Transformers 3 Cast Plays Nuts and Bolts

MTV has a little fun with the Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, John Malkovich, and Patrick Dempsey as they attempt to answer the question of which three robots they would f**k, marry or kill. Rosie was given options of C3P0, Terminator and Bicentennial Man. The men had to choose from Rosie from Jetsons, Eva from Wall-E, and Number 6 from Battlestar Galactica. While Rosie seemed mostly lost, Shia had the most fun with the question while the other two made the most of a weird but amusing question.

Details Profile on Shia LaBeouf

Details Magazine has an interesting article with Shia LaBeouf that reviews his career as he discusses his life, mistakes, and career. Among the revelations is his getting with his co-stars from the first two Transformers films. Below is the about the only quotes related to Transformers from the article which is worth the time to read. You can find it here. Thanks to Genocide Chaos for the link.

There was that time he rolled his truck while "philandering around," as he says, with his Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen costar Isabel Lucas. "It was sort of disastrous," LaBeouf says. "Neither one of us, I think, were in love. Just sort of experimenting or whatever." Technically the accident—in which LaBeouf's car flipped three times, pinning his arm and leaving his hand mangled—was the other driver's fault. But LaBeouf admits he'd had "three or four" beers a few hours before getting behind the wheel.

Asked if he hooked up with Fox, LaBeouf nods affirmatively. "Look, you're on the set for six months, with someone who's rooting to be attracted to you, and you're rooting to be attracted to them," he explains. "I never understood the separation of work and life in that situation. But the time I spent with Megan was our own thing, and I think you can see the chemistry onscreen." When I inquire about Fox's status at the time with her longtime boyfriend, Brian Austin Green, LaBeouf replies, "I don't know, man. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. . . ."—repeating the phrase exactly 12 times with various intonations, as if trying to get it just right. Finally, he says, "It was what it was."

Tyrese Talks DOTM

In an interview with i09, Tyrese Gibson discusses Transformers: Dark of the Moon. It doesn't really cover any new ground. Below are a few highlights, full article here.

A lot of people are saying that this Transformers is a lot like Black Hawk Down. Did you notice a difference as they filmed it?
Tyrese Gibson: The whole Black Hawk Down connection is probably because of the helicopters; the real presence of the helicopters that's in the film. But I don't really think it's like Black Hawk Down at all, personally. (agreed, comparison makes no sense - Tflamb)

How was this filming different Transformers 3 compared to the other two Transformers?

Bay: "532 cars were destroyed"

Movies Online has posted a short but interesting interview with Michael Bay when he was in Moscow. He revealed that 532 cars were destroyed for Transformers: Dark of the Moon, all donated and how 3D tech had to be modified to match what he wanted for the movie. The full article is here.

So do new technologies make your work harder, or more difficult?
It actually, new technologies make it harder, because you keep trying to push the boundaries. Jim Cameron called me up and he asked me, he said, “So making the third one, was it easier, or, or harder?” And I knew he was asking that because of “Avatar II”. And I said, “Jim, it’s definitely harder because you keep trying to push yourself farther.”

Bay Talks 3D and Criticisms

An article from USA Today talks with Michael Bay about what he hopes Transformers: Dark of the Moon does with 3D and the strong criticism his films received. Full article here, main highlights below.

"I don't know why people like to take so many shots," Bay says at a park bench on the Paramount Pictures lot, where he had just wrapped Transformers: Dark of the Moon. "I think the media does that with anyone who has success. I make movies that audiences like, that I'd want to see. That's all. It helps take off some of the pressure."

Leonard Nimoy Talks Dark of the Moon

For those paying attention to all the TV spots that have aired over the last week weeks, there is one character that has not been shown - Sentinel Prime. Bay's desire to keep the character a mystery has been a minor blessing for Leonard Nimoy who has been able to avoid all the press conferences and the like as he continues to do what is likely his final year of Star Trek Conventions. That didn't stop Big Fanboy from sitting down with the voice of Sentinel to find out how he scored to role (helps to be related to the director and have voiced Galvatron in the 1986 cartoon movie).

Shia: Bay a "Big Brother" With Arguments

In a profile piece on Shia LaBeouf from Hero Complex, Shia LaBeouf provided a story from the set of Transformers: Dark of the Moon that led to Michael Bay posting a comment on it in the Shoot for the Edit forums. The story took place at Kennedy Space Center last October. Apparently the two were arguing over what song to play to help Shia get in the right emotional frame of mind for a scene. Shia wanted Feist’s “Brandy Alexander" while Bay wanted a track from The Dark Knight score.

Ken Jeong DOTM Interview

Below is an interview with Ken Jeong as he discusses his brief role in Transformers: Dark of the Moon as Jerry Wang. Apparently he was asked to be on his best behavior as none of the humor comes out that you normally see from the actor in Hangover movies and Community. It is a very much by the book, careful to avoid revealing any real information or spoilers, interview. A common technique in interviewing is to ask the actor to incorporate the question into their answer so that the interviewer can be edited out. Actors with more experience in dealing with the press often do it so naturally you are not even aware of it. Ken Jeong needs more practice.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon's Moscow World Premiere (Updated)

Today, Transformers: Dark of the Moon premiered in Moscow. The film opens the Moscow International Film Festival. As with all premieres, you get your usual red green carpet images of the stars and director. Linkin Park was also on hand with a free concert. With it comes a press conference and shorter one-on-one interviews. No press conference video yet available but below are links to galleries and video embeds of interviews with the cast. I will likely add links and whatever else that pops up as more news from the premiere hits the web. Thanks to Eanetdude for some links and Tamar for Moscow pics.

Update: Added more links to galleries and a new video from Paramount that summarizes the day's festivities with a tilt (of course) to promote the movie.

Galleries: TFormers | TFW2005 | MB.com | PopSugar | MovieGeeks (Linkin Park) | Movieline
Links: MTV Blog | THR | We Are Movie Geeks | Collider

Video Interview Summaries:

Shia Not Returning for Fourth Transformers Film

While at the MTV Movie Awards, Shia LaBeouf and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley briefly discussed Transformers: Dark of the Moon (videos below). Rosie spoke about Michael Bay, saying they have the same work ethic.

Shia spoke about how the film has "the best action" with "the most solid screenplay we've had since we started." More important, he made it clear he isn't returning for a fourth film. While Bay had suggested it in interviews, I do believe this is the first time Shia has gone on the record.

"I'm not coming back to do another one. I don't think Mike will either. It still is a hot property, I think, especially coming out of the third one. So I imagine they'll reboot it at some point with someone else."

I am not entirely sure why a reboot is needed but that is big in Hollywood right now so would not be surprised if that is what happens. Keep in mind so far there has been no discussion of a fourth film but look for that to change if this film does well, especially if it breaks the billion dollar barrier which could happen considering how well the last two films did.

Shia Talks Different Vibe on DOTM Set

In an interview with Hero Complex, Transformers: Dark of the Moon star Shia LaBeouf (Sam Witwicky) spoke about Megan Fox leaving and the change in vibe that the casting of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (Carly Miller) brought to the set. In short, he felt Megan couldn't handle being rudely treated a bit like a piece of sexy meat while Rosie has no problem with it or with Bay's abrasiveness.

“Megan developed this Spice Girl strength, this woman-empowerment [stuff] that made her feel awkward about her involvement with Michael, who some people think is a very lascivious filmmaker, the way he films women,” LaBeouf said. “Mike films women in a way that appeals to a 16-year-old sexuality. It’s summer. It’s Michael’s style. And I think [Fox] never got comfortable with it. This is a girl who was taken from complete obscurity and placed in a sex-driven role in front of the whole world and told she was the sexiest woman in America. And she had a hard time accepting it. When Mike would ask her to do specific things, there was no time for fluffy talk. We’re on the run. And the one thing Mike lacks is tact. There’s no time for [LaBeouf assumes a gentle voice] ‘I would like you to just arch your back 70 degrees.’”

3D Conversation with Bay and Cameron Video

The Hollywood Reporter has posted the full 16 minute video of the "3D: A Transforming Visual Art A Conversation with Michael Bay and James Cameron" that Paramount sponsored last week to promote Transformers: Dark of the Moon's 3D trailer. The polish indicates this will be a future special feature for the Blu-ray/DVD release.

LA Times Bay Interview at Playa Vista

The LA Times has posted a "new" interview with Michael Bay as he discusses Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The reason for the quotes around new is the interview took place at the Los Angeles Playa Vista soundstage when production was doing the moon sequences among others shots. That would place the estimated time frame of the interview sometime in June 2010. Over all nothing specific is revealed, just a general overview of the franchise and Bay's desire to make Moon better than Revenge. Choice segments are below, the full article can be found here. Thanks to AiC Hokie for the link.

"The cast this time is terrific, you can't even compare it really, and that was important to me. We needed to take everything up a few levels and that starts with story and with acting," Bay said...

"I think the guy is great, I loved working with him," says [Patrick] Dempsey, one of the new imports meant to bring some acting chops to a franchise that had become far too fixated on special effects and a barrage of gags. "The scale of the movies he makes and the way his crew works for him and the things that they can accomplish, it's pretty awesome to see in action. And I think he believes this movie is going to be a great one."

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!

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.

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

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.

Ken Jeong's DOTM Role

At about this time last year, we learned that Ken Jeong was going to be in Transformers: Dark of the Moon but we never learned the details on the part. CraveOnline was able to corner the comedian and find out absolutely ...nothing except that it is a small role. I suspect his role is something simliar to Rainn Wilson's in the second movie, a kind of brief comic relief for Shia to bounce off of. The TF3 portion of the interview is below, the rest can be found here as he discusses Community and Hangover 2.

CraveOnline: Do you get a cool role in Transformers 3?
Ken Jeong: Yeah, it’s a small role in Transformers but yeah. I had an out of body experience working on that one because I just couldn’t believe I was [there]. Still, that was not a thing where oh, I’m going to be a part of a blockbuster franchise like Transformers 3 or even now Hangover 2 for that matter. So I can’t believe I’m a part of these franchises in any way. It was amazing. Michael Bay is brilliant and it’ll blow your mind.

CraveOnline: I’ve been on Michael Bay sets including Transformers 1. He keeps things so riled up, I see how it can be misconstrued, but it’s high energy.
Ken Jeong: He doesn’t like things to wait and neither do I. You want to keep moving, you want to keep the pace, you want to keep the energy. That I respond to because Todd’s like that too. Because you want that comedic energy to stay fresh. Especially on movies when there’s huge budgets and huge effects, you worry about spontaneity being lost. Yeah, Michael Bay just kept everything going.

Brian Goldner Talks DOTM

Hasbro CEI Brian Goldner provides his perspective on Transformers: Dark of the Moon and the shortcomings of Revenge of the Fallen in an interview with MTV. They tried to get an answer from Goldner on whether they are going to continue the franchise without Bay but without success as he instead answered "perhaps he'll change his mind, perhaps he won't, but I'd rather put out this movie first then cross that bridge at some point."

Turning his attention to the forthcoming movie, Goldner agreed with his contemporaries Bay, Shia LaBeouf and Tyrese Gibson in describing "Dark of the Moon" as the best film in the series: "I really believe it is, and the reason is because we've learned so many things as we've made [these films]."

"The fact is, there's a lot of story here… but we also understand the great spectacle of what 'Transformers' can be," he continued. "It's a great marriage, but with greater meaning. The first trailer shows that the space race is a backdrop to something that had gone on in our past that nobody was aware of. In typical 'Transformers' fashion, it's all about more than meets the eye. That's the core of what 'Transformers' is: you can never judge a book by its cover. We're going to reveal to you, in much more of a thriller style than ever before, that idea of what's going on behind this whole 'Transformers' pre-history."

"If everyone had understood why each Transformer was in the movie, people wouldn't have cared how many there were," he said [about Revenge of the Fallen]. "But once they're just these robots without any real meaning of why they're there, it just became robot melee, and that's not as enjoyable as knowing something about each robot and their personality so that when they do fight, there are stakes to it. That's really what was missing. It wasn't that there were so many robots; there were so many robots that you didn't know."

"'Dark of the Moon' has many meanings. It's clearly what we know from the teaser trailer, but it's also this idea that there's darkness, a real cataclysm that could occur here based on knowing the truth of what's happening."

Tyrese, Rosie Talk Dark of the Moon

In two separate members, Transformers: Dark of the Moon cast members spoke about the film. Tyrese Gibson spoke with MTV describing the film as "the biggest and best" of the series while Rosie Huntington-Whiteley spoke briefly with Total Film about being cast in the movie.

On her character, Carly, Huntington-Whiteley tells us: "She's English and is working for the British embassy... I can't tell you more! That's all I can say for now!"

Huntington-Whiteley was cast as Sam's (Shia LaBeouf) new girlfriend after Megan Fox left her breakthrough franchise. "I went to the casting unaware they were looking for a new female lead", says Rosie. "We were told it was for a 'nemesis' role and I left thinking I was awful. The next day I was offered the lead! I met with Shia that evening and within three weeks I was on set shooting my first scenes..."