No More Theatrical Trailers?

Nelson, the admin of MichaelBay.com, provided a few stats about the trailer in regards to the website. He later commented that it seems that 1st theatrical trailer for Transformers: Dark of the Moon will also be its last.

-Trailer got downloaded & viewed on this site about 1.3 million times. That's what bought down the site for a couple of minutes.

-Bay has just finished the 3D trailer which will be featured on 'Pirates.' It's basically the same trailer with a couple new shots.

- High res poster: http://www.michaelbay.com/images/TF3_MB2.jpg

Question from Plague1980: I know you said there will be some extra stuff added to the 3D trailer but can you tell us if there may be another trailer down the line before the movie hits? Not asking for a date or anything, just if there will be one? Thanks.

Nelson: Aside from the 3D trailer & TV ads I think this is it.

Considering how "late" this trailer came out compared to the previous two films (and most summer films really) I am not surprised. Especially since a trailer 1.5ish is planned for the end of May with Pirates 4. Once the 3D trailer comes out the movie is only 1 month away. Typically that is when the studio marketing department forgoes introducing new theatrical trailers and starts cranking out the TV spots. Revenge of the Fallen had around 18+ spots if my memory serves but I wonder if they will just as conservative with the TV ads as have been with the theatrical trailers.

As for the image with this post, the top pic is from the Superbowl spot, the bottom is from the just released trailer. Noticed a few differences? For example more spaceships, bigger & brighter boom, a building that grew a twin and other tweaks that show that even after a spot is put together Bay and the fine folks at ILM & Digital Domain are still hard at work getting the best out of each and very frame of the film. Thanks to Shane W. for the picture.

New Transformers: Dark of the Moon Poster (Updated)

With the release of a new trailer comes the release of a new poster via Yahoo Movies! This one shows Optimus Prime with a destroyed Chicago in the background with Sam and Carly. Thanks to Richard P., Feris Othman, v1p3rS, and Sahara.

Update: Swapped out the poster with the hi-res image provided by MichaelBay.com. Thanks to AiC Hokie for the link.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Theatrical Trailer Is Here (Updated)

The theatrical trailer for Transformers: Dark of the Moon was leaked early (such as to Peru21.pe, thanks Benn) which has lead to the early release of the trailer at Apple Trailers in glorious HD. As it proves, the early description from ElectricPrada09 was on the money. On a related note, I was able to verify that the official twitter account for DOTM is @TF3Movie. Because was dinged by the copyright police, instead of uploading to my account, thanks to Frederico for the 1080p video embed (below) of the trailer.

Update: MichaelBay.com has posted the trailer along with links to download the 720p & 1080p HD versions of the trailer.

Update 2: Hit the links below for lots of screenshots from the trailer with number of pics in parenthesis.
Seibertron (x247) | TFW2005 (x89) | CinemaBlend (x105)


Official Synopsis:

When a mysterious event from Earth’s past erupts into the present day it threatens to bring a war to Earth so big that the Transformers alone will not be able to save us. The movie stars Shia LaBeouf, John Turturro, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Patrick Dempsey, Kevin Dunn, with John Malkovich and Frances McDormand.

Countdown To Trailer Sam & Simmons Image

It seems that TFW2005 was able to get the final still from Transformers: Dark of the Moon early (supposed to come out around 11AM EST). The image joins Shockwave, Carly and the Decepticon spaceship. It shows Sam with Simmons in a wheelchair due to an injured left leg. The trailer itself will be out at 7PM on Apple Trailers.

Countdown To Trailer Spaceship Image

While it isn't a Transformer, can't say I am complaining as Apple Trailers has posted the third movie still from Transformers: Dark of the Moon before the trailer debuts Thursday at 7PM EST. The image of a Decepticon spaceship joins Shockwave and Carly stills released in the last two days. Also Apple posted the Bumblebee banner without the text and watermark. Net result is now can pick your poison on wallpaper. According to MB.com admin Nelson, a fourth and final image will be posted tomorrow at 11am EST. Thanks to Feris and Sideburn for the heads-up. Update: From the comments, the DOTM Facebook page has also posted the text-less banners for Optimus and Shockwave here but the size is a bit small.

Countdown To Trailer Carly Image

A new movie still is up on Apple Trailers to continue the countdown to the release of the trailer on Thursday at 7PM EST. Before it was Shockwave, this time it is something a little less spectacular with an image of Carly. Not a knock against Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as would say the same for any other human character but I watch Transformers for the Transformers. If the comments are any indication, there is a vocal minority *cough*trolls*cough* that seem to watch the film only for the human (aka female) characters and do not find the Transformers that important to the films. Each their own. Hopefully the last image will be more TF goodness.

On a related note, Katie R. reports that Entertainment Tonight is planning to have a Dark of the Moon report to along with the launch of the trailer. No teaser yet on ET's website but I don't recall the last time ET wasn't used to help market Transformers when a trailer is released. If anything I am surprised they are not getting a "sneak peek" for their Wednesday episode. Thanks to Sam N. who provided a DVR pic that confirms ET's plans for Thursday.

Dark of the Moon Album, Score Dated

Amazon has posted the pre-order page for Transformers: Dark of the Moon - The Album and Transformers: Dark of the Moon - The Score. The release date is June 7th, 2011. So far this is no track list or any other details beside an album cover that is probably a temporary placeholder. Both are currently priced at $16.69 but that price is going to drop. Thanks to Winston for the links.

Possible Trailer Description

It seems that working at a theatre just might havea few benefits as ElectricPrada09 provides a description of the first theatrical trailer for Transformers: Dark of the Moon . While there have been fake descriptions before, this one has the benefit of being proven true or false in trust a few days when the trailer premieres online at 7PM EST on Thursday. I altered the spacing some just cause.

Transformers: Foundation #3 Preview

By now you know the drill. New comic Wednesday brings a new Transformer book, in this case a Transformers: Dark of the Moon prequel book. Comics Continuum has the covers and first five pages of Foundation #3 here (mirrored at TFW2005).

Transformers: Foundation #3
Written by John Barber, art by Andrew Griffith, covers by Brian Rood.
Optimus Prime has reached his goal: the gates of Megatron's citadel. Prime has one thing in mind and he won't let Shockwave or Starscream slow him down -- tonight, Megatron must die! Secrets are revealed and lines are crossed as the countdown to Transformers 3 ramps up. How far will Prime go to stop the Decepticons?
32 pages, $3.99.

Countdown To Trailer Shockwave Images

The trailer is set to premiere this Thursday at 7:00PM EST. As a kind of countdown to the date, Apple Trailers is premiering an image from the movie each day according to Paramount’s Marketing director Tamar Teifeld. The first one is Shockwave with a great look at his Cyclops head.

As a bonus, I have added 2 other Shockwave images being used to promote a DOTM Facebook page. The first image is the same as the one on DOTM kids books but shows more of the body while the second one is a promotional image from DOTM: The Game. I don't think it is the official FB page for the movie mostly because it is using fan provided images including bootleg Hasbro toy pics, posters created by fans (including images created for this site) along with cast and crew notes that seem incorrect. Mostly posting them because cool images. Thanks to Karimpie and Winston for Apple link and LordBerti for FB stuff.

Three New DOTM Sentinel Prime Images

This week should be interesting as Paramount is likely to start a little mini-blitz in the run-up to the release of the first theatrical trailer of Transformers: Dark of the Moon (the "first" one was a teaser trailer). Below are three new images (one is repeat) of Sentinel Prime in various poses making use of his armory from Lyricis Interactive who scored the previous Sentinel picture. (via TFW2005, thanks to Sahara for the link)

More DOTM Toy Galleries and Reviews

Another "linkfest" for Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys and related merchandise. This edition is heavy on toy images and bios which sadly reveal little about the movie but do have two new video reviews including one for leader class Ironhide. Most of the toys are expected to hit shevles on May 16th.

2000 Pound Bumblebee Cake
Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey created a massive cake for a General Motors display at the Javits Center. The cake will be featured on TLC's "Cake Boss" program on June 20th. The cake has the Bumblebee astride his Camaro alt mode. The 2000 pound creation is made of vanilla pound cake with butter-cream frosting and Rice Krispies treats to "bind the cake at critical flex points." (via AllSpark)

DOTM Mobile Game Coming (5x)
Electronic Arts is working on a mobile game around Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The leaked screenshots (at link) show a game that seems to be part side scroller with a bit of overhead "Spyhunter" type play style. On description says "“While Megatron is hiding after the disgraceful defeat, Decepticons Shockwave, the ruler of Cybertron, is preparing to visit the planet with absolutely no good intentions. The game takes place not only on Earth, but the dynamics Moon, a dark side which holds no less dark secrets." There is no indication on price or release date. Thanks to Sahara for the link.

Transformers: Prime - Sick Mind Preview

The next episode of Transformers: Prime airs next Saturday on the Hub. From Comic Continuum, here is a preview of "Sick Mind" described as "Optimus Prime becomes infected with a Decepticon plague and Arcee and Bumblebee must sneak aboard the Nemesis to find the formula for the cure." (via TFW2005)

Update: From the comments, "Sick Mind" will be the new episode on Saturday, April 30. "Convoy" was a repeat tonight.

DOTM Shockwave Banner (Updated)

A third banner has been posted on Yahoo! Movies for Transformers: Dark of the Moon that features Shockwave. To my knowledge this is the first official look at the character even though leaked images posted for kids books and the video game had already gave it away.. Previous banners were for Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. All three have the same devastated Chicago background but with certain elements moved around like the spaceships and smoke effects. I am betting that Megatron is probably next. Thanks to Scott C. for the link.

Update: Nelson has posted all three banners in Hi-Res here. Thanks to NHLfan for the link.

DOTM Bumblebee Banner

Yahoo! Movies has revealed a new companion advertising banner to go with the Optimus Prime one from last week. It is an image of Bumblebee in the foreground and a near identical image of a devastated Chicago in the background. About the only difference I can tell is they added more smoke and took one ship away. Thanks to Richard P for the pic.

DOTM Trailer Timed, Rated

The Alberta Film Ratings has provided a tiny bit of information about the new Transformers: Dark of the Moon trailer that is scheduled to hit online on April 28th at 7PN EST and in US theatres on April 29th. The board has listed the trailer of having a length of 2 minutes, 24 seconds with a rating of PG so it can appear in front of pretty much any movie coming out. The rating only refers to the trailer and does not refer to the movie itself which is likely to be edited to get a PG-13 rating. (via Seibertron, thanks to Sahara for alt link)

Interview with DOTM's "Neil Armstrong"

In an interview with Skewed & Reviewed, actor Jon Jeans discusses his Transformers: Dark of the Moon role as Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 mission. The full interview is here, the DOTM portions below. (via TFormers)

Who do you play in the new Transformers film and what can you tell us about your experiences on the film? What were the first thoughts that ran through your mind when you got the script?
I play Neil Armstrong in Transformers: Dark of the Moon and it was an amazing experience. Actually, I never got a script — I was given sides to audition with, but they were just a vague outline of the actual script. Director Michael Bay did not tell me this, but apparently he’s had many attempts to hack his computer and steal the script so he is, justifiably, very guarded with regards to the script. Cory Tucker, who plays Buzz Aldrin, in the film, and I were shown a page of script while Michael held it in his hands on set. I can say that when my agent called me to tell me I booked the role, I was here in my apartment and fell down yelling for joy on the floor!

Heart of Darkness #2 Preview

Transformers: Heart of Darkness #2 mini-series hit comic book shelves today. The story serves as a prequel the summer "Chaos" storyline that is hitting the G1 comics. The covers and five page preview can be found at Seibertron.com.

Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning, art by Ulises Farinas, covers by Farinas, Casey Coller.
Galvatron is on the move! With the mystery surrounding Gorlam Prime still unsolved, Cyclonus and Scourge are tasked with helping raise an army! But an army to do what?! Find out as the ROAD TO "CHAOS" finds its first travelers!
32 pages, $3.99.

Linkin Park and Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Yesterday MTV posted their video on some behind the scenes footage from the music video for Iridescent which is part of the Transformers: Dark of the Moon Soundtrack. Now the Linkin Park Youtube channel provides yet more. As Feris Othman reports:

1) No NEW movie footage. Just trailer footages.
2) In studio preparation. I think.
3) Interview with Mike Shinoda which gives MORE in depth into why the song is appropriate.
4) Finally, my FAVOURITE (drum roll please) - Interview with composer Steve Jablonsky!!! Probably the longest I've seen him being interviewed on camera. I know there is a 45 second interview with him on YouTube about Desperate Housewives score but that's just it. Good interview. Explains chemistry between him & LP.

Thanks to Feris and Brendan for the link.

Behind Scenes of DOTM's Iridescent

MTV has posted an article and video that goes a little behind the scenes of the filming of Linkin Park's music video for the Transformers: Dark of the Moon remix of Iridescent.

According to video director Joe Hahn, "I came up the story of us living on the edge of the cosmos where Cybertron and the Transformers might exist. Its kind of like the end of our days. What that would look like. This is a very stylistic approach that has a post-apocalyptic feel to it."

Michael Bay Press Preview Transcript

/Film has posted the entire 7200 word transcript form the interviews that Michael Bay participated in when he screened portions of the film for the entertainment press. He briefly spoke of Frank Welker so can call that official confirmation he returns as Soundwave and mentioned a new character called "Brains" that could be the Einstein character (with Mercedes-Benz E550 alt mode). Bay goes into a great level of detail about the complications of shooting in 3D, experience of filming in Chicago, working with actors, film editing, sound design and more. Below are segments from the transcript but if want to read the whole thing, click here. Thanks to Winston for the link.

Question: Does this have a feeling of closure, this chapter?
Michael: I think so. But it still can be rebooted. Not with Shia. He’s turning grumpy in his old age.

Question: Out of curiosity, shooting in 3D, what did it make you rethink about axis in motion and progression…
Michael: A lot. I mean you’ve got to watch the panning because it strobes too much. You’ve got a guy on the set who’s got a control where when the camera goes like this, he can turn the 3D almost off. He sits there and it’s like if the robot comes close, we tell him what’s going on in the shot and he can kinda try to do where you want the eye to kind of look. But I can’t always check over him because there’s a lot going on on the set. So anyway, that was my process for doing it. I was able to shot about 60% native 3D, and then you’ve got 15% of all digital shots that were 3D, and then the rest is converted close-up stuff.

Shinoda Explains Why Iridescent

In an interview with MTV, Linkin Park vocalist Mike Shinoda explained why Iridescent was chosen to be remixed for the Transformers: Dark of the Moon soundtrack (video below).

"The 'Transformers' collaboration has been really fun for us. I mean, we grew up playing with the toys," Shinoda explained. "When we first got approached on the first one, we said yes based on the idea of taking that thing that we loved so much and bringing it to life in a modern way. As it's gone on, that's still a big part of it for us."

So when director Bay approached the band to contribute a song for the third film, Shinoda said the tune that came to mind right away was "Iridescent." It's been a fan favorite at live shows, even though it doesn't have the kind of bombastic sound that you'd expect for the battling-robots flick. "We put out the record in the late part of last year and even though it's never been a single up until this point, [when we played it live] you could really hear the singing pick up momentum during that song. It was just something that seemed a natural fit."

Trailer Online Date Revealed

Nelson, admin of Shoot for the Edit, posted a note clarifying the exact release date of the trailer, including when it will be available online. While Michael Bay did confirm it would appear with Fast Five, there was some confusion do to the use of the phrase "next week" which seemed to indicate the UK premiere date of the movie. As a bonus he also provided information on the internet release of the trailer.

Fast 5 [w]ill be in theaters April 29.

The TF3 trailer will be available on Apple Trailers on 7PM (Eastern Time) on April 28th.

Bay: New Trailer with Fast Five

Michael Bay dropped a lovely little Friday note for Transformers fans when he commented on post production progress by informing us that the trailer for Transformers: Dark of the Moon will be attached to Fast Five. The news should not be too surprising considering the info that the trailer was coming sometime in April. With only two big movies coming out this month, Scream 4 and Fast Five, but no trailer for Scream that only left on other movie.

The post process is going very well - way better then ROTF. We have massive shots but we got going 6 months earlier on this film then the last. We jump very hard and fast on post in this film.

It really is looking special. The 3D will the best 3D of any movie this year.

Michael

Our trailer comes out next week on Fast and a bunch of other stuff. 3D trailer comes out on the next 3D movie out which is Pirates.

DOTM Press Sneak Peak Reports

It seems yesterday was a good day to be part of the entertainment press as Michael Bay provided a preview screening of select clips and interview as run up to the news that the trailer is coming in two weeks. The result of this mini-press conference is a bunch of articles from various websites. Hit links below for full articles, I posted choice segments. Thanks to Chris, DJ.BigtymeBeats and Sahara for the links.

The Latino Review focused on describing some of the scenes they were able to watch.

John Malkovich pops up in one scene in all of his spray-tanned glory giving Sam the verbal one-two about the workforce. We even got to check out an awesome scene with a very suspicious man (Ken Jeong) who thinks he may know about Sam's Autobot-filled past leading to a very uncomfortable confrontation in the bathroom.

Then the comedy is pushed aside when we finally get our first glimpse of a war-torn downtown Chicago, completely ripped to shreds by a whole army of Decepticons. Sam's trying to charge into town with Robert Epps (Tyrese Gibson) and company but is stopped when a Decepticon starts blasting away at them. Thankfully Optimus Prime (voiced by Peter Cullen) comes in, shoots the evil robot to kingdom come and utters a couple of fanboy-squealing awesome lines.

There's even a cool part where some military wingmen leap out of a burning helicopter and soar through the city trying to dodge the Decepticons in their neat-looking spaceships that try to shoot them out of the sky which looks really cool in 3D.

ComingSoon focuses on the interview with Bay as he once again promises this movie will be better than last.

New Optimus and Sentinel Prime Movie Images

Today has been a bit of a media blitz (see next post) about Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The volume would make you think the trailer was released today but Michael Bay has already confirmed that we all will have to wait two more weeks. In the meantime the various articles about the movie has shown off an a truly awesome promo image of Optimus Prime with gun and blade extended with a devasted Chicago in the background. In addition a new image of Sentinel Prime has leaked thanks to Lyricis Interactive (mirrored by Collider). Thanks to Chris and Sahara for link.

Transformers: Prime Predatory Preview

Hero Complex has posted screenshots and short clip from the next episode of Transformers: Prime that airs tomorrow at 7PM EST. The episode introduces Airachnid which invokes Beast War's Blackarachnia. Hit the link above to view.

DOTM To Spin Moon Conspiracy Theory

Transformers: Dark of the Moon producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura recently spoke to the Associated Press about how the moon landing ties into the movie plot and add a spin to moon conspiracy theories. Not that it was staged. We all know that rumour is a bunch of bunk.

No, this story involves what Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were doing during those 21 minutes of radio and video silence on the Apollo 11 mission. You think they were turning over rocks and drinking Tang? Think again. Turns out the two astronauts were actually bouncing over to the dark side of the moon, investigating a crashed alien space ship that turned out to be — yes — a massive Transformer robot.

"We give you a whole new reason why the moon landing actually did happen," says Lorenzo di Bonaventura, producer of the Transformers movies. "Everyone was right. The conspiracy existed. It was just a different one than people thought."

"With moon conspiracies, there's a contradiction at work," says di Bonaventura. "There's a deep-seated romanticism about the moon with the poetry and romantic settings. Then you have this notion that there's this gigantic lie propagated about what may be 20th Century man's greatest single achievement."

What catches my eye isn't a summary that the teaser trailer hinted at but the idea that The Ark just might be an actual Transformer like Omega Supreme that Transformers fans has been theorizing for months now. However, before you see this as confirmation note that the information didn't come from Lorenzo but the article writer so for now the idea remains rumor only. (via TFW2005, thanks to Chris and Sahara for link)

Imaginary Forces on DOTM Logo

Imaginary Forces has added a quick blurb to their resume of trailers about Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The studio was behind the Announcement (aka teaser) trailer for DOTM and also was responsible for the exploding/transforming Decepticon logo used with Revenge of the Fallen. (via TFW2005, thanks to Chris and Sahara for link)

Credits:
Client: DreamWorks / Paramount Pictures
Director: Michael Bay
Imaginary Forces Art Director: Ronnie Koff

Project Info:
Paramount asked us once again to create a dynamic Transformers main title
reveal, this time for the upcoming Transformers: Dark of The Moon, which
will be shown in 3D.

We designed the main title and the end animation sequence for this teaser, and collaborated with ILM to make sure everything integrated seamlessly.

The idea was to enter the Transformer’s eye and to find out what lies behind it. IF director Ronnie Koff takes us on a journey through the macro level of a mechanical, yet organic architectural landscape of nanotechnology resolving into the logotype.

Linkin Park DOTM Single Confirmed

Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda has officially confirmed the report that a "slightly shorter version" of Iridescent will be their single for the Transformers: Dark of the Moon soundtrack. He even confirmed that the video is being shot today. From his blog:

A few months ago, I got on the phone with Michael Bay, who wanted to discuss the possibility of our band continuing our run with songs paired with the Transformers films. We (he, his team, and our band) all have enjoyed working together on the past two, and he wanted to discuss the ideas we might have for Transformers 3: Dark Of The Moon. In particular, one song came up immediately. Ever since we started playing Iridescent live, the song has been a fan favorite at the show.

For the film, there’s a new, slightly shorter version of the song, which is floating around the internet now. We’ll be shooting a video for the song tomorrow, directed by Joe Hahn.

Apparently the chosen version of the song can be heard here. I assume the video will likely involve the band on the moon or something near or on the Ark or some variation of that with scenes from the movie playing everywhere much like their two previous Transformers music videos. Thanks to NHLfan and Sahara for the heads-up.

Linkin Park's DOTM Single is Iridescent? (Updated)

A few months ago a source revealed to this blog that Linkin Park was once again tapped by Michael Bay to provide a song for the Transformers: Dark of the Moon soundtrack. At the time, it was said the single would be Burning in the Skies from their A Thousand Suns album. That was never officially confirmed but band member Chester Bennington did hint that a third collaboration was a strong possibility.

An update to the official Linkin Park website confirms the they are providing a single for the movie with a moon icon that when clicked brings you to a larger moon image that turns into a multi-colored Autobot logo while a few chords of a song plays. The song has been identified as Iridescent, also from A Thousand Suns. It could be a feint but probably not a reach to assume that the song is the chosen single for Dark of the Moon.

In addition LP's Joe Hahn has tweeted that they might be working on the music video for the movie when he posted "weather is good. Might be a good week to shoot a music video" followed a day later by "Do robots and leather look good together?" Amazon has a sample from the song. (via TFW2005, thanks to Sahara for link)

Update: A source has indicated that Iridescent will be remixed for the movie, mostly to make it more attractive for radio. In general most radio stations play a certain "type" of music (rap, alternative, top 40, adult contempoary, oldies, etc) and these types can often overlap. It is in the best interest of sales to make a song overlap as many types as possible to maximize the number of stations that will play it helping in it gaining traction and popularity which in turn feeds album sales. It also has the not incidental side effect of helping to promote the movie. Sabi in the comments posted a link to site claiming to have that remixed version. I don't own A Thousand Suns album so don't have way to compare songs to hazard a guess on this being true.

Transformers #18 & Rising Storm #3 Preview

Another Wednesday, another new issue of Transformers. Two actually with Transformers #18 and Transformers: Dark of the Moon - Rising Storm #3. Comic Book Resources brings the covers and first five pages of Transformers #18 while Seibertron provides the preview to Rising Storm #3 which continues to Dark of the Moon prequel story.

Transformers #18
Written by Mike Costa, art by Alex Milne, covers by Marcelo Matere, Nick Roche.
The Autobots have been beaten down, backed into a corner, and harried into making a huge mistake. But the biggest blow has yet to fall, as Prime sets out to face Megatron one-on-one in the final chapter of REVENGE OF THE DECEPTICONS. Nobody dies... but somebody's gonna wish they had. 32 pages, $3.99.

Transformers: Rising Storm #3
Written by John Barber, art by Carlos Magno, covers by Brian Rood.
It's all out war in Philadelphia, as Optimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots roll out to stop Starscream and his forces from killing Sam Witwicky! The biggest, most explosive battle in Transformers history begins here! The fate of the universe rests on the outcome and the action of this summer's hottest movie heats up right here!
32 pages, $3.99.

Transformers Linkfest

Nope, still no trailer news for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. In the meantime enjoy these galleries, videos and news related to Transformers including a ROTF auction, scrap metal art, a not really tragic death, and more.

Scrap Metal Movie Transformers (7x)
Hit the link to view a gallery of Transformers apparently created from scrap metal. I am not sure on scale the structures include Prime, Bumblebee, Jetfire, The Fallen, Starscream and Ironhide. The level of detail and just the overall look is pretty darn cool. Thanks to Tom for the link.

GI Joe/Transformer Line Plans? (3x)
A WonderCon panel called "Treasures of Hasbro Archives" revealed a bit of interesting Transformers history. It turns out that back in the 80s Hasbro considered a crossover line between Transformers and G.I. Joe. Ideas considered included a repaint of Omega Supreme and releasing Joe characters paired with accessories based on the look of Transformer characters like Arctic Baronness with Ravage.

Bay Debunks A Soundwave Rumor

Michael Bay posted on his forums to debunk yet another Transformers: Dark of the Moon rumor. The latest is the theory that Soundwave's alt mode was Carly's white Mercedes-Benz that was spotted on set a few times. Bay wrote:

Mercedes would never let us make their car into a bad Decepticon. Car company's really frown on that - I can't say what the game company and comics do that's their own thing. They don't have the same constraints movies do. It's Carly's car.

Nimoy Comments on Transformers 3 Casting

A little over a week ago Entertainment Weekly revealed that Leonard Nimoy was cast as the voice of Sentinel Prime in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. What the article lacked was comment from anyone associated with the production. That has now been corrected in the latest issue on newsstands now as Nimoy briefly comments on the "run" role and "complex" character. The article is reproduced below to avoid the eye strain of reading the picture.

Leonard Nimoy unretires for Transformers sequel

Leonard Nimoy knows this sounds a little illogical. After announcing his retirement last April in the wake of his Spock role in J.J. Abrams' 2009 Star Trek reboot and his guest turn on TV's Fringe, the 80-year-old actor has now signed on as the voice of long-lost Autobot leader Sentinel Prime in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. "I'm doing it! I'm doing it! I'm back-back after, what is it, 25 years or something?" says Nimoy, referring to his work as the voice of Galvatron in 1986's animated The Transformers: The Movie.

"I have been through many resurrections in my career," he says. "I have died and come back. I have left and come back. I've been canceled and come back. I did intend to not do any more work. And the fact is, I don't consider this work. This is great fun." Nimoy is also rumored to be the voice of the dragon Smaug in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit, though he says only: "I have heard about that rumor, and that's all I know about it."

Nimoy has already recorded two sessions with Transformers director Michael Bay. "I don't think I'm very privy to any plot points, but I'm seeing some interesting footage." Asked to describe Sentinel Prime, Nimoy says, "Complex," and then "Why are you laughing?" Then he laughs too. -Anthony Breznican

Name of the Transformers 3 Ferrari is...

Hasbro released a bunch of official images from the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys. One of them accidently revealed one of the bigger secrets Transfans has been trying to work out. As the images below show, the red Ferrari 458 Italia is named Mirage. It is too early to tell if he sports any homage to the G1 character but the change from blue to red color scheme is clearly not one of them. Now all that is left is the names of the rest of the Decepticons and the Einstein character (my guess is Wheeljack).

There is also an image of "Big Hoss" with Monster Truck alt mode. No idea if this is based on a movie character. If interested in more official Hasbro images of DOTM toys, hit the links - Speed Stars & Stealth Force, Cyberverse & Sets, Wal Mart & TRU Exclusives, and Ultimate Prime. Thanks to Sahara for the links.

Rosie Wants Transformers 4

In a brief interview with MTV, Transformers: Dark of the Moon start Rosie Huntington-Whiteley commented on wanting a Transformers 4 and some of the research she did for the role.

Even More DOTM Toy Galleries

All remains basically dead on the Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie front. Sadly nothing either to verify if the trailer is coming next week either. In the meantime here is more toy stuff. Hit links below to view galleries of Optimus Prime with trailer, more Shockwave, Roadbuster and Jolt along with hints possible new additions to the DOTM toy line like Takara’s version of the combined Prime w/ trailer mode, human alliance Bumblebee and more.

Voyager Optimus Prime with Trailer (3x) A Japan Yahoo Auction provides a look at a version of Optimus Prime that currently has not been confirmed for American or European release. This version has voyager Optimus Prime with his trailer that currently is just a shell. Knowing Takara, it wouldn't surprise me if they have plans for that shell.

Voyager Sentinel Prime and Other Sets Speaking of the Japan market, while no pictures are provided Kapow Toys reports three new toys are joining the DOTM line there. Sentinel Prime is getting a voyager class release and two sets of around $100 each are planned - "#430254 T/F G1CONVOY & Movie OPTIMUS w/TRAILER" and "#430261 T/F G1MEGATRON & Movie MEGATRON". The details beyond that are unknown so no telling if looking at new molds, re-releases, DOTM molds are what that the sets will contain.

Transformers 3 Filmed in Israel?

A tweet from Tyrese Gibson yesterday to promote his new book "How To Get Out of Your Own Way" reveals that Transformers: Dark of the Moon filmed in Israel at some point (no idea when). In the tweet he posted, "I was in Israel and this was the very moment God revealed to me I should write a book!!" along with a picture of him leaning against a wall in his Epps costume. Just in case don't believe that isn't his outfit, be sure to check out Tyrese in costume (think minus the vest) when he was filming during the summer. Thanks to a source for the heads-up.

Update: Comments are reporting a picture is from Revenge of the Fallen. That is plausible since production did film in Jordan which is very close to Israel with the character wearing essentially an identical costume. Net result is until see the credit scroll that lists some of the shooting locations, file this one under unproven rumor (so will not be added to the cheat sheet). I don't keep up with Tyrese's non-Transformers life so unable to verify how long he has been working on the book. Two years for a self help book seems a bit long but he has been busy.

IDW 2011 Transformers Plans

IDW revealed some of their publishing plans through the year while holding their WonderCon panel this weekend that included a few Transformers details. The Transformers ongoing comics will go bi-weekly starting in July with the launch of the "Chaos" story arc that runs through the end of the year (schedule below). With resources shifted to the bi-weekly series, the Transformers: Spotlight one-shots have been dropped for now with some of the intended stories being put into Chaos as has the the four issue series called "Legacy of Rust". Beyond the title, no idea what the Chaos story is about. (via TFormers)

Transformers: Prime Speed Metal Ad

New episodes of Transformers: Prime returns to the airwaves with a new time slot of Saturday at 7PM EST. "Speed Metal" has the Arcee, Bulkhead, and Bumblebee taking on Knockout and Breakdown. (via Seibertron)

Blitzwing Rumor Explained

Remember that rumor from last month that was supposedly a picture of Blitzwing as if he was in Transformers: Dark of the Moon? The consensus that formed very quickly was it was a fake but a pretty good one. Thanks to Adam and Oni we now know the video (mirror) was from cinema4dtutorial.net, which breaks down how the video (below( was created at the link. Just because it is fake and not related to the movie doesn't it make it any less cool. Kind of wild that creating sophisticated Transformers has jumped so quickly into something you can learn to do at home in such a short amount of time.

Transformers: DOTM Novel Cover Revealed

Amazon has updated its entry for the Transformers: Dark of the Moon novel adaptation with a cover. The paperback novel is written by Peter David and set for May 24 release. If the cover look familiar, it is the same promotional poster that has been seen here and there when Paramount was participating in some promotional event. (via Seibertron)

Rosie Talks Bay, Getting Cast in DOTM

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley recently spoke to MTV and Access Hollywood about Transformers: Dark of the Moon while at CinemaCon. In the two videos (below) she discusses working with Michael Bay ("I've never seen anybody work so hard in my whole life") and how she landed the part of Carly (Bay recommended she audition for the part), and working with Shia ("He looked after me").

Next Four Transformers: Prime Episodes Schedule

MSN TV has posted the dates for the next four episodes of Transformers: Prime but only a description for one of them. (via Seibertron)

* Divide and Conquer (listed as 04/17/11 but probably mean 4/22/11)
* Sick Mind (04/29/11) - Optimus Prime becomes infected with a Decepticon plague.
* Out of His Head (05/06/11)
* Shadowzone (05/13/11)

Four New DOTM Toy Reviews

I thought about doing an April Fool's thing but considering the passion of fandom, it just seemed like it would backfire badly. So instead, here are the latest reviews of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys. Peaugh continues getting everything early with reviews of deluxes Laserbeak, Nitro Bumblebee, and Mudflap. Kapow Toys also has their own review of voyager Optimus Prime.

Laserbeak's alt mode is apparently is a jet but it just looks like a bird with little more creepy bird being the other mode. Except for the brief amusement of having him perch on Megatron's arm like did in Transformers: The Movie, there is little to the toy. Much like Ravage was for the ROTF line, he will be a future peg warmer. With Nitro Bumblebee, it seems that if you really want a DOTM Bumblebee toy, it’s a case of getting one or the other with no point in getting both. It does have a new and fairly creative transformation sequence but I see little reason to get this one over the regular deluxe 'Bee. Mudflap has same vehicle mode but different transformation sequence than his twin. Sadly he continues to suffer from the issue of simply being an ugly robot. The characters hitting the cutting room floor indicates another year of peg warming. Prime is about same as all voyager Primes. OK but not special.