More Bethlehem Set Photos

As the below photos from TFW2005.com shows, preparations continue for the Monday's start date of shooting for Transformers II. The photos show some of the same signage as the previous photos but also the Chinese police car (Chevy Malibu) that the tipster said had arrived. Also can see additional Chinese signage (translations please) going up. Click images for larger size.

Hat tip to TWF2005 for the much improved watermark over last years.

Jazz Returning?

From TFW2005.com comes news that the Pontiac Solstice vehicle prop for Jazz has arrived in Bethlehem, PA. In addition the voice of Jazz, Darius McCrary is there to. This news contradicts Bay's own statements that "No Jazz is dead. We have way more cool robots to come." Of course that could have just been part of his disinformation campaign. Possible flashback perhaps?

Fox, Duhamel, and Turturro Back for TF II?

The Hollywood Reporter, discussing the casting of Rainn Wilson in Transformers 2, wrote "The sequel to last year's megahit about a race of automotive automatons smashing it out on Earth reteams director Michael Bay with returning stars Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson and John Turturro."

Interestingly enough this is the first time in print that Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel and John Turturro have been mentioned as returning to the film. There has been some doubt that the entire core cast may not return since Rachael Taylor and Anthony Anderson do not appear to be reprising their roles. Nor has Bay been bothered to verify even the casting of any the core cast.

Now this could be just an assumption from the Reporter, I doubt they called Bay's production company and verified the casting but they are probably correct even if only by accident. Shia LaBeouf is a lock. Have the dude so have to have the babe, so Fox is in. Tyrese has already verified the return of himself and Jon Voight. Since those two are back its natural that Josh is returning. Considering that Sector 7 was supposedly dissolved at the end of the first movie the return of John Turturro is a small surprise but more then likely he is will head of another TF related task force.

Any case this is mostly news for confirming what most of us already assumed, but it does leave the door open to speculate just how large (or small) a role each will play in the sequel.

Transformers to Blu-Ray, New DVDs on September 2nd

Paramount Home Entertainment has announced that Transformers will come to Blu-Ray on September 2nd, 2008. The current extra features list is the same as the DVD release only in HD but that could change by the release date.

Special Features
- Commentary: Commentary by Director Michael Bay
- Featurette: OUR WORLD:
- Featurette: The Story Sparks HD
- Featurette: Human Allies HD
- Featurette: I Fight Giant Robots HD
- Featurette: Battleground HD
- Featurette: THEIR WAR:
- Featurette: Rise of the Robots HD
- Featurette: Autobots Roll Out HD
- Featurette: Decepticons Strike HD
- Featurette: Inside the AllSpark HD
- Featurette: Transformers Tech Inspector (TBD) HD
- Trailers: TRAILERS (will play after the feature via a menu):
- Trailers: Iron Man Trailer HD
- Featurette: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE:
- Trailers: Transformers Teaser Trailer HD
- Trailers: Rise of the Autobots HD
- Other: Transformers H.U.D. (Heads Up Display)
- Other: BD-Live Features (TBD
- Featurette: From Script to Sand: The Skorponok Desert Attack HD
- Featurette: Concepts HD
- Trailers: Trailers HD:
- Trailers: Teaser Trailer 1 HD
- Trailers: Theatrical Trailer 2 HD
- Trailers: Theatrical Trailer 4 HD
- Easter Eggs: EASTER EGGS:
- Easter Eggs: Michael Bay Cameo HD
- Easter Eggs: Girl in Dress HD
- Easter Eggs: Bay Bot HD
- Easter Eggs: Casting Mojo HD

In addition, Paramount will re-release the one disc and two disc sets which will differ on only in packaging. They are calling it the "Transformers Bring Home A Hero Promo". The single disc will be an Optimus Prime mask and the 2-disc will be a Transforming packaging similar to the Optimus Prime one from last year only this time it will be Megatron. All three movie sets will come out on September 2nd, 2008.

Bethlehem, PA Flyer

Transformers II officially starts its production schedule on June 2 at Bethlehem Steel in Pennsylvania. From the Daily Dump blog, a flyer was sent out to local residents warning them of the noises and the like that will take place. It looks like the sequence will be a Bay certified action piece. The shoot will be from around 4PM to 7AM on June 2-4 and will include helicopters, pyrotechnics, guns, and squibs and other makes of much noise.

Click the image below for the larger size. I removed the phone numbers as the only people that should call is the local residents of Bethlehem.

Ironhide and New Motorcycle Enter PA

It appears the robot invasion of Pennsylvania has begun as "King Darkness" over at Side Show Collectors captured the below pictures of Iron Hide and a 3 wheeled motorcycle entering the state. The Optimus Prime rig is expected to arrive Tuesday. Could the motorcycle be the concept car for Bethlehem Steel? The vehicle also looks like it would make an excellent Arcee alt mode.

Rainn Wilson In Transformers 2

Rainn Wilson revealed to MTV during an interview for the MTV Movie Awards that he has been cast in the movie. He has a cameo role as a professor. I am guessing then a teacher of Shia's Spike character at whatever school he is attending. You may recognize Rainn for his role as Dwight Shrute in The Office TV series. The video can be seen here.

From Rainn: "I am going to be doing a role in Transformers 2. Isn't that crazy? Isn't that ridiculous. It’s just a tiny little, just a cameo. It will be fun. Uh, I play a college professor that turns into a robot and then turns into a car. I don't even know yet [what he will play]. I don't know. Some kind of professor thing. I haven't even read it."

There you, the Shrute in Transformers. It sounds similar to the high school teacher in the first so it shouldn't take away from the film and will likely add a nice humorous touch to the scene. Much better the plan to add a constant jokester in the form of Jonah Hill.

Bethlehem Steel Pre-Production Prep Pics and Info

From a source that wishes to remain un-identified comes the below pictures that show preparation to transform the site into part of a Chinese city. In addition to the pictures, the person provided some details about the shoot that will take place in the first week of June.

- The east side of the site is being re-developed so most of the shooting will take place on the west side.
- A new concept car (possible Transformer?) not used in the first movie will be used there
- Two Blackhawk helicopters will be used
- The area will be patrolled by the site security and Bethlehem City Police who will also and close streets for the shoot.
- Update: A car hauler was seen with 2 Saturns and 5 Chinese styled cop cars (unknown make and model) with Chinese lettering on them.
- Update 2: In addition to the below pics, more pics are available that show one of the Chinese police cars and additional signage.
- Update 3: Production pics now online showing more angles as prep for night shoot later that day.

For the pictures, some just show what the site looks like from a street level and how it might be useful to appear as a city. You can also see that Chinese word has been added to the top of one building (says "Exit/Entrance" or "Import/Export") and painted on the street ("Loading Dock") in another. Click the images for larger version.


The photos have not been watermarked as the freeware I found just distorts them so if other sites use them please reference this site as the source.

Thank you for the information and pictures!

UPDATE: Thanks to Bryan and other site readers for the translation of the signs.

Washington DC Open Casting Call

Heery Casting has announced a casting call for the Washington DC area for SAG members and non members to work as background for a museum scene in early June.

The details:

Heery Casting is looking for SAG background talent adults and SAG or NON-UNION children for the new Dreamworks feature film, Transformers 2, directed by Michael Bay.

Needed are SAG background men and women age 7-65, and SAG or Non-UNION boys and girls, ages 7-18, all ethnicities, for a scene set in a museum in Washington DC. Shooting will take place in the beginning of June 2008.

If interested and available, please e-mail a picture/resume to Tr2washington@gmail.com

Be sure to include all contact information and SAG number (if any).

No Phone calls please

(source)

Philadelphia Open Casting Call For TF II

Leery Casting strikes again, this time with an annoucement for an open casting (ie for SAG and non SAG members) for men and woman of all ages on May 31, at Bullies bar from 10 to 3pm.

The details:

TRANSFORMERS 2 OPEN CALL
Heery Casting is having an OPEN CALL for background talent for the new Dreamworks feature film, “Transformers 2”, directed by Michael Bay.

Needed are union and Non-Union background men and women, ages 18-70, all ethnicities, for scenes set in Philadelphia PA, and Princeton NJ. Shooting will take place in June 2008.

The open call will be held on Saturday, May 31 at “BULLIES” bar at the SPECTRUM in South Philadelphia (at 3600 S. Broad St. Phila PA 19148) Enter parking from the Broad St. gate only- mention “Transformers casting” for free parking)
Enter “BULLIES” from the exterior entrance, on the South side of the Spectrum.

Casting professionals will be seeing:
SAG actors from 10AM- 11AM (please bring your union card for admission)
Non-union men and women from 11AM to 3PM

College age men and women are especially needed. No acting experience necessary; both SAG and non-union talent will be considered. All roles are paid positions. Please bring a snapshot.

For more information, please go to: www.heerycasting.com

NO phone calls please.

(source)

Two Transformers Casting Calls

Transformers II production has apparently sent out casting calls for work on the movie in Pennsylvania. The first may be fake and the other is not.

The first one from MovieHole is asking for a "Very Attractive Female Actor Under 30 Years Old" who has "extensive experience/training riding motorcyles." Sadly that call has no contact information, location, or other needed details which tells me it’s probably not real. If it is real, Shane (person who sent me the link, thanks) made an excellent observation that this person could be the hologram model for Arcee (rumored but unconfirmed to be in the movie).

The second casting call from Heery Casting is for SAG members only to join as background talent. The SAG call suggests that some acting may be required such as running in panic from robots or something. Definitely more then the typical background scenery of chatting or walking through a scene unnoticed. Thanks to Scott for the link. The call:

TRANSFORMERS 2 in Philadelphia!
We are looking for SAG background talent for the new Dreamworks feature film, "Transformers 2", directed by Michael Bay.

Needed are SAG background men and women, ages 18-65, all ethnicities, for scenes to shoot in the Philadelphia, PA and Princeton, NJ areas. Shooting will take place in June 2008.

We especially need college-age talent for this project.

If interested and available, please e-mail a picture/resume to Tr2philadelphia@gmail.com

If your headshot is older than one year, do NOT send it. Instead, send a recent snapshot - that has you alone in the picture – a close-up is preferred (no party pictures holding a beer…)
Your picture must be attached as a ".jpeg” file.
Be sure to include all contact information, height and weight and SAG number in the body of the e-mail. Put "SAG" in the subject line.

We will be announcing an open call for NON-UNION talent soon- stay tuned!

No Phone calls please.

Good luck to all that try-out.

Soundwave: True Hollywood Story

Funny vid that shows a depressed Soundwave after being rejected from Transformers made in the format of True Hollywood Stories. The mighty has fallen. Thanks to Gabe Uhr (also in the video) for the link.
Soundwave: Re-touched

Optimus Prime from Car Parts

If you have about $5000 you can go to Robot-Models.com and order their hand-made and pretty darn detailed statue of the movie version of Optimus Prime made from old car parts. The figure is 87 inches tall and weights 485 pounds. There are also other small and cheaper models on sale at the site based on Transformers. (source)

Reign of Starscream First Issue

IDW has released the first issue of a new comic mini-series called "The Reign of Starscream" that takes place as bridge between the first movie and the second. At least they hope so since the comics writers haven't seen the movie script. The mini-series follow "Lord Starscream" from the moment the Allspark left Cybertron through to his post movie plans to gain absolute control of the Decepticons, Earth and Cybertron.

Thanks to Steven for the link, I was able to read the first issue and found it pretty darn good. That issue can be found here and requires the install of a CBR reader such as CDisplay (or can rename the file to .rar and just unpack the individual images. Any case, based on the first issue I will have to hit up my local comic book store for the rest when they come out each month.

Transformers 2 Filming At Steel Site

The Morning Call has posted the nice picture that shows the site that Transformers 2 will be filming at in Bethlehem, PA and the location that the recent casting call is for.

From the article:

...the filmmakers transform it into a fictional Chinese city populated by people from the Lehigh Valley.

''This is not Bethlehem or the Valley's first experience with filmmaking, but this is a whole other level,'' Mayor John Callahan said Thursday of the project, a DreamWorks production directed by Michael Bay.

The movie crew will film in Bethlehem during the first week of June and will use the blast furnaces as the scene's backdrop, Callahan said. ''It's going to bring a tremendous amount of excitement to the city,'' especially for any locals who nab walk-on roles, he added.

According to an announcement from Heery Casting of Philadelphia, the filmmakers hope to cast local ''Asian men and women, boys and girls, ages 7 [to] 65'' as paid extras in the movie. In particular, the crew hopes to recruit extras of Asian descent who have military backgrounds.

Callahan said he hasn't seen the ''Transformers 2'' script, but he's been assured this will be ''an important scene for this movie.''

The first public confirmation of the June filming came from Diane Heery of Heery Casting, who contacted The Morning Call to publicize the casting call for Asian extras. The company's Web site also posted the announcement Wednesday.

Ethnically, Bethlehem makes a strange stand-in for China. Of the city's population of 72,500, only about 2.5 percent is Asian, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Across Lehigh and Northampton counties, the percentage is about 2.4.

The percentage of local residents who can pass for Chinese is probably even smaller, because the Census classification of ''Asian'' includes Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans and others from all over the continent.

The Bethlehem Steel site was what drew Bay's crew, Callahan said. The Greater Philadelphia Film Office recommended it as a unique place to film, and when the crew came to visit, ''they quickly fell in love with the site,'' Callahan said.

Orci: Soundwave in Transformers II

IGN is reporting that Roberto Orci, one of the writers on Transformers 2, has verified that fan favorite Soundwave will be in the movie. Orci remained mum on details such as what form he will take, the role in the story, and whether Ravage (rather then asking about Laserbeak for some reason) will show up.

From the interview:

Q: What's the status of Transformers 2?
ORCI: That starts shooting in three weeks.

Q: What do you want to do that builds from the first one?
ORCI: We want to follow some of our lead characters which we thought were so successful. Shia's character; where is he two years later? His girlfriend, where is she two years later? But for fans, I guess I'll address this more for the fans, because I think if you didn't know Transformers at all and you came in and you liked the first movie, you'll like the second one. However, some of the die hard fans, which we were a member of that group, felt, well, maybe it's a little light. Maybe it wasn't science fictiony enough. And I think the second one will deliver on a true Transformers story. You know, the first one, we had a limited budget for what it was. Every second of Transformer time is a million dollars or whatever the heck it is, so this time, because we were able to prove through the whole thing that it's a viable live-action movie, we have a little more freedom this time to actually learn about the Transformers, see them, hear them. It's a better balance between the humans and the Transformers.

Q: Is there one particular Transformer, good or bad, that you absolutely had to get into the sequel?
ORCI: Yes.

Q: You're not gonna tell us.
ORCI: I'll tell you. We had to get Soundwave in there.

Q: Nice. Where Soundwave goes, will Ravage follow?
ORCI: Perhaps! Who's Ravage? ... I'm kidding! You know, we had Ravage in an early draft of the first movie and Soundwave, and we couldn't do it right and I think this time hopefully we'll have the ability to do it.

Tyrese, Voight Confirmed for Sequel

In an interview with Chud, Tyrese Gibson confirmed that he and Jon Voight would be returning for Transformers 2. He also said he is up for the BA Baracus role in The A-Team.

'I just talked to Shia a second ago, and left John Voight a message 15 minutes ago,' he said, inadvertently letting slip that Voight's Secretary of Defense character returns for the sequel.

'Michael Bay is going to up the ante on round two and raise the level. I can't go into any details , but it's going to be some real one of a kind things in this movie that no one has seen visually in their life. Michael Bay is really fired up to try and outdo what he did on the first round.'

That brings the known cast total to four - Shia, Tyrese, Voight, and Isabel Lucas. However, I don't think it’s a stretch to assume that Megan Fox and Josh Duhamel are returning.

TFII Calling All Asians for a Casting Call

Transformers II production has sent out a casting call for Asian talent to film in the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania area starting in June.

The details from Heery Casting:

We are looking for Asian talent for the new Dreamworks feature film, "Transformers 2", directed by Michael Bay.

Needed are Asian men and women, boys and girls, ages 7-65, for a scene set in a fictional Chinese city. Shooting will take place in the Bethlehem PA area, in the beginning of June 2008.

No acting experience necessary; both SAG and non-union talent will be considered. All roles are paid positions.

In addition to "real" people, we are also looking for any Asian talent with a military background.

If interested and available, please e-mail a picture to: Tr2bethlehem@gmail.com

Be sure to include all contact information, union status (if any) and state military experience, if any.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
May 14 2008

A fictional Chinese city in Bethlehem? Interesting. This also seems to indicate that the June 2nd production will probably start at or near the city. (source)

Transformers II In Jordan

The Jordanian Royal Film Commission has announced that it has inked a deal with Paramount-Dreamworks to film Transformers 2 in the country of Jordan which borders Israel. Also it has worked out a deal for the A-Team to film there as well through Fox. The when, where, and what will be filmed was not released. Does this mean another desert and Scorponok sequence? (source)

Isabel Lucas Confirmed for Transformers 2

Michael Bay has confirmed, via his forums, that the rumored casting of Isabel Lucas is true.

Hey, I went to work today thinking I was four weeks away from shooting and by 11:30 I found out I'm just three weeks away. SHIT! How time fly's.
Isabel - no Steven did not pick her - it just makes a good sound bite for press. Yes, I did give her the part. - True story.
Michael

Straight from Bay, so the first official new edition to the cast has been confirmed. I guess the lovely blonde Australian is the heir apparent to Rachael Taylor is will not be in the movie. Her role, Alice, remains undefined. (source)

Transformers 2 in 3-D

From TFW2005, a press release at ShoWest was spotted that says that Transformers II will be released in 3-D. The movie is listed with 8 other movies with apparent 3-D plans including James Cameron's Avatar, Ice Age 3, and Tintin.

If true this would make for an interesting movie experience. I just hope Bay can execute it in a way that seems natural rather then forced. In other words, situations where you show things going at the audience in ways they normally wouldn't or angles that do nothing for the story but exist simply to jolt the audience. I would prefer it be a natural addition to the filming of the movie.

Beyond just 3-D, I wouldn't mind knowing if IMAX is in the works. Hopefully Bay will comment at some point and clear up any 3-D and IMAX plans for the sequel.

Rachael Taylor Out of TFII

With production on Transformers II starting in about three weeks, Rachael Taylor confirmed that she will not be reprising her role for the sequel in an interview with MovieHole.

"I wasn't contracted for a sequel anyway, but I also think it would be pretty ridiculous for my character just to show up and say 'We've got some more computers to play with!'.

More importantly, I don't think I'd wanna do it to be honest, and not for any particular reason other than the fact that I've done it. I'm just drawn to doing different things. It was the same when I went to the U.S, I didn't want to do TV, because I'd done it. I want to be able to mix it up all the time."

I guess this might explain why the rumors that Bay is casting about for a new hot blonde Australian.

Bay: No Hill, Palmer

Michael Bay peaked out from his Transformers 2 prep and posted on his blog:

No we have stopped negotiating with Jonah, and Teresa Palmer was not considered for a role - you have wrong info.
M

I suspect that Jonah Hill being in the movie will continue right up to the release date but I think between the EW article, Bonaventura, and now Bay we can all breath a sigh of relief that that bullet has been dodged. As for Teresa Palmer, that is based on the rumor that started based on a post from her talent agency. I am betting there are some red faces around that office. That leaves Isabel Lucas in the casting rumor list. On a side note, isn't it time to have a teaser trailer rumor get started? It would be great to have a teaser come out July 4th weekend.

Bonaventura: No Aircraft Carrier

MTV recently interviewed Transformers 2 Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura. He confirmed that Jonah Hill will not be in the movie (yea!) but that "ultimately, we'll have a couple of casting surprises for everybody soon." He also confirmed that shooting starts June 2nd with shooting in Philadelphia and Bethlehem.

Finally, he shot down the long standing rumors of a transforming aircraft carrier.
“A transforming aircraft carrier?” Bonaventura repeated, denying its existence. “We saw a Japanese film that had something like that, so maybe that’s where that comes from.”

“We never really talked about that, practically speaking,” he said of the character who might or might not have been known as Broadside, and who Bay has said was simply too expensive to create. “There was some Japanese animated movie we saw where that occurred, and we were like ‘Wow! Look at that thing!’”

So to sum, no Jonah Hill, no transforming aircraft carrier, shooting starts next month.

Reign of Starscream Interview

ToyCyte has up an exclusive interview with writer Chris Mowry and IDW EIC Chris Ryall where they discuss the comic book series Reign of Starscream. The series takes place after the end of the movie and chronicles the activities of Starscream after he flew off into space. The goal is to have it provide continuity with the sequel but sadly they have not seen the script for Transformers II.

The full interview, which includes additional information about the comic book and character appearances can be found here.

Jonah Hill Out of Transformers

According to Entertainment Weekly, the rumor that Jonah Hill was going to be in Transformers 2 is no defunct as talks between the studio and him have broken down.

Transformers 2 negotiations between Jonah Hill and DreamWorks have broken down, and the Superbad star is no longer expected play a sidekick to Shia LaBeouf in the upcoming sequel from director Michael Bay.

Word is that he will appear in a cameo role in Ben Stiller's Night at the Museum 2 for director Shawn Levy.

Personally I am relieved by the news. I want to see robot action, not some frizzy head fat guy continue his one joke act of flirting with one of the male leads. He can have fun hitting on Ben Stiller in Museum 2 to his hearts content.

Isabel Lucas in Transformers 2?

According to Isabel Lucas' talent agency, she has been cast in Transformers 2 as "Alice". This role is not part of the possible character breakdown released a few weeks ago. The lovely blond 23 year old has worked for the last few years in Australia but will make her US debut in the movie "Daybreakers" later this year.

The Meissner Management site simply states:

ISABEL LUCAS
NEW
Feature Film “TRANSFORMERS 2” DreamWorks US Production.
Role of ALICE.

According to her IMDB profile she is from Melbourne, Australia. Interesting considering that Rachael Taylor and the rumored casting of Teresa Palmer are also from there. Maybe Bay just likes the accent. Any case it remains a rumor and besides just because the character has a name doesn't mean it’s a major character in the movie.

Transformers MTV Movie Award Nominations

MTV has announced its nominations for the MTV Movie Awards which will air live from Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA on Sunday, June 1st at 8:00PM EST. The event will be hosted by Mike Myers.

The full list of nominations can be found here, but the categories that Transformers was nominated in are:

BEST MOVIE
- Juno (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
- Transformers (DreamWorks SKG/Paramount Pictures)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (Walt Disney Pictures)
- I Am Legend (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Superbad (Sony Pictures)
- National Treasure: Book of Secrets (Walt Disney Pictures)

BEST MALE PERFORMANCE
- Will Smith - I Am Legend (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Shia LaBeouf - Transformers (DreamWorks SKG/Paramount Pictures)
- Denzel Washington - American Gangster (Universal Pictures)
- Matt Damon - The Bourne Ultimatum (Universal Pictures)
- Michael Cera - Juno (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE
- Zac Efron - Hairspray (New Line Cinema)
- Seth Rogen - Knocked Up (Universal Pictures)
- Jonah Hill - Superbad (Sony Pictures)
- Michael Cera - Superbad (Sony Pictures)
- Chris Brown - This Christmas (Screen Gems)
- Nikki Blonsky - Hairspray (New Line Cinema)
- Megan Fox - Transformers (DreamWorks SKG/Paramount Pictures)
- Christopher Mintz-Plasse - Superbad (Sony Pictures)

Sadly the Optimus Prime vs. Megatron fight or Optimus Prime vs. Bonecrusher fights didn't get nominated which seems almost criminal considering the nominees in that category:

BEST FIGHT
- Matt Damon vs. Joey Ansah - The Bourne Ultimatum (Universal Pictures)
- Tobey Maguire vs. James Franco - Spider-Man 3 (Sony Pictures)
- Hayden Christensen vs. Jamie Bell - Jumper (20th Century Fox)
- Sean Faris vs. Cam Gigandet - Never Back Down (Summit Entertainment, LLC)
- Chris Tucker & Jackie Chan vs. Sun Ming Ming - Rush Hour 3 (New Line Cinema)
- Alien vs. Predator- Aliens vs. Predator - Requiem (20th Century Fox)

The awards are based on popular vote so be sure to vote here.

Transformers on Cinemax

From TFW2005 boards comes news that Transformers will appear on Cinemax starting 5/10 at 10PM. If history holds, it will be played often and eventually move to HBO in a 3 or so months.

Transformers 2 At UPENN?

According to SlashFilm, Transformers 2 could be shooting at the University of Pennsylvania sometime during the summer. From the article:

I’ve been reading for a couple months and love the site. Not sure if this is newsworthy but you can decide. I’m a student at the University of Pennsylvania and a few of my friends involved in student government told me that Transformers 2 will be shooting on campus in one of the nicer fraternities this summer. Im guessing these scenes will involve Shia/Jonah at college. Michael Bay was also seen on campus a few weeks back, so I guess that sort of confirms that the film will be partially shot here. Thought you might like to know.

It makes since considering Bay has already confirmed that Pennsylvania will be used for some of the film. Also the Spike character is rumored to be going to college (supposedly Princeton) with a roommate (rumored to be Jonah Hill) who gets involved in his Transformers related adventures.

Teresa Palmer In Transformers?

Another day, another casting rumor. Instead of Jonah Hill its Australia's Teresa Palmer. The rumor from the Latino Review is that she has been cast in Transformers II. The role isn't specified though. She was previously rumored to be cast as Talia Al Ghul in the planned Justice League movie but that project has been so plague ridden that no one is even sure if its going to be made or not. Seems strange to me to cast a beautiful blond Australian for the sequel when Bay already has beautiful blond Australian Rachael Taylor from the first movie. As always this is just rumor until officially confirmed or denied.

Jonah Hill in Transformers 2?

According to Entertainment Weekly, Jonah Hill may be cast in Transformers II:

Jonah Hill is in early negotiations to costar opposite Shia LaBeouf in Transformers 2 for DreamWorks and Paramount. Hill (Superbad, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) will provide the comic relief as a sidekick to Shia's Sam Witwicky. (A source tells EW.com that he'll play Sam's college roommate, but DreamWorks won't confirm.) The sequel is set to begin shooting this summer.

I really hope they have this wrong. Jonah Hill has no real skills with his "comedy" in every single movie limited to a one note performance of the insecure gay guy (who doesn't think he is gay) that poorly hits on one of the movie's leads. They should just bring back Anthony Anderson if they want a funny fat guy. At least he has the skills to add variety and depth when needed. Besides, Shia has proven his comedy chops. I just don't see Hill adding anything that Shia couldn't do himself (unless the role is a fat gay guy that is hitting on Shia the entire movie).

I am hoping this is one of Bay's misdirection’s but considering how the studios use EW as part of their advertising campaign I don't see them willing to trick "mainstream media" publications. Any case if they are hiring him because he is "hot" at the moment, please don't. The movie doesn't need it, he isn't going to fill seats, the CGI and story will. Despite media claims to the contrary its not the cast that got people to see the first movie but the over the top special effects and that isn't going to change with the second one.

Transformers II Recruiting Air Force Personnel

According to the Air Force Times, the production company for Transformers II is seeking Air Force airmen as extras for the movie. Those that volunteer have to be available for projected dates during the summer and must take leave.

The full article and details:

Want to have a role in the next “Transformers” movie?

The Air Force is looking for airmen to appear as extras this summer in the sequel to 2007’s “Transformers.”

The production company wants to use service members as much as possible and is forming two teams.

Projected dates for the Shanghai Team are June 2-4 and July 22-25. Projected dates for the Forrest Team are June 16-17, June 23, Aug. 22 and Sept. 15-16. Volunteers must be available for all the dates the team is scheduled to shoot.

Military volunteers must take leave, fill out an off-duty employment form and provide two head-and-shoulders photos of front and side views, according to Senior Master Sgt. Vincent Aragona, an Air Force liaison for the movie. Additionally, volunteers need to be familiar with weapons and ground combat operations.

While airmen anywhere can apply, Aragona said airmen who live outside the Los Angeles area will have to provide their own transportation to Southern California and lodging there. Once filming starts, lodging, meals and transportation to movie sites outside of Los Angeles will be provided by the production company.

E-mail contact information, photos and team preference to: Vincent.aragona@afnews.af.mil and Vincent.aragona@losangeles.af.mil. For more information, call Senior Master Sgt Vincent Aragona at (310) 235-7532.

Portions of the first “Transformers” were filmed at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., and Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The movie featured real and computer-generated F-22A Raptors, MH-53 Pave Lows and CV-22 Ospreys.

FHM: Megan Fox Sexiest Woman in the World

After an internet voting count of 9 million + votes, FHM has declared Transformer's Megan Fox the sexiest woman in the world. Last year she was number 65 in FHM's annual ranking of famous females. I wonder what the trophy looks look for winning. Congrats I guess. I don't think the "victory" is a career boon but I guess it doesn't hurt either. The full list of 100 is here.

Bay: "Everything...Is False"

Michael Bay posted on his forum yesterday replying to a thread discussing Transformers auditions with:

Sorry everyone, everything you are reading (other then we are shooting in Philly) is false. We are going to give so much disinformation on this film to confuse everyone
Michael

Overall, there isn't that much information out there to claim as real or otherwise. There is the character breakdowns, the audition that gives names to some of those characters, report of Devastator, casting rumors, filming locations, and that a draft of the film has been completed.

Of those, I would say the filming location rumors, script and a few of those character breakdowns are probably accurate. The location because tricking the fans is one thing, tricking local governments is another. The script rumor is true because filming is starting soon; they have to have knocked out at least one draft by now. The character breakdowns theory is just a guess but nothing like dosing a lie with a bit of truth to get people to buy it. Overall, much like the last film, the best defense is to simply deny deny deny. Really Bay and co. do not have to do anything but deny and feed the doubts that rumors sites (such as this one) deal with regularly.

Really all this does is remind readers that rumors always remain rumors until confirmed directly from someone associated with the film or until it premieres. Until then the speculation is fun and shall continue unabated.

Transfomers II First Draft Completed

Over the weekend Creation Entertainment held the 16th Annual Grand Slam: The Sci-Fi Summit in Burbank, CA. The event covered various Sci-Fi events and included participation from Transformers II and Star Trek XI writer Roberto Orci. During Orci's question and answer session he said Alex Kurtzman, Ehren Kruger and himself where released from "Michael Bay jail" (a Pacific Coast luxury hotel) on Friday after completing the first draft of Transformers II. He also indicated that a Transformers reference would occur in next year's Star Trek movie. Production of the film is expected to start in June. I wonder if that means more time in "jail" or if the re-write duties are now passed on the Kruger.

Transformers Shooting in Bethlehem, PA

Philly.com is reporting that Transformers will take a swing through Bethlehem, PA in addition to Philadelphia. "Neat twist surrounding the action movie Transformers 2, whose production will be based in Philly for the better part of June. I hear that director Michael Bay and crew also will shoot in Bethlehem, Pa., which will double as a city in the Far East." I wonder what Far East city they are doubling as and for what story purpose. (source)

USB All Spark Hub Coming August

Forbidden Planet (in the United Kingdom) is offering the All Spark cube from Transformers that doubles as a 4 port USB hub and includes phrases related to the cube such as "We must protect the All Spark cube". No mention if the lines are actual bits from the movie but I have my doubts. Overall it doesn't look back. The hub is expected to arrive August 29th, 2008 and costs 17.99 pounds and can be pre-ordered here. Just be careful of international shipping costs as they can be expensive.

Megan Fox Topless In Next Movie?

According to Dark Horizons, Transformers star Megan Fox may appear topless in "Jennifer's Body" which was written by Juno scribe Diablo Cody. "Reitman confirmed on Howard Stern yesterday that Fox ("Transformers") will be appearing topless in a scene in which she has lured a guy into the woods with her. She'll be wearing a skirt and apparently her hair will cover some parts." I read that to mean that she will be covering her goody bits with her hair so the sexuality is there without the peek-a-boo.

While this isn't Transformers II news, I figure the myriad of Megan Fox fans would be delighted by the news.

Update: The above has been verified with pictures that show Megan Fox in nothing but pasties and bathing suit bottom. Absolutely gorgeous and the pics are not work safe.

Transformers II Confirmed for Philly

The Greater Philadelphia Film Office has confirmed the rumors, via KYW radio, that Transformers II will film in the city. '"Dream of the Romans" has been shooting. 'Tenure", "Happy Tears", and "Marly and Me" are upcoming as is Transformers II. But won't giant robots wreck the place???? "Ha, ha. Let's just say the destruction part is going to be digitally enhanced."' (source)

Fan Made Transformers II Artwork

Below are fan made artwork depicting a few G1 Transformers in the movie style. A few are pretty darn good ideas for the movie. The pics and few more can be found here. Just a reminder, these are fan made, to my knowledge none of these have anything to do with the current Transformers pre-production designs. I just like it so decided to share. (source)

Canned Optimus Prime

Classic Optimus Prime made up of cans. Not sure its purpose or why but found it amusing.

Devastator in Transformers II?

IESB.net is reporting rumors of some of the cast will be for Transformers II. Their source of the information is unknown and much like with the previous movie, few rumors will be confirmed until the movie is out but generally speaking IESB gets it right more often then not.

Devastator returns to the big screen, not as a single Transformer but the gestalt that is the result of the Constructicons merging. Originally there where 6 Constructicons (Scrapper, Bonecrusher, Scavenger, Mixmaster, Hook, and Long Haul) but that may no longer be the case. It wouldn't surprise me if the merge is done with the more traditional five.

Sadly that is the only Transformer cast rumor they have but below is the breakdown of the possible human additions to the movie.

[CHUCK] 19-25 yrs., Sam's roommate at Princeton. He runs a conspiracy theory website. Funny in an irreverent, edgy way, he is shocked to see his conspiracy theories come to life. (2nd Lead)

[U.S. MILITARY LEADER] Late 20s/early 30s, African American with a great sense of humor and a tough military presence. (Supporting lead)

[UK SPECIAL FORCES LEADER] British, in his early to mid 30s, smart and capable. Can be Caucasian, Black, East Indian. (Supporting lead)

[GALLOWAY] Early 40s-early 50s, male, National Security Advisor and presidential liaison. A curt man who is tightly wound. (Supporting Lead)

[PROFESSOR COLAN] 40s, Sam's physics professor at Princeton. He's a self-satisfied intellectual who compares himself to Einstein, and is arrogant enough to wear leather pants to look cool. (1 Scene)

[THERESA] Early 30s; she's Sgt. Epps' wife, has 4 kids, sassy and sexy, good with comedy. Submit African American actresses only

[MOMMA SIMMONS] This NY Momma is in her late 60s / early 70s. She runs a deli/ butcher shop with her son in Brooklyn. Tough and sarcastic. (1 Scene)

[MASSIVE DYNAMICS CEO] 50s, male, this Corporate CEO appears in front of congress to testify. (1 speech/scene)

[TEXAS CONGRESSMAN] 55-65 yrs., on a Congressional Committee investigating the purpose of the "Automated Defensive Initiative" developed by Massive Dynamics.

[FBI DIRECTOR] Mid 50s, male, giving a press release assuring the public they will be safe against attacks. (1 speech/scene)

[CNN REPORTER] Reporting on missile strikes and bombings in various cities. Submit male / female, all ethnicities (1 speech)

Assuming the cast news is true, some speculation on the movie itself. It appears that Sam goes to Princeton. I hope his new government friends used some connections because Sam didn't strike me as focused enough to land an Ivy League school. He was more of the kid that had the brains but lacked the extreme level of dedication it would require. A state university with girls, parties and Mikaela being accepted would be more realistic. Much like the government was hiding secrets with the last movie, apparently it’s a company called "Massive Dynamics" in this one who is working on a project called the "Automated Defensive Initiative" (ADI) which could be how Devastator is built. A CNN reporter for bombings in various cities indicates a greater scope to the movie in impact, possible result of a Decepticon attack to gain control of the ADI? Looks like those that like Tyrese will get to know more about him since they plan on showing some of his family life. Also there is a liaison to the president; I can't help but wonder if Jon Voight's returns as President. Finally it appears the action may movie from LA to New York based on some of the casting notes.

So there you go, some excellent news for most Transformers fans assuming its true but as always this is all rumor and lots of speculation but that is part of the fun.

Update: Here is a fan made Devastator trailer, details here.

More Transformers In The Wild

Much like Barricade (in Culver City, CA), more of the Transformers vehicles have been spotted. This time Optimus Prime was seen on the 405 Freeway in LA. Also, Ironhide and Ratchet where spotted, in LA but not 100% on that. Where they are going is anyone guess but it is a clear sign that Bay is going to meet his production start date (I think June 2nd). Thanks to Maximus for the information.

Transformers II In Sedona, Arizona

According to the Sedona Film Office, Transformers II will set up shop at some unknown date and unknown scenes in the city. The article highlights new incentives to promote shooting in the film, something a budget conscious director like Bay probably is well aware of.

"The Sedona Film Office continues to attract local production throughout the winter season. Production inquiries include an HGTV special, an American Ball Sports commercial, a yoga video, a Cosmopolitan fashion shoot, a pharmaceutical and Claritin commercial, a music video, an ATV commercial and industrial, independent feature “The Devil’s Bridge”, a corporate video, Paramount Pictures new “Star Trek” feature, Universal Pictures movie “Land of the Lost” starring Will Ferrell, and Michael Bay sequel “Transformers II”." (source)

Natassia Malthe Cast in Transformers 2?

According to a post on the Don Murphy boards, actress Natassia Malthe might have been cast in Transformers II. No details revealed, apparently just an item in a newspaper. Take it as rumor for now until further confirmation comes out. She is a looker though and could give Megan Fox a run for her money (or replace her if salary demands are too high). (source)