Since 2007, Transformers fans have never had to wait more than 3 years for another big-budget installment. And after 2014’s “Transformers: Age of Extinction” topped a billion dollars across the globe – and broke records in China – fans can expect Paramount to keep to that reliable schedule.
During a Hasbro earnings conference call on 20th April, CEO Brian Goldner confirmed that the next Transformers movie is expected in theaters in 2017.
This is, of course, coming after the recent news that the studio has plans to turn the entire franchise into a cinematic connected universe ala Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) style.
He reportedly said:
We have in fact brought in Akiva Goldsman to lead a group of writers to really create a strategic plan around Transformers. We think there are any number of stories to be told from the brand that has been around for 30 years with amazing canon and mythology. We would expect the sequel to the Transformers movie to happen in 2017.
Akiva Goldsman is also the Academy-Award winning screenwriter of “A Beautiful Mind”, and he was brought in to develop a wider universe for Paramount’s blockbusters, comparable to what Disney is doing with “Star Wars” i.e. with an eye on spin-offs that can keep the franchise fresh and the money rolling in.
Paramount had previously targeted 2016 as the next Transformers film’s release date, but Michael Bay is currently preparing to direct his Benghazi movie, “13 Hours”.
This could just mean one thing – that Michael Bay might return to direct the 5th instalment despite having said in the past he probably won’t direct the next Transformers film. To be precise, the 50-year-old director hinted that he might pass the baton for future Transformers movies to a new director while he turns his focus elsewhere.
Mark Wahlberg, who joined the franchise with the 4th film, is signed for additional sequels and has expressed an eagerness to get back to work. “I can’t speak for Mr. Bay, but something tells me we’ll be on the set soon,” Wahlberg told MTV.
Gasp, well don’t just stop there. Tell us more already!
Source: EW.
