com one of them might be the General Motors Tool Center in Grand Blanc Township. The plant is going to be shut down in July so after that it would give Bay the freedom to what he wants without daily operations getting in the way. TF4 crew scouted the locations but no contracts have been signed so this just one of probably many places that Bay and company are looking at. Thanks to Sam N. for the link.

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