Transformers: Age of Extinction Trailer During Super Bowl?

A tag that came with the Nike's new Megatron sneakers says to "Look for big news at the game 2014". About the only major game that comes early enough is Super Bowl XLVIII on February 2nd. For the previous films a Super Bowl trailer was showing during the game. Not a big leap to assume that the same advertising playbook will be used for the first Transformers: Age of Extinction trailer. (via Seibertron)

First Look at Transformers: Age of Extinction Toys

Not sure where they got them but Chinese forum 78dm.net has provided the first look at three toys from the Transformers: Age of Extinction line. The three images are for the Power Attackers Bumblebee, Hound and Strafe. From the look at the simplistic design, my guess is the Power Attackers are either part of the Fast Action Battlers line or a new toddler subline. End result is the black and white pictures give us a general idea of their movie design but its difficult to get specifics. Still we do learn two new things: 1) Strafe is the new name for the Dinobot Swoop and 2) Strafe is an Autobot so therefore safe to assume that all Dinobots are/become Autobots in the course of the movie (as if there was any real doubt of that). I assume the name change is in part to inability to reclaim the Swoop copyright. (via TFW2005)

Bay: Transformers 4 will Have "No Goofiness", Set Visit Tease

In an interview with Yahoo Movies that seems to have been done when Transformers: Age of Extinction was filming at the Detroit Hong Kong set, Michael Bay discussed how he changed his approach compared to the previous three films. Also Entertainment Tonight Canada teases their own set report from the set that will air sometime next week.

“I wanted the first Transformers to be very suburban and less cool,” Bay told us from the Detroit set of this fourth chapter. “This is a much more cinematic one. I focused on keeping this one slick. There won’t be any goofiness in this one. We went a bit too goofy [on the last one].”

But despite Optimus’s updated design, Bay is quick to point out that this really is the fourth in an ongoing series – “reboot” is a dirty word here. “It feels like a new chapter, this movie,” he says. “But it’s not a reboot. This movie lives in the history of the 'Transformers' movies, and this one starts three years after the last. It feels fresh.”

Official Transformers: Age of Extinction Set Images, Plot Tidbits (Updated)

A few days ago Empire Magazine revealed their cover with Optimus Prime for their January 2014 issue. Now ComicBookMovie.com has posted what I assume are the images that accompied the article which UK stands today. No text, just the images. Not really seeing much in spoilers except that first image with Bay wielding a green prop that probably represents a Decepticon hand to be inserted later by ILM. Thanks to Feris Othman for the link.

Update: Empire has posted clearer images of the same photos which I swapped out below. They also provide some more tidbits including full names for some of the characters and plot details.

This fourth film in the franchise is something of a fresh start, and sees an Earth scarred by the events of the last three films but moving on after the disappearance of all giant robots.

When Mark Wahlberg's inventor, Cade Yeager, discovers a buried Transformer, the stage is set for the return of the giant beasties. There will also be some business with Cade's daughter Tessa (Nicola Peltz); her secret racing driver boyfriend Shane; Stanley Tucci's Joshua; his geologist assistant Darcy (Sophia Myles); "the CEO of the Chinese Transformers", played by Li Bingbing; and Kelsey Grammer's Harold Attinger, the film's non-robot big bad.

Linkfest - Not Transformers The Movie

Transformers 4 movie news remains light but the toys keeps coming be it official or otherwise. In this edition we have a look at Transformers: The Movie concept art and inspired 3rd party toys, look at upcoming 3rd party Masterpiece no Dinobot Slag, more headmasters, new waves of official Hasbro toys and lots of reviews. Also of interest is a fan made transforming papercraft cigarette box, an $1000 Optimus Prime, new DVD set, and official Nikes.

Transformers: The Movie Concept Art - Hit the link for a look at some of the concept art created by animation supervisor Floro Dery for the G1 cartoon and the 1986 movie. It has lots of details that did and did not eventually get used such as am early Junkion spacecraft, Cybertron's robot mode and more. It is really beautiful and detailed art that shows that a lot of thought and care went into designing the world of Transformers. Maybe Botcon should consider him for entry into the TF Hall of Fame.

First Official Look at the Redesigned Transformers 4 Optimus Prime

Empire Magazine has posted their cover to their January 2014 issue which provides the first official look at the redesigned Optimus Prime for Transformers: Age of Extinction. Just like in previously leaked images, the character is sporting a sword and shield as the core cast of Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz and Mark Wahlberg pose. The only other bit of "info" is the below set pic with unknown characters in the rigged vehicle. The new issue hits UK stores on Thursday so hopefully more info will leak then. Thanks to Feris Othman for the heads-up. So what do you think of the modified look for the Autobot leader?

Bumblebee's Camaro Design Process and TF4 E-Jet Gallery

Long time site reader and bringer of news Feris has put together this collage that uses nearly identical angle to let you get a good look at how Bumbleebee's vehicle mode look as changed across the four movies as he has changed from 200X Chevy Camaro. My memory might be a little off but I think his year order was 2008 (TF1 top left) > 2010 (TF2 top right) > 2012 (TF3 bottom left) > 2014 (TF4 bottom right). While a little to early to be sure, the 2014 might be the best one so far.

Transformers 4 Crew Hoodie Reveals Grimlock's Robot Mode?

A Transformers: Age of Extinction crew hoodie posted on Transformers Cars Facebook page seems to have provided the first look at Grimlock's potential robot mode. It could be another robot but the spiky, bulky look does seem very Grimlock-like. Much like with Optimus Prime with his sword and shield, this one uses maces as weapons. This is the first report of a crew hoodie with TF image on the back (I would assume people around the set would have noticed it by now) so while it could be real, it could also be a fan mock-up. As usual time will tell.

ET On Transformers: Age of Extinction Hong Kong Set

Tuesday Entertainment Weekly posted a video from the set of Transformers: Age of Extinction in Detroit that was a proxy for Hong Kong. In this second set report, they are reporting from the actual city as production was on its final week of filming. More Bayhem was shown as cast discussed how they killed time on set. Michael Bay also dropped a cryptic (aka useless) hint about the movie saying "The world has progressed/modernized to a point it can almost cannibalize and kill itself."

Transformers: Age of Extinction Stunt Driver Photos

Transformers: Age of Extinction stunt driver Corey Eubanks has posted several set pictures on Transformers Cars Facebook page. Most of the pictures show him posing near the various Autobot vehicles including Bumblebee, the Pagini, and few more. It seems the photos were taken throughout the production process as show Arizona, Chicago, Detroit and other locations. (via TFW2005)

ET On Transformers: Age of Extinction Set Reveals TF Character Name

Entertainment Tonight has posted a report from the Detroit set of Transformers: Age of Extinction when the crew was filming on the "China set" built in the middle of Detroit, Michigan in first week of August (vids: here, here and here). The video has quick comments from Mark Wahlberg, Jack Reynor, and Nicola Peltz (inexplicably asked her relationship status) with cameo from Michael Bay. The reporter, while sitting in the Pagani Huayra, (SPOILER) referred to it as Stinger which is a name that has popped up as a potential character name. I wouldn't call this official confirmation but darn close as I doubt the host (reporter is too strong a word) knows anything about Transformers except what is fed to her by the producer speaking in her earpiece.

Update: Correction to title, removed the reference to "Autobot". As pointed out in the comments, the faction remains unconfirmed. The toy list references "Stinger" of various classes but saw no faction reference but the vehicle has been mostly hanging with known Autobot vehicles during filming.

IDW February 2014 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for February 2014.
Three issues and surprising no trades are coming this month. The main series continues the Dark Cybertron arc while Regeneration One reaches its penultimate issue. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, and more click here.

Transformers 5 Depends on Four, Introducing Ji Pei-hui

Chinese website M1905.com as posted two new interviews in relation to Transformers: Age of Extinction. Normally I probably wouldn't bother posting about either since nothing of substance is shared but they are TF4 related and news has been very light so better than nothing (but barely). In the first article Paramount Executibe Rob Moore (who spoke about product placement) states that Paramount Pictures has not made a decision yet on Transformers 5 and 6 as they are waiting to see how well Transformers 4 does. This isn't actually big news as all studios "plan" on sequels by signing actors to three picture deals but with the rare exceptions, no sequel is guaranteed until after the studios have some hard sales numbers to work with when making a decision.

China To Enjoy Heavy Product Placement in Transformers 4

It seems that Hollywood's relationship with China will continue to bring a whole new level of product placement to the rest of the world. After Iron Man 3 China cut's extra four minutes turned out to just be four minutes of China product advertisements, the assumption was the bad press might discourage repeat behavior. However a new article from Shenzhen Daily suggests that is not the case.

Rob Moore, the vice chairman, told China Daily the latest movie features a variety of Chinese brands placed in the storyline.

“This certainly goes hand in hand with the amount of time that we were in Chinese locations,” Moore said.

“Having those products certainly reinforces the fact that this is Chinese culture and that there is a lot of story-telling happening there.”

He would not say how many Chinese brands are in the film, but sources have confirmed that the products include drinking water, a car and a duck-meat snack.

Transforming Lego Generation One Optimus Prime

This great creation from Alex Jones shows what Hasbro never quite figured out even with their Kre-O line which is how to create a Lego creation that actually transforms. As the video and gallery links show, this is a direct Lego-ized version of G1 Optimus Prime complete with Lego trailer and Lego accessories. All it needs is a G1 style box to complete the look. The complete gallery can be found on Jones' Orion Pax Designs that includes his other Lego creations. (via Gizmodo and Brothers Brick)

First Look at Grimlock's Dino Mode?

An image posted by JoBlo might be the first look at Grimlock's dinobot alt mode. In the picture it seems Optimus Prime is riding Grimlock like a horse while holding a sword and shield. The image, assuming inspired by movie plans, does look pretty awesome. The source is unknown so unable to confirm if its officially related to Transformers: Age of Extinction or just creative fan art. Thanks to Feris O. for the heads-up.

Trademark Application Reveals New Transformers 4 Logo

A video game trademark by Hasbro included a new logo for Transformers: Age of Extinction. The description of the trademark filed with the United States Patent & Trademark Office is below. Probably not really a surprise that Hasbro is planning the same merchandising blitz they did for the previous games.

Description: Interactive entertainment software, namely, computer game software, computer game programs, computer game cartridges, computer game discs; interactive multimedia computer game programs; downloadable game software for use in connection with computers, communication devices and mobile telephones; pre-recorded laser and video disc featuring an animated cartoon series

(via TFW2005)

Transformers 4 Officially Wraps Principle Photography

This time its official per a tweet from Michael Bay.

It's a wrap on #transformers4 #michaelbay #tf4 #transformers
— Michael Bay Dot Com (@S4TE) November 5, 2013

Filming on Transformers: Age of Extinction may be complete but the work is only half done for Michael Bay and his crew as they enter the post-production phase. While the director has been editing the movie as he films and ILM has probably been working on the movie the entire time, at this point things shift into another gear as the June 27th deadline looms. Eight months seems like a lot but the more special effects a movie has, the more time it needs. On top of completing the CGI, there is recording the soundtrack, sound design, sound effects, voice recording, ADR, color correction and a whole lot more. All of which needs Bay's approval at every step of the way. The last time TF3 was complete the day of world premiere, I doubt Bay wants a repeat.

Congrats to the cast and crew. Also a big thanks to all the site readers who helped provides pictures, video, links and updates on the movie so we could follow along.

More Transformers 4 Hong Kong Galleries

No idea where in China Transformers: Age of Extinction is filming but over the weekend a few sites posted images from the Hong Kong filming that ended last week ago. Nothing new covered, shows Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor, Stanley Tucci and others at work on various scenes along with another look at the sword key thingie. Links: Business Insider | The Daily Mail | TFormers