Leadfoot in Transformers 4; More Adrian, MI Pics

On Instagram becker1241 has posted a picture of the Leadfoot vehicle from Transformers: Dark of the Moon along with the "new" Bumblebee vehicle. Is the character in Transformers 4? Are the other Wreckers going to show up and what other previous movies TF characters might pop-up? No telling the plan but does make sense that the three previously introduced race car Autobots would show up in a movie with a race car driving character involved in a "chase from hell." Also to go along with yesterday's pics, below are a few choice new pics from Adrian, Michigan shoot along M-52. The rest can be found here and here. Thanks to Sam Nickelson for the link.

Transformers 4 in Adrian, Michigan Videos, Pics

Today Transformers 4 production was filming in Adrian, Michigan. I have not seen any mention of the actors being seen on set but Transformers vehicles were including the new Optimus Prime truck, Hound and the just introduced 2014 Argosy. As the videos below from thelifeofyourtime show, it seems that Prime might be under attack (from the air?) as he goes racing down the road with explosions going off around him as the Argosy about half a mile back. Last video shows a car hitting another one but not enough detail to identify the vehicles involved. Below are a few more images that Sam Nickelson found on Instagram or you can hit his TFW2005 thread for all of them by clicking here.

Transformers 4 Seeking Extras for "Hong Kong" Location

ABC WZZM is reporting that Transformers 4 is seeking Asian-American adults for Transformers 4. The reason for specifics on ethnicity is because the production is filming scenes that will be used as Hong Kong, China and later combined with actual footage from the city . To apply head to RealStyleOnline.com. No specifics on what days or exact location. The article says Grand Rapids, Michigan but can't help but wonder if that set going up might be part of it. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

Highway Ramp Not for Transformers 4

It looks like it might be an interesting time for movie fans in Detroit as it turns out that two car chase related movies are filming in the city. Joining Transformers 4 is the filming of Need for Speed. The result is the expected confusion on what location being used for which movie since do not have much info tell the two apart in the early prep stages. In this case, it turns out the ramp being built near I-375 on Jefferson Ave is not for TF4 but for Need for Speed. This is based on signs placed in the area reporting the weekend closure for the movie.

Since Transformers 4 is filming on Michigan 52 in Fairfield Township. While its possible for a movie to film in multiple locations with their 2nd (or more) units, I get the impression that Michael Bay prefers to direct stunts himself. In addition the camera vehicles photographed the other day are also for Need for Speed. Looking at the movie's On the Set video, they are driving exactly the kind of cars you expect to find in TF4. Thanks to J1000 for the info and pic.

New Truck Added to Transformers 4 Vehicle Cast

MichaelBay.com has posted another image of a new Transformers 4 vehicle join the already large vehicle cast.

"The adventure continues to transform with a very different offering from Daimler Trucks North America . . . the imposing 2014 Argosy cab-over truck by Freightliner. High Resolution photo: http://bayhem.com/1akzqZb."

Considering the various vehicles we have seen up to this point I can't help but think of the Stunticon leader Motormaster.

Transformers 4 Filming Hit by Bad Weather

It seems that despite a lot of advance planning, nothing much could be done about mother nature. CBS Detroit is reporting that filming on Michigan 52 Lenawee County’s Fairfield Township has been cancelled since Tuesday due to storms. The permit to close 2 miles of the road ends Saturday so the production has Friday and some of Saturday to try and get as much as they can. A day isn't much but some creative tinkering, dropping, or shrinking the scene might allow them to get the footage they need. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

Transformers Prime 3.09 Evolution Promo and Clip

Friday starts the final new episodes of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters to The Hub at 7:30PM EST. This episode, called Evolution, is described as "When the Predacon reveals a secret of its own, Megatron begins to question the results of Project Predacon. Meanwhile, the Autobots attempt to prevent the hatching of an army of new beasts, which would threaten the existence of the human race." Promo & clip for episode is below.

Upcoming Episodes:
07/05 - Minus One (3.10) - Soundwave is captured by the Autobots; Megatron revives an old plan.
07/12 - Persuasion (3.11) - Megatron appeals to Ratchet; Optimus takes on the Predacon.
07/19 - Synthesis (3.12) - Autobots attempt to rescue one of their own by tracking a Decepticon warship.

Transformers 4 China Set Update, New Vehicles Spotted

Transformers 4 production has moved to Detroit, Michigan with videos and images of cars being spotted on set or on their way to the set. In addition, thanks to Jerry B. we have an update on the China set being built in the city which does appear to have battle damage elements built into it (left pic and below right). He also took pictures of camera equipment prep being done with filming vehicles on Cass and LaFayette streets (1st 3 pics below). He said these were the same vehicles they used in TF3 for filming so unlikely they are Transformer alt modes.

New Transformers 4 Alt Mode Introduced

MichaelBay.com has introduced another new, gorgeous and ultra expensive car that will be used in Transformers 4, "Considered a masterpiece of design and engineering, this fierce, 2013 blood red Pagani Huayra, is named after an ancient Andean God of Wind. High resolution photo: http://bayhem.com/15BERvQ" The image in the post has been modifed by Jeffrey Marshall of Pixel Rally to lose the distracting vertical-line pattern and focus on the vehicle itself. Also thanks to Wynton R. for the heads-up.

Linkfest - Catching Up (Updated)

With all the Transformers 4 movie news, I allowed the toy related links to stack up so this is my attempt to clear them out. Also trying out a new format to see if it is easier to read and use. Let me know what you think. As for what the links cover, we have the usual 3rd party lineup that includes lots of combiners, a look at Beast Hunters Abominus, more Generations toys with more images of IDW wave, Metroplex and possible re-release of Grimlock that never seemed to make it to toy shelves in the states. A new and expensive book is coming at the end of the year that might actually explain the 13 Primes was mentioned in Revenge of the Fallen and teased for the comic books before going nowhere.  The Masterpiece line continues with a look at the Hasbro Soundwave and upcoming new figures.  Last week the Tokyo Toy Show was held and it showed off most of the various toys covered in these links including the Super GT line (Alternity repaints), teased the Transformers Go (Takara name for Beast Hunters line) cartoon DVD that focuses on their Samurai combiner team. And last but not least is reviews including not The Fallen, not Sixshot and many Beast Hunters and Generations figures. Update: Added a video review of Generations Titan class Metroplex at the bottom of the post.

Titus Welliver Joins Transformers 4 Cast?

A new image indicates that television mainstay Titus Welliver has been cast in Transformers 4 for some unknown role. The picture was taken recently at the Lockhart, Texas set by by Nicole_4_Eva. The actor probably looks familiar as it seems every drama on TV is required to hire him for at least one episode but he did enjoy longer stays on shows like The Good Wife and Sons of Anarchy. The actor was on set for scenes with Jack Reynor and Mark Wahlberg so the role has something to do with them but who knows what. While is a great actor with range, TV shows tend to have him play variations of a bad guy, be it actual or some bureaucratic obstacle.

Josh Duhamel Not In Transformers 4

Josh Duhamel has made it official. He will not be in Transformers 4, not even in a cameo role. He tweeted the news today: ""@mrtekmn: @joshduhamel Hey Josh! do you making a new #Transformers movie?" Nope. I'm not in the next one." The actor, along with Tyrese Gibson, were willing to return to the franchise it seems the story did not need them. While set pictures indicate the movie does have soldiers in it, so far there is nothing to prove that NEST has a part in the movie. (via TFormers)

Bay and Others in Lockhart, Texas

You can add Lockhart, Texas to the list of locations that Transformers 4 production visited this week. On Vacation Locations has posted images from the location that show Michael Bay in white with red hat directing soldiers as they do whatever it is they are doing in the small town. The full set of images taken by Linda Villarreal can be found here.

Transformers The Ride Grand Opening Video

Yesterday was the grand opening of Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Orlando and the studio has posted several videos to promote it. The first one is their staging of a Decepticon attack on the attraction building complete with jets in formation flyover and fireworks. The Optimus Prime and Bumblebee vehicles were also on hand for the opening. The second video is a commercial for the new attraction while the last is a 30 second time-lapse of the construction of Transformers: The Ride.

Detroit Filming Starts Monday

It seems that Transformers 4 is winding up its Texas trip as production moves to Detroit, Michigan starting Monday. Extras are being notified about whatever roles they are playing and where to show up. No other details as extras usually have to sign NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreement). The China set being built in the city is almost finished, complete with built-in "damage". Exactly what locations, their purpose and when TF4 production will be using them remains unknown but it will be interesting to find out as reports come in. Thanks to J1000 for the update.

Cullen, Welker Comment on Transformers 4 at TF The Ride Grand Opening

Today was the grand opening of Transformers: The Ride in Orlando, Florida. On hand for the event was the now 30 years strong voice of Optimus Prime Peter Cullen and legendary voice actor Frank Welker (Megatron, Devastator, more). While on the red carpet, Zap2It spoke with the actors about Transformers 4. Cullen commented on Optimus Prime's new look while Welker was unable to confirm if he would be voicing anyone in the fourth film. More pictures from the opening can be found here. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

[Peter Cullen] once again be voicing the Autobot leader in "Transformers 4," and shared his thoughts about Optimus Prime's new look.

Transformers 4 China Shoot Starts in October, 70k Compete for Reality Show

Tuesday it was announced that an agreement was made to shoot near Beijing Olympic landmark along with the Pangu Plaza Hotel. Now China.org is reporting that it seems those locations are not going to have good times in the film as several Beijing landmarks might get blown up in the movie. This includes the Pangu Hotel with "scenes shot at the hotel will show aliens fighting. The Pangu itself will be shown blowing up in the film." The article goes on the say the filming of those scenes is expected to begin in October.

Speaking of China, the Transformers 4 Chinese Actor Talent Search reality show continues to seek its four actors with 70,000 initially competing for the role in the first round. According to the LA Times, the four roles are "action guy", "tech geek", "sexy goddess" and "cute girl". Initial reports had been the goal was to cast two amateurs and two professionals (one male, one female in each category) but with role titles like this, starting to wonder if that has changed to simply finding four winners regardless of professional background. After an initial round of online voting in China the 70,000 contestants have been whittled down 2,400. Online voting will continue to take that number down to 400. From there the number will be chipped out through auditions until the finalist round which will be televised over six weeks, resulting in the final four winners. However, Li Bingbing and these four are not the only Chinese actors in the film.

Bay Comments on Transformers 4 Title Speculation

After months long drought, Michael Bay has posted a comment to the Shoot for the Edit forums about speculation on the sub-title of Transformers 4.

There are rumors flying around from various media sites about the title of the next Transformers.

I wanted you to hear from me directly that we have not yet chosen a title and anything being reported is absolutely not true.

When we have a title to announce, I promise you will hear it from me first.

-Michael

You are probably asking "what title rumors?". I have no idea what he is talking about. I have not read of any sites reporting to know what the sub-title is nor seen any attempt at a guess. With the previous movies' interesting choices of "Revenge of the Fallen" and "Dark of the Moon" about any mad-lib title that follows the potential format of " of " would work. So joining these pretend rumors, I am going to guess titles that use TF references like "Rise of the Primes", "Rise of Galvatron", "Fall of the Autobots", or "Rage of the Decepticons". If want to go in the "Moon" direction what about "Fasting of the Furious", "Chase of the Humans", "Building of the Ramp"... What are your mad-lib guesses?

Image courtesy of Jeffrey Marshall of Pixel Rally. Not an official logo of Transformers 4.

Pics, Videos from Elgin, Texas Filming (Updated)

Below are more images and video from the TaylorElgin, Texas set of Transformers 4 that was taken by JasonBo who also took many pictures last week that showed off the cast for the first time.  Below are few new one that include the first real look at Nicola Peltz on the set, Mark Wahlberg in mechanic makeup, and a close look at the rusted Prime cab that really shows off the faded flame decals that indicate this is Prime's alt mode for a portion of the movie. In addition below are two videos that show a little bit of the filming. One involves the Rusted Prime, the other shows I guess government vehicles heading somewhere. Update: JasonBo has added dozens more pictures from the Elgin, Texas base camp of Transformers 4 that includes pics of most of the cast, few soldier characters, and what lighting prep for a scene. You can find them here.

Transformers 4 Licensing Expo Poster

Licensing Expo 2013 is currently being held in Las Vegas and as part of that Hollywood teases their next year slate of movies to help with their own licensing efforts for their properties. Coming Soon posted some of the teaser posters on display including Godzilla, Jurassic Park 4, Fast & Furious 7 and Transformers 4. Now this could be a teaser poster that might show up at theaters but its missing most of the usual credit stuff official posters have so I assume this is just a temp poster for marketing purposes and a real one will show up several months from now. The rest of the posters on display can be found here.