Transformers 4 Continues to Film in Central Texas

A report from My Fox Austin station looks into the filming of Transformers 4 in the Central Texas region, specifically with the Elgin Cotton Oil Mill. The production will be using the location for unknown reasons (those involved not allowed to say) and has spent the last six weeks prepping. You can find the report below. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

Megan Fox Returning for Transformers 4? (Updated)

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

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

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

Rusted Prime, Old Prime, Old Bumblebee and the Lamborghini Spotted

Over the weekend, Transformers 4 production continues to film in Pflugerville, Texas area. Comicbookmovie and TFW2005 was able to find a few pictures from Instagram that shows the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Coupe and the rusted G1 duplicate Prime truck filming along a road. In addition, back in Los Angeles area the TF 1-3 Optimus Prime truck and Bumblebee were spotted on the road. According to MichaelBay.com admin Nelson on TFW2005 forums, those two are on their way to Orlando for the grand opening of Transformers: The Ride on June 20th.

New Transformers 4 Vehicle Introduced

MichaelBay.com has posted another new car that is part of Transformers 4. From the site, "Unveiling yet another surprise . . . the extraordinary and exhilarating 2013 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Coupe. High resolution photo: http://bayhem.com/16OKk8T".

It is probably a safe bet to assume this is a Transformers alt mode, but for what character? Traditionally the Autobot Sideswipe was a red Lamborghini in his G1 incarnation but traditions can change. If sticking with G1, Decepticon Breakdown (member of the Stunticons) was based on a white Lamborghini Countach. Hopefully he will find out soon. Thanks to Sam N. for the heads-up.

Transformers Prime 3.08 Thirst Promo and Clip

Tomorrow a new episode of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters premieres on The Hub at 7:30PM EST. Called "Thirst", the episode revisits Dark Energon and its ability to create zombie Transformers (like Cliffjumper in season 1), as "Knock Out and Starscream experiment with synthetic lead and threaten to take over the Decepticon ship and unleash an old enemy." The promo and a clip for the ep is below, the previous two eps of TF Prime are at Hub World. As can see below, after this Prime takes a two week new ep break and then picks up again with at least three new ones in a row. For now, the final two episodes of the series has not been scheduled.

Upcoming Episodes:
06/28 - Evolution (3.09) - Megatron questions the results of Project Predacon.
07/05 - Minus One (3.10) - The Autobots question a captured enemy for information regarding Megatron's plans.
07/12 - Persuasion (3.11) - Megatron appeals to Ratchet; Optimus takes on the Predacon.

More Possible Transformers Vehicles Spotted in Texas

Below are two new images of potential Transformers 4 vehicles thanks to site reader Erik W. Last weekend, while in the Pflugerville and Manor area (in Central Texas), he and his son spotted the big semi truck hauling three black off road looking cars that are not identical but similar looking to each other. He was able to spot them turn at a yellow sign that said E7 with arrows and other markers. The "E7" signs have been used in the past to identify Transformers production's base camp for whatever location they happen to be at and sometimes shooting locations. The location beyond the suburbs of Austin so can't help but wonder if related to the TF4 farm set.

Transformers 4 Using New Mini Camera Tech

Michael Bay loves his filming tech, using each of the TF films to experiment with something new. Transformers 4 is continues the tradition as he has added Radiant Image's Nevo line to his lineup for the film (in addition to new IMAX 3D cameras). The web-cam sized cameras were shown to the public for the first time at Cine Gear Expo this weekend. The cameras shoot in uncompressed 2k Raw. As for what 2k Raw means I don't have a clue but I think it comes down to the video will be detailed enough that only experts might be able to tell the difference between what was shot by the mini-sized cameras vs. their larger counterparts. What it comes down to is their tiny size but professional quality recording means that Bay can get really creative on his camera angles and stick em pretty much anywhere he wants to shoot a scene. I just hope this doesn't result in TF4 resulting in shaky-cam syndrome that plagues many an action flick. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

Transformers 4 Set Mostly in China?

Marc Ganis, the president of Jiaflix Enterprises, suggests interesting things about Transformers 4 saying the story "has a great deal to do with China. Effectively, China is a character in it." Jiaflix Enterprises is essentially hoping to become the Netflix of China and is part of the "Cooperation Agreement" with Paramount to finance a portion of filming in China and Hong Kong that includes a Chinese only reality show to cast actors for the film. The agreement is part of a move to increase Hollywood's status in the country which is currently the 2nd largest movie market in the world and growing.

Detroit Casting Call Interview With Michigan Filming Info

In an interview with Fox Detroit News, Transformers 4 casting coordinator Maryellen Aviano provided a few details on the Michigan plans when filming starts in the state. Most of the interview was promoting the extras casting call that is being held Friday and Saturday in Troy, MI. While discussing the call, she mentioned that portions of scenes set in Hong Kong will be filmed somewhere in Michigan with the current schedule set to be in the state from end of June through August. At the end she also mentioned "Corvettes" in plural. Does that mean Sideswipe returns, a new character with Corvette alt mode, or it could just mean they have multiple Stingray's to meet filming needs.

Introducing Hound's Vehicle Mode (Updated)

MichaelBay.com has confirmed that the green military vehicle spotted on Transformers 4 Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park set is Hound. The vehicle is "The always rugged and reliable Hound, one of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles from Oshkosh Defense. High resolution photo: http://bayhem.com/16wz8Oj." In Generation One, Hound's alt mode was a military jeep but over the years he has varied from jeep to truck while maintaining his military green color scheme. One constant of the character is his should missile. Will his robot mode have it too? Thanks to The Chad and Wynton R for the heads-up.

Update: Much like Pixel Rally's Jeffrey Marshall did with Optimus Prime, below is a modified look at Hound that really makes the vehicle look good.

Transformers: The Ride Soft Opens at Universal Orlando

Universal Studios Orlando has opened Transformers: The Ride starting this weekend. The "soft opening" is not the official grand opening of the new attraction but something that is done a few weeks before to work out any kinks and problems that may come up. As a result The Ride may be open and closed at random times of the day depending on whatever needs they have to address. The grand opening of The Ride is scheduled for June 20th. Below are several videos that show off the new attraction from outside, in the queue and portions of The Ride itself.

Transformers Prime 3.07 Plus One Promo and Clip

Today on The Hub, a new episode of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters airs at 7:30PM EST. Called "Plus One", "while on a mission to gather a Precadon bone relic, Agent Fowler finds himself in a tight squeeze with Jack's mother." It seems the hunt for Predacon parts continue. The promo and a clip for the ep is below, the previous two eps of TF Prime are at Hub World. After next week's episode, TF Prime will go encore the most recent four episodes then resume with a new one on June 28th.

Upcoming Episodes:
06/07 - Thirst (3.08) - Knock Out and Starscream experiment with synthetic lead and threaten to take over the Decepticon ship and unleash an old enemy.
06/28 - Evolution (3.09) - Megatron questions the results of Project Predacon.

Another New Transformers Vehicle Revealed?

A new vehicle has been spotted at the Transformers 4 set in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. As the images from donnieboy_09 and instamgramjerk show is a green military type truck that is traveling with the other known Autobots vehicles. New Transformer vehicle and if so for what character? Thanks for Mauri D for the info.

Bumblebee's Alt Mode Confirmed for Transformers 4

MichaelBay.com has confirmed that the yellow and black vehicle photographed at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park where Transformers 4 is currently filming is the alt mode of Bumblebee. The site says 'Bee is a "highly modified, vintage 1967 Camaro SS." Hi-res images of the car can be found here.

What kind of customizations have been added? Pro-Touring forums might have some ideas as they have noticed that the custom design of Bumblebee seems to match what "Mr Vengeance" built two years ago for his '67 Camaro. The details on his mods are here. Thanks to J1000, Tony and others for the links.

First Look at Bumblebee's New Alt Mode? (Updated)

As Transformers 4 continues to film around Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, it seems a fourth Transformer was spotted riding around the area with the green C7 Corvette Stingray. The vehicle appears to have a black and yellow color scheme and shape that looks a whole lot like the Transformers Prime Beast Hunters version of Bumblebee. Additional images posted by rezzieboi shows off more of the Optimus Prime vehicle mode, references Bumblebee underneath a tarp, another look at the Vitesse. Also of note is a very rusted truck that looks almost identical to the Generation One alt mode of Prime. Thanks to Mauri D for finding the images.

Update: Added to more images from mar10stm and killersquirrell that showcase the potential Bumblebee vehicle. With all the black and what appears to be a much older design, starting to think this is Jack Reynor character's race car and not a TF alt mode.

Names of Two New Autobots Revealed? (Updated)

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

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

New Vehicle Mode of Optimus Prime Revealed (Updated)

Yesterday who got a look at two new Autobot vehicles and now we have the new look at another one. According to MichaelBay.com, the image to the left is "The completely upgraded, custom-built Optimus Prime from Western Star (a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America)." Hi-Res images of the cars can be found on Flickr stream.

Update: Below is the same image but modified by Jeffrey Marshall of Pixel Rally so that it is less "sepia-toned." The result is the colors of Prime really pops out. While still not a big fan of the flames, I do like his Transformers Prime-like shape.

Transformers 4 Principle Photography Begins, Two Autobot Vehicles Introduced

Today principle photography on Transformers 4 has officially begun according to MicahelBay.com in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona. The site also posted pictures (below) of two Autobot vehicles, a green 2014 Corvette Stingray and 2013 black & blue Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse. As for what characters these gorgeous vehicles represent, only time will tell. Thanks to Mauri D. for the heads-up. Update: Hi-Res images of the cars can be found on site's Flickr stream. Thanks to Jeffrey Marshall for the link.

The caption for Stingray:

Transformers 4 Starts Filming in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Images From A Transformers 4 Farm Set (Updated)

New photos from a potential set for Transformers 4 has popped up on Instagram. Taken by blackdaggerbrotherhood from Austin, Texas the images (below) show a farm set. Its exact purpose is not known but the user applied a lot of hashtags to go with the pics, the key ones being #transformers4, #fbi and #chase. I don't think filming has started there, just that the site is being prepped for it. Thanks to Mauri D. for the link.

Update: Mauri spoke with blackdaggerbrotherhood and he said he was part of the crew that built the roads around the barn, house and pond for a chase scene while "did not do any of the cosmetics on the building ...will be assisting the stunt crew with ramps and stuff." Sounds like a lot of fun.

TJ Miller Joins Transformers 4 Cast

Comedian T.J. Miller has joined the cast of Transformers 4, playing the best friend of Mark Wahlberg's character. The role, like Wahlberg, is a mechanic (one assumes race cars) but no name has been provided. If the actor seems somewhat familiar, he is currently one of the leads on Fox's The Goodwin Games that is airing on Mondays. He also was in Cloverfield and voices Tuffnut in the How To Train Your Dragon franchise.