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.

Weird Al Yankovic "Interviews" Megan Fox

On Monday Chris Hardwick's The Nerdist channel (along with Felicity Day's Geek and Sundry) officially launched. Face to Face with Weird Al Yankovic is part of the programming. His show is a creative re-edit of promotional interviews with celebrities. In a weird way it also shows how most interviews are done as rarely do the on air "talent" do interviews. Usually producers, researchers, and the like are sent out to do them. If don't see the interviewer and interviewee in the same shot at some point, assume someone else conducted the interview and creative edits were used to make it seem as if the on-air talent did it. In the first episode he has hilarious "interviews" with Denzel Washington and Transformers' Megan Fox. If into podcasts, also recommend the TWiT network. The Megan Fox portion starts at about the 4:40 mark.

Transformers Linkfest - Micro Change

Another year, another linkfest. This one covers a fairly wide range of Transformers news. To start, a walk down memory lane with a look at some of the very first Transformer toys including a line of gun robots. Also news on the return of TF cartoons, more 3rd party toy galleries and a tease of a new Transformers comic. Also there are videos of Kre-O stop motion, Oscar trailer with Transformers cast members and 5 toy reviews of a 3rd party add-on, 4 G1 inspired 3rd party toys and TF Prime toy.

Micro Change Gun Robots and Micro Change Italy
It turns out that Megatron was not the only Transformer to have a gun alt mode back in the G1 era. Takara actually had an entire line of Diaclone (TFs) based on real guns. The link above gives you a little background with a whole lot of images of the various Gun Robos that were produced. Sadly various toy laws make it difficult to re-create this line as I am such a sucker for TFs that are based on actual real world objects. The other link is a kind of part 2 as it expands to other "Micro Change" (aka TFs) that was released in Italy around the same time, most of which should be very familiar to fans.

Transformers: Prime Season 2 Starts February 18th
The Hub has revealed that Transformers: Prime and Transformers: Rescue Bots return on February 18th. Rescue Bots will air at Noon EST while Prime is at 8:30pm EST. No idea how many consecutive new episodes will follow.

Speilberg, Not Bay, Fired Megan Fox

Australia's News.com is reporting that Transformers franchise Executive Producer Steven Spielberg is the one that fired Megan Fox, not director Michael Bay. The reason why was because her comment back in September 2009 in Wonderland Magazine that Bay "wants to be like Hitler on his sets, and he is." Below is a major portion of article.

The comparison angered Spielberg, who is executive producer of the Transformers series and deadly serious when it comes to Nazis. Bay revealed for the first time he was told to get rid of Fox.

"You know the Hitler thing. Steven (Spielberg) said, fire her right now," he said ahead of the premiere of Transformers 3. The comment drew the ire of the film's crew, who compared her acting to that of a porn star.

Fox Quit Over Weight?

Hollywood Gossip site Showbiz Spy is reporting that Megan Fox quit Transformers 3 because Michael Bay told her she looked "unhealthy" and ordered her to gain weight.

“Megan stormed out after a huge row with Michael Bay,” a source told British newspaper The Sun.“He thinks she has lost too much weight and looks too frail. He wanted her to put on some weight and it all kicked off. The crew don’t think she looks well, let alone the wholesome, curvy star they cast in the first film. She’s going for this gaunt, pale image and it just looks unhealthy."

If this story sounds familiar, Megan Fox admitted that she was required by Michael Bay to gain weight for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen saying at the time, “I should have toned up for 'Transformers' but I’m really lazy. I had to put on weight. I’d lost a lot of weight and got really scrawny, but I was told I had to put on size for 'Transformers' because Michael [Bay, the director] doesn’t like skinny girls."

No telling if this is true or false. I am leaning to false as just doesn't seem big enough reason. However, we do know she was on set (example image above) at least for a day or two and suddenly she was off the film so despite speculation the cause was not comments from last year (which probably didn't help) but something that occurred in just the last week.

Fox Confirms Leaving Transformers 3

Megan Fox confirms leaving Transformers to People. It was leaked just a few hours ago that Paramount, based on a decision from Michael Bay, decided not to exercise it's option to reprise her role of Mikaela Banes for TF3. Fox provides a slightly different perspective saying through her reps that "It was her decision not to return. She wishes the franchise the best.” Thanks to Joaquin for the link.

Megan Fox Fired From Transformers 3 (Updated)

The gossip site Deadline is reporting that Megan Fox is no longer a cast member for Transformers 3, saying it was director's Michael Bays' decision.

I've just learned that Paramount won't be picking up Megan Fox's option on Transformers 3 -- and that it was "ultimately" director Michael Bay's decision. (So he gets his revenge for her remark comparing him to "Hitler".) Right now Bay and writer Ehren Kruger et al are finishing up the script for the threequel and "giving Shia a new love interest makes more sense for the story," an insider tells me. Bay will start casting immediately for the new female co-star.

There has been a bit of history between Megan Fox and Michael Bay. You have her not polite comments on the films, her like Hitler comment, a letter written by crewmembers asking to remove her, Bay's response & Megan's response to the letter and sure more we are not aware of. However, all of this happened months ago and would not explain a sudden move to replace her after principle photography started.

There are multiple caveats on why this is likely false. One, Deadline probably has around a .500 batting average on its rumors in general and has shown tendency to edit their posts to make it seem more accurate then really is. Two, Megan Fox has already been on a Transformers 3 set with the Bumblebee Camaro and makeup for Transformers 3. Three, expensive movies like Transformers 3 tend to avoid replacing their leads after principle photography has started. Sure the Hitler comment could be a cause but if Bay was going to replace her, that decision and casting would have occurred months ago, not now. Finally, Bay already said back in November that he wasn't killing Fox's character and welcomed her return (of course he tends to lie...).

It should be noted that the article claims the script is currently being finished and didn't mention that principle photography has already begun indicating the site is a bit behind the news regarding the movie. While not unprecedented for leads to be replaced after filming has started, it is rare and only occurs under extraordinary circumstances. I don't recall it ever happening for a sequel. Big news like this is going to have to be sourced from other known sources before I recommend anyone take it seriously.

Update: Hey what do you know, more sources already. From Variety, "A studio spokeswoman disclosed Wednesday that Par[amount]'s decided against picking up Fox's option to star as Mikaela Banes in the third installment but declined to elaborate." Thanks to Darian for the link.

CNN is also reporting, "A rep for Paramount confirmed to CNN that Megan Fox won't be back to reprise her "Transformers" role Mikaela Banes for the third time." Thanks to Brian for the link.

I have to wonder what happened for this decision to come down now rather than months ago. It has to be something recent (maybe from that set visit) that became the proverbial straw. Fox will have to start promoting Jonah Hex soon so might get more information then.

Mikaela, Set Prop, Whitley Confirmed and More (Updated)

Three stories posted more for fun than anything and too brief to do individual posts so combining into one. Update: Added one more brief movie related stories to the post.

Megan Fox in Mikaela Banes Makeup
From the Transformers 3 set in unspecified LA location is Megan Fox in Mikaela Banes makeup. I guess the goal is professional woman. I just see it as an excuse to post a picture of Fox.

Kym Whitley Confirms TF3 Role
Black Voices spoke directly with Whitley and confirmed her tweet that she is in Transformers 3. No information was provided on what the role is.

"The real excitement about working on the film just comes from working with [director] Michael Bay. He writes these parts for me and just lets me roll with it. You can't beat that. It's kind of like working with Larry David, when I did 'Curb Your Enthusiasm.' Michael Bay works fast though. He laughs a lot, too. You rarely get someone to just tell you to go ahead and do your thing. That's the beauty of working with him."

Sam's Briefcase
Sam apparently has entered the professional workplace complete with briefcase. Not sure if this means he has already graduated from college (suggesting at least a four year jump in time for the movie) or interning. According to TFW2005, info is from the manufacturers of the case.

Gabriela Plana Cast?
NBC Reporter Gabriela Plana posted a tweet that said "Working on transformers 3 shoot!!!". Now she could be covering the shoot for a story but a more likely explanation is she has a role in the film as a reporter. I would guess the role is to show a reporter on the scene moment involving a Transformers related event, say an anti-Autobot protest as suggested by the recent set images. Any case it is likely a cameo apperance so not adding to the cast list on the cheat sheet.

Fox Not as "Orange" for TF3?

It turns out there could be a possible explanation for why Megan Fox looked so pale in her visit to the Transformers 3 set. Her character, Mikaela has typically been deeply tanned but apparently Megan "hated her look in the last movie". This is according to a source to New Zealand's Stuff.

"Her character has more to do this time and is stronger but the thing Megan is most happy about is she's not nearly as orange. It's a big victory for her."

Take from that what you will. It’s a second hand source to an overseas website so not sure how legit it is. Fox's lack of a tan is something that could be easy remedied between now and the film start date that is rumored to be May 17th in LA. I could care less either way. If wasn't TF3 related would not have even bothered to post about it.

Having said that, I imagine that a tanned look is easier to maintain consistency over the three months or so shoot for Transformers 3 especially since it’s a summer shoot in multiple sunny locations including LA and Africa. Dodging the sun and avoiding a tan would not be an easy task.

Megan Fox on Transformers 3 Set

SuperheroHype has scored five pictures of Megan Fox arriving somewhere in LA for "previz shots" for Transformers 3. It also appears the Bumblebee Camaro is on hand.

I am a bit confused by the previz note as typically pre-viz is basic computer animation of a director's vision, as needed, for scenes in a movie. Actor involvement is typically not necessary in producing them. The remaining four images, which show the lovely Fox walking and waving at people across the parking lot, can be found here. Principle photography for TF3 is expected to start in a week or two in LA. Thanks to Charlo for the link.

Update:Superherohype pulled or moved the article so the links no longer work, click here instead to view the images.

Bay: No To Killing Fox

Michael Bay tells USA Today that Megan Fox's Michaela Barnes character will not be killed in Transformers 3 despite some of her more inflaming comments such as calling Bay "Hitler" like.

But it turns out, Bay couldn’t care less. Really. “I love her,” the man responsible for the blockbuster franchise told USA TODAY's Andrea Mandell. “It’s just, she’s young. Everyone’s got to give her a break, she only…23? It’s just hard. I’ve traveled around the world with her and she’s just like this world symbol now, you know?”

So he brushes her diatribes under the carpet? “Absolutely,” he said. “She called me (after the Hitler comment) and goes, ‘It’s all bullsh—t, Mike.’ The press, they just like to prey, and stalk, and pounce and find a good little juicy thing. But she’s always wanted to do these crazy comments. That’s just her. She’s great.”

He also said, “She’s got a great part in Transformers 3,” and he said he’s currently working on the script. So Bay’s not planning on getting revenge by, say, killing her off? “No, no. no,” he said, dismissing it. “She gets enough of that already.”

I cannot say I am really surprised. Michael Bay has shown to be a fantastic business man and for him Megan Fox is simply helpful in making money. Taking her statements personally is pointless and just useless noise. Having said that, I am betting if the story makes her or any other character's death necessary, he will not hesitate to pull the trigger despite the above statements. With the script in very early stages of development, I doubt much is written in stone. Thanks to Carlo for the heads-up.

Shia, Megan Nominated for People's Choice Awards

Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf have been nominated in several categories in the People's Choice Awards for their work on Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Shia is up for "Favorite Action Star" against Christian Bale, Gerald Butler, Hugh Jackman, and Vin Diesel. The duo are also nominated for "Favorite On-Screen Team" against the teams from Harry Potter 6, The Proposal, Twilight, and Wolverine. Transformers sadly isn't up for favorite movie but it is up for "Favorite Franchise" against Harry Potter, Twilight Saga, Star Trek and X-Men.

To vote for your favorites in the above characters and many more for television, movies and music, click here. Winners will be announced live during the People's Choice Awards telecast on Wednesday January 6th by CBS.

"The Self-Manufacture of Megan Fox"

The New York Times has posted a long and interesting article on Megan Fox from interviews with the actress from just after Jennifer's Body failed at the box office, during the week the was prepping for her SNL appearance with a follow-up a month later. The article gets into her attempt to have a provocative (both verbally and physically) public persona while maintaining a private life. She tried to model her after Angelina Jolie (see tats, lip injections, and statements for proof) but the result has been a career that remains on unsteady ground despite the success of Transformers. The article can be found here and worth the read.

I actually like her Megan Fox (and not just for her looks) but then I have a fondness for direct bluntness which is rare nowadays (and often vilified). However, Hollywood stardom is grounded on how the public perceives and wants you. There are many possibilities from the slutty, dumb, sexy and more but the one that has consistently proven to be the most successful is the girl next door (see Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Julia Roberts, etc). They come across as the perfect girlfriend for the guys and the BFF for the girls. Instead, Fox has essentially become every guys' dream one night stand (looked back with pride but never brought home to meet mom) and someone women would want to hang with for some fun but not want to be friends with. Basically, Fox needs to seem more like a friend rather than a f$#@-friend.

Her best teachers are not just Jolie, but Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Reese Witherspoon, even Shia LaBeouf and really all the members of the $20 million per film club. Notice that the only time we hear about them is when they have their next project or charity to sell. Then they come across as a great person ("like me"), almost a good friend until the pitch is done and then exit the stage until next time. It works for them, there is no reason it can't work for Megan Fox. Just getting written about isn't sufficient (see Lindsay Lohan for that), it’s the quality that matters. She has plenty of time to repair her image thanks to Transformers 3, but she only has this last chance to decide exactly what she wants her public persona to be. She can continue on the Jolie track but that one is clearly not working.

Transformers 2 Wins Three Scream Awards

Saturday Night, the Spike TV Scream Awards ceremony was held at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen took home three awards - Best Sci-Fi Actress for Megan Fox, Best Special Effects and Best Breakthrough Performance for Isabel Lucas.

Probably the highlight of the night for Transformers fans was Megan Fox accepting her award and using the moment to set the record straight about her not being killed off in the third film and her feelings about the franchise.

"I would like to take this moment to actually say something genuine. There have been a lot of false reports concerning how I feel about this movie and I just want to be very clear that I've always felt that I am a very ordinary part of an extraordinary film. These movies took me out of obscurity and they gave me a career and I am completely grateful to everyone involved with this franchise."

The full list of winners can be found here. The telecast of the award ceremony will air on Spike TV on Tuesday, October 27th from 10:00pm to midnight ET/PT.

Fox Publicist Denies Recent Rumor

According to Gossip Cop, the rumor that Megan Fox's character will be killed off is "not true". Sadly the exact quote was not provided.

As I said before, this rumor should be taken with a grain of salt as I doubt so much as a single line of dialogue has been written so any conclusions on what may or may not happen to her character has probably not even been discussed in any great depth. Now if this rumor re-emerges after a known draft of the script circulates, then that is a whole different animal. Realistically, any casting or script rumors for the next few months should not be taken at face value as a complete first draft is probably not due until the beginning of next year.

Megan Fox on SNL

Last night Megan Fox was the host for season premiere episode of Saturday Night Live with U2 as the musical guests. The result, as is the norm for SNL, was uneven at best. Megan Fox looked outstanding regardless of wig or costume she was thrown in and seemed game for whatever was thrown at her. The material, however, was blah at best with the writers going to the dumb blonde well frequently and had more pre-recorded skits then I am used to seeing with guest hosts. Of course they had their expected Transformers skit (below) that was just strange. Fox tried hard but you can only do so much with the crappy material she was provided and she doesn't have the comedic chops to rise above the material (but then few do).

To view the available clips from the show click here for SNL's website or here for Hulu.

Fox Feels Upstaged

Megan Fox, continuing her promotion of Jennifer's Body, talks about the pressure she feels to prove herself due to the Transformers franchise according to IOL Entertainment.

Actress Megan Fox launched another broadside at the 'Transformers' franchise, saying that it does not show off her acting skills enough.

The actress admits she feels “pressured” to prove herself because she feels upstaged by the special effects used in the franchise.

She said: "I have no idea about my future career. I just hope that I can still be working in 10 years. When you're in something as successful as 'Transformers', you can't use it as a sales piece for your ability as an actress because it's all about the special effects.

"So you do sort of feel pressure to try and prove yourself. I have no idea what I'm capable of. I'm sort of finding that out now and testing my boundaries. I'm blessed with the opportunities that people are giving me - ones that I don't maybe even deserve. But I'm not complaining."

I don't really disagree with her but it is something most actors know about going into blockbuster summer movies. The tradeoff for the increased profile (which leads to more work) and long term pay (with residuals and the like) is the possibility of being type-cast or insulted about acting ability. Most have enough sense to not vocalize their resentment over the reality of a situation that they knew about fully before even agreeing to participate in such films. Thanks to Scorpio for the link.

Megan Fox Gets Lampooned

National Lampoon has some fun with a willing Megan Fox in an interview as part of the promotional tour for Jennifer's Body. I don't know if it was planned in advance but I wish more press junket interviews were as relaxed and fun. It does indicate that Megan Fox does have a good sense of humor about herself and that her hosting the season premiere of Saturday Night Live next week could be hilarious (assuming the show itself is on its A game which is never a given).

Fox Responds to Crew Letter

The saga of Megan Fox's "like Hitler" comment will hopefully reach its conclusion with a very brief statement from Fox about the Transformers crewmembers letter that Michael Bay didn't support. Hopefully nothing bad happened to the authors of the letter but I have my doubts they will be seen on the set of the third film. Thanks to Scorpio for the link.

"I have spoken with the parties involved privately," she said in a statement through her publicist. "I am very fortunate to be involved in this amazing franchise and look forward to Transformers 3."

Bay Responds to Crewmember, Fox Comments

Transformers director Michael Bay has responded on MB.com to the recent letter from two crewmembers (which the site has removed) and Megan Fox's like Hitler statement. In short he doesn't approve of either and wants to continue to work with Fox on Transformers 3.

I don’t condone the crew letter to Megan. And I don’t condone Megan’s outlandish quotes. But her crazy quips are part of her crazy charm. The fact of the matter I still love working with her, and I know we still get along. I even expect more crazy quotes from her on Transformers 3.

Michael

I do find her crazy statements amusing but she is treading on dangerous ground. Getting a diva label sells magazines but rarely equates to a solid and long lasting acting career. Don't forget on September 26th she is supposed to host the season premiere of Saturday Night Live, a perfect way to make fun of herself, Bay, and the fans that love to lust after her and condemn her at the same time. No telling what new outrageous things will come from that. Thanks to John for the heads-up.