18 Oct –It has been known that Hasbro has been in negotiations with executive producer Steven Spielberg and director Michael Bay for "Transformers" franchise for a sequel that might just end up with the studio trying to shoot both "Transformers 4" and "Transformers 5" back-to-back, according to a report by Movie Web.
The screenwriter for the last two instalments, "Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen" and "Transformers: Dark Of The Moon", Ehren Kruger, is back on board with ideas for both sequels although the creative meetings have only just begun. One of the reasons for a back-to-back movie shoot is the ability to save costs and time, which will speed up Hasbro's need for a licensing window and consecutive releases that will lead to an increase in Hasbro's marketing sales. Another possibility would be a change in the protagonist, as Shia LeBeouf's Sam Witwicky has not been contracted to return. Rumours have surfaced regarding Jason Statham as a possible replacement for LeBeouf, but no formal offer has been made to the "Transporter" star yet. Furthermore, Michael Bay has stated that he will not return to direct "Transformers 4". However it is said that this is not the first time Bay has made such a statement, so there is a chance that he may come back on board after all. Bay's reason for leaving "Transformers" was his plans to direct "Pain & Gain" next, a black comedy about criminal bodybuilders. On the other hand, considering that Paramount is eyeing a late 2012 or early 2013 start for "Transformers 4", Bay may be able to do both. "Transformers: Dark Of The Moon" grossed a whopping US $1.19 billion at the worldwide box office, so a possibility for more sequels is highly likely.