Cue the anti-Bay rage!
Deadline is reporting that Oscar-winning writer Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind, I Am Legend) is negotiating with Paramount Pictures to head his own “writers room” to contemplate the future of the Transformers movies, thus focusing on spin-offs and potential two-part sequel following last year’s Transformers: Age Of Extinction. This probably doesn’t bode well with critics and fans of the classic Hasbro toy franchise and TV series who have had a bone to pick with Bay for one reason or several since he brought the warring Autobots and Decepticons to life in 2007 starring that actor who is not famous anymore. But then again, for a franchise that has made close to four billion dollars since then, they probably just don’t give a damn, because, well… giant alien robots fighting each other, and explosions makes money. So… yeah.
There’s no word yet on whether or not Mark Wahlberg will return to star what with all he has going on in addition to other things, including becoming The Six-Billion Dollar Man, although legendary voice actor Peter Cullen may likely come back as Optimus Prime, which is only necessary at this point. At any rate though, if history serves us correctly and repeats itself, there’s probably no reason to stay hugely optimistic if you’re hoping for the kind of live-action Transformers movie you’ve been waiting for for the last eight years while Bay is attached, whether it’s as producer or director; Hopefully however, Goldsman’s involvement could lead to something redeemable. Time will tell.
As for all other matters of film, Bay is currently working on a film of a more sensitive nature titled 13 Hours which will likely take more on a tone people can appreciate, so keep your eyes peeled.