Ironhide #1 Preview

Comic Book Resources has the covers and first five pages of Transformers: Ironhide #1 that is coming to comic book stores this Wednesday. The character may have died in Transformers Ongoing #1 but the story isn't over.

During the Great War on Cybertron, one of the Autobots’ fallen heroes was Optimus Prime's best friend—IRONHIDE. What does that have to do with the fate of the planet today? Find out in this all-new miniseries by TRANSFORMERS writer Mike Costa and the phenomenal Casey Coller. You didn't really think his death was just some stunt with no ramifications, did you?

Bay: Twins Not Back

If needed one last sign that Transformers 3 is in full production, now we have it with Michael Bay appearing in his forums after a long hiatus. Yesterday videos and report from Transformers 3 set in downtown LA said that the Twins vehicles were spotted thus they have a role (of unknown scope) in Transformers 3. Bay replied to this news with a simple message.

The Twins are not back in T3.

This could mean they make no appearance whatsoever to having only a brief cameo appearance. Who knows (which is part of the speculating fun) but this will have to put the Twins out of the Transformers cast list until new verifiable information contradicts it since this is as official as a source can get (but one that likes to have fun with fans). Consider the waters officially muddied and don't see it getting any clearer any time soon.

Transformers 3 On Set Video; Autobot Twins Return (Updated)

As reported, Transformers 3 has apparently started principle photography in Sherman Oaks, California. Transfan Ben Brown was on site and recorded a video of a scene being filmed in downtown Los Angeles that shows a car being thrown down the alley shortly after the Autobot Twins cars had filmed a scene.

From his blog:

Perched on the windowsill of the NeighborGoods office, I recorded this awesome scene from the upcoming Transformers 3 movie. You can even hear Michael Bay yelling at people!

We also saw the Autobot “twins” zooming around. Apparently, one or both of them will transform and beat the crap out of this tiny little car. Totally awesome.

I think we can take this as confirmation that filming on Transformers 3 has officially begun and that Skids and Mudflap will appear in the movie (to no surprise but nice to know for sure).

Update: Ben Brown has posted two pictures from the Transformers 3 set on his Flickr page that seem to show off a plot point with a cross-out Autobot symbol and the phrase "Go Home". This seems to suggest that the public outing of the Transformers race and their war in the second movie is not going well for our heroes.












Update 2: Ben's coworker mickipedia also filmed the scene. The exact same thing with widescreen view and very slightly different angle. I believe that is Ben using his iPhone to film the above video.

TF3 Filming In Sherman Oaks With New Cast Member?

Judging by two tweets, it appears that Transformers 3 production is now underway in Sherman Oaks, California and with a new cast member, Kym Whitley.

Kym Whitley tweeted:

Working on Transformers 3 today, a little nervous...always when starting a new project. I have said the Lords prayer 12 times.

Meanwhile Melody Mooney tweets:

Transformers 3 begins shooting on our street today. Info sheet lists: simulated gun fire and an assassination of humans by. Two Robots.

Mooney's twitter account lists her location as Sherman Oaks, CA which is why the assumption that is the area TF3 production is working. Above is all the details available but isn't the Witwicky's home in Sherman Oaks? I don't think their location was ever specified so may be reaching.

Kym Whitley is a long time character actress who has done guest parts on many television shows over the years (and a few movies) including Til Death, The Boondocks, The Parkers and more. I assume her role is likely a brief appearance and not as a main cast member.Melody Mooney is known from "Who Wants to Be a Superhero" reality show and unlikely cast in the movie. She is just at the right place at the right time. (via TFW2005)

W4C: Multiplayer Character Customization And 360 Achievements

A new trailer (below) has been released for Transformers: War for Cybertron that talks about the multiplayer character customization options available for the game. The character lets you choose from four basic classes and then customize the characters look and skill sets.

In addition, the XBox360Achievements.org has the full list of unlockable achievements for the game for those that like trophy collecting. There are 50 achievements worth about 1000 points. Some of the more interesting ones include "You Got the Touch" (complete To the Core at any difficulty), "The Harder They Fall" (complete One Shall Stand on any difficulty), "First We Crack the Shell..." (get smashed by Trypticon's hand), "More Than Meets the Eye" (earn 1st place MVP award in any multiplayer mode) and more. (via TFormers)

TF3: Optimus Prime, Repainted Ratchet, And Ironhide Spotted (Updated)

A relatively new images was found by Waveride with Optimus Prime and Ratchet in a flatbed. The image and tweet from Staci424 says "Look what was parked at th lake this wkend. Its vehicles from the Transformers movie! He is a driver for Paramount." Ratchet seems to have undergone a color change switching out his yellow for "lime-flavored toothpaste".

Additional tweets from Staci provides another image and a little background. Apparently the images were taken in Oklahoma as the driver was passing through on the way to a road show in Texas. Not sure what to make of the color change but it at least verifies that both characters are in the movie (as if there was any real doubt).





Update: Added picture of Ironhide from shalim with message "Check out these transformers trucks cruising on the 405. By the engraved Decepticon logo, it must be from the film." I believe he is referring to Interstate 405 (San Diego Freeway) in California and meant the Autobot logo.

First Look At Bumblebee Changes

New images popped up on Megan-Fox.net that seem to be more images from Fox's Transformers 3 set visit. This time they show off more of Bumblebee, giving us a look at some of the tweaks for the 2011 Chevy Camaro which will not be the rumored convertible. Below are a few images, the full gallery of twelve images can be found here.

Some of the changes according to TFW2005:
- A Carbon fiber Splitter on top of the roof of the new Camaro.
- New Side-Windows. (They are more "Pointy" than previous versions)
- New set of Rims previously unseen in Movie 1 and 2.
- New, much more open cut to keep the brakes of the Rear Tires cool.
- Black Stripes are now also on the roof of the car and carry a completely new design.
- New Side-Skirts.
- Newly added Front Splitter.
- Redesigned Fog Lights with a Guard.
- Overall Streamlined Design mimicking Chevrolet Stingray Concept (Sideswipe) with Carbon fiber Side Mirrors.
- A Rear Carbon fiber Spoiler.

It will probably be awhile before we see how those modifications translate the Bumblebee's robot mode.

Fox Not As "Orange" For TF3?

It turns out there could be a possible explanation for why Megan Fox looked so pale in her visit to the Transformers 3 set. Her character, Mikaela has typically been deeply tanned but apparently Megan "hated her look in the last movie". This is according to a source to New Zealand's Stuff.

"Her character has more to do this time and is stronger but the thing Megan is most happy about is she's not nearly as orange. It's a big victory for her."

Take from that what you will. It’s a second hand source to an overseas website so not sure how legit it is. Fox's lack of a tan is something that could be easy remedied between now and the film start date that is rumored to be May 17th in LA. I could care less either way. If wasn't TF3 related would not have even bothered to post about it.

Having said that, I imagine that a tanned look is easier to maintain consistency over the three months or so shoot for Transformers 3 especially since it’s a summer shoot in multiple sunny locations including LA and Africa. Dodging the sun and avoiding a tan would not be an easy task.

Transformers Linkfest

Transformers in Google Maps
Remember that ad in Las Vegas for Revenge of the Fallen that put a giant poster of Optimus Prime on the Luxor? It turns out it was good timing as Google apparently was updating its satellite view of the city at the time and now it’s a part of Google Maps. The street view shows a different advertisement. No idea how long it will be there but cool to see. I assume the same image is used for Google Earth but could be wrong.

Transformers: Generations Thrust & Drift Gallery
The link above has a gallery of images for two new Transformers based on G1 designs (sort of) that are part of the Transformers: Generations line that replaces the Transformers: Universe line from previous years. Thrust looks just like his G1 version and based on the Classics wave 1 Starscream mold. Drift is part of the G1 cast for the IDW line of Transformers comics but so far has not made an appearance in the ongoing comic series.

War for Cybertron Soundwave Figure Announced
Speaking of Transformers: Generations, its War for Cybertron sub-line is getting a third figure in the form of Soundwave. Optimus Prime, Megatron and Bumblebee were the previously known figures. The article also mentions Red Alert as joining Generations.

New Don Figueroa Transformer Art
The long time Transformers artist whose designs have pretty much the backbone of all comic book and video game art has updated his deviantArt page with new character art. It includes images of Cobra La Galvatron, Primus vs. Unicron, Zombie Seeker and more.

Two New 5-Pack Power Core Combiners Sets Gallery
Hit the link to see Hasbro provided images of two more 5-pack Power Core Combiners sets that are expected to hit store shelves this summer. Unlike the previously revealed sets, these do not have any relationship to previous combiners from other toy lines. For the Autobots it is Doubleclutch with Rallybots while the Decepticons get Mudslinger with Destructicons.

Project Robotbuz: Bendway and Gallery
A German company is joining the Transformer's biz with a transforming bus called Bendway. As the video below shows, it’s currently in the concept phase but the final product would be about 11.3'' (28.8cm) long in bus mode and 8.3'' (21cm) tall in robot mode so around Deluxe size. It will include a Katana sword and real rubber tires. The estimated release date is September and will sell for around $40USD through your favorite importing online toy store.

War For Cybertron Hands-On Video Preview

Several weeks ago multiple Transformers (but sadly not this one) and others were invited to High Moon Studios to check out the latest, probably near gold, version of Transformers: War for Cybertron. The overall consensus from their preview of the game is a solid, fun 3rd person shooter that is great for fans and non-fans of Transformers. It was noted that this is pure 3rd person shooter so if you are not very thrilled with that game style, then something to consider in your purchase decision.

Below are the links to the various sites that provide a breakdown of their experience at High Moon, playing the game and lots of screenshots. In addition, G4's X-Play has an interview with High Moon's Matt Tieger (Joystiq has one too) as he talks about the gameplay including multiplayer and plays through the first 10 minutes of the game.

Seibertron | TFW2005 | TFormers | All Spark | Joystiq

Jamie Kennedy Not Cast In Transformers 3

MTV has verified that Jamie Kennedy has not been cast in Transformers 3 as rumored. Patrick Dempsey remains a castmember, this time verified by Variety.

MTV News reached out to Kennedy's representation for confirmation, and they replied with the following statement: "This was taken out of context from a radio interview where Jamie mentioned he had auditioned for 'Transformers 3' and as a huge fan of the franchise, would love to be a part of it. At this time Jamie is in no way attached to the film." No other details about Kennedy's involvement are known, including the part he auditioned for in the first place.

W4C: Enter Silverbolt And Brawl

Two more mates for the cast of Transformers: War for Cybertron. The gestalt Superion gets represented by leader of the Arielbots with Silverbolt (jet alt mode) while the Decepticons get Brawl (tank alt mode).

W4C: New Multiplayer Trailer With Arcee

A new trailer (below) for Transformers: War for Cybertron is now available that shows off the Conquest and Countdown to Extinction multi-player modes in the game. In addition, right at the end is an appearance of the rare female Transformer in the form of Arcee for the Autobots and Slipstream (a Seeker) for the Decepticons.

Arcee has been around since her first appearance in the animated Transformers: The Movie. Slipstream is new to the TF universe with her creation as a female clone of Starscream in Transformers: Animated. It is not clear if these will be playable characters but hopefully.

Transformers 3 Cheat Sheet

A new cheat sheet (so spoiler warning) for Transformers 3 as information comes in. I have tagged items based on validity of the information. Rumor means the info comes second hand or through unofficial sources. Unverified means it comes from credible sources or seems likely. Verified means it was either provided from people with the movie or through mainstream media sources that are unlikely to be lied too (but no guarantees). The below is ultimately speculation until officially confirmed through those with the production.

Un-official Title: Transformers 3
Principle Photography: May 17th, 2010 to ? (unverified)
Budget: estimated $200 million (unverified)
Release Date: July 1, 2011 (source)

Director: Michael Bay
Producers: Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Ian Bryce and others
Executive Producers: Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay and others
Writers: Ehren Kruger
Visual Effects Companies: ILM, Digital Domain

Story: unknown, a promise story will return to core mythology with more character development and story telling. (source)

Principle Cast:
Shia LaBeouf - Sam Witwicky (verified)
Megan Fox - Mikaela Banes (verified)
Josh Duhamel - Captain Lennox (verified)
John Turturro - Agent Simmons (unverified)
Ramon Rodriguez - Leo Spitz (unverified)
Tyrese Gibson - Master Sergeant Epps (verified)
John Malkovich - Shia's boss (verified)
Frances McDormand - National Intelligence Director (verified)
Patrick Dempsey - Mikaela's boss (verified)

Supporting Cast:
Kevin Dunn - Ron Witwicky (verified)
Julie White - Judy Witwicky (verified)
Ken Jeong - unknown (verified)
Ray Park - unknown (rumor)
Tony Todd - unknown (rumor)
Robert Paul Taylor - unknown (rumor)

Transformer Voices:
Peter Cullen - Optimus Prime (assumed but technically unverified)
Hugo Weaving - Megatron (assumed but technically unverified)
Mark Ryan - Bumblebee (assumed but technically unverified)
Robert Foxworth - Ratchet (assumed but technically unverified)
Jess Harnell - Ironhide (assumed but technically unverified)
Charles Adler - Starscream (assumed but technically unverified)
Frank Welker - Soundwave (unverified)
Tom Kenny - Skids (unverified)
Reno Wilson - Mudflap (unverified)
James Avery - Silverbolt (rumor)

Transformers Cast - Alt Mode:
Autobots
Optimus Prime - blue, dark red Peterbilt 379EX (assumed but technically unverified)
Bumblebee - yellow 2010 Chevy Camaro (assumed but technically unverified)
Ratchet - lime yellow 2009 Hummer H3 (assumed but technically unverified)
Ironhide - black 2007 GMC Topkick C4500 (assumed but technically unverified)
Sideswipe - 2011 Chevy Corvette Centennial (assumed but technically unverified)
Silverbolt - unknown (rumor)

Decepticons
Megatron - Cybertronian tank and jet (assumed but technically unverified)
Starscream - gray F-22 Raptor (assumed but technically unverified)
Soundwave - a satellite and Cybertronian jet (assumed but technically unverified)

Shooting Locations:
Chicago, Detroit, Moscow, Washington DC (verified twice)
Florida, Texas, Africa, China (unverified)
4-12: Majestic Star Casino - Gary, Indiana (verified)
7/4-? : Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile - Chicago, Illinois (verified)

Rumors and Information
- Bumblebee and Optimus Prime's designed will be tweaked. Bumblebee to look like he has matured, Prime to appear more heroic. (source)
- The film will not be shot in 3D but could still be released in 3D. Paramount wants it, Bay doesn't. (source)
- Patrick Dempsey's role is described as "significant to the plot" (source)
- Jamie Kennedy has not been cast in Transformers 3 despite rumors. (source)

McDreamy Joins Transformers 3 Cast (Updated)

First it was Jamie Kennedy and now a new casting rumor has Grey's Anatomy's Patrick Dempsey (aka McDreamy) joining the cast of Transformers 3.

The information comes from an interview with the actor by Bol Noticias, a Brazilian website. The Google translation indicates that when asked what his next movies are Dempsey responded, ""Flypaper," I start filming later this month, and "Transformers 3", which play a character that is far more "dark" than others."

One interpretation of "dark" is that Dempsey has been cast in a villain role of some sort. No idea if that means a human character or a Transformer voice role.

Update: EW's Hollywood Insider has confirmed with Paramount Pictures that Patrick Dempsey has been cast as a human character in Transformers 3. He "will Megan Fox’s boss in a role that is 'significant to the plot'."

Megan Fox On Transformers 3 Set

SuperheroHype has scored five pictures of Megan Fox arriving somewhere in LA for "previz shots" for Transformers 3. It also appears the Bumblebee Camaro is on hand.

I am a bit confused by the previz note as typically pre-viz is basic computer animation of a director's vision, as needed, for scenes in a movie. Actor involvement is typically not necessary in producing them. The remaining four images, which show the lovely Fox walking and waving at people across the parking lot, can be found here. Principle photography for TF3 is expected to start in a week or two in LA.

Transformers: Nefarious #3 Preview

The continuing saga of the movie-verse Transformers continues with Transformers: Nefarious #3 that will hit comic stores this Wednesday. The issue starts off where the last ended, with the capture of Soundwave by the Autobots. Bzzurkk (or Seibertron) has the covers and first five pages while TFormers has a review.

Written by Simon Furman with art by Carlos Magno and covers by Brian Rood, Magno
Capturing SOUNDWAVE is one thing, holding onto him quite another… as BUMBLEBEE, JOLT, KNOCK OUT and DUNE RUNNER are about to find out! And while the Autobots and Decepticons continue to stumble in the dark, National Security Director Theodore Galloway closes in on the secrets of Project: Nefarious… but his days are numbered!
32pg. Colour $3.99 USD On Sale May 5, 2010

Jamie Kennedy In Transformers 3?

A new rumor reports that Ghost Whisperer's Jamie Kennedy might be up for a role in Transformers 3. He might be more familiar as being the boyfriend (or ex) of Jennifer Love Hewitt.

In an interview with 98KUPD Arizona, the actor said "I had an interesting interview with the people behind the new Transformers movie and I may have a role in the movie." I am not able to find an official transcript or recording to verify the report.

Transformers: Prime Official Title And Logo

The current issue of Advertising Age has revealed the official logo for the next cartoon series for Transformers. For a while now it’s been known that the title of the CGI series was Transformers: Prime but this is the first official verification. This also confirms that the Bumblebee image from Brand Magazine is the design of the character for the series which clearly is inspired from the movies.

Official Description:

Transformers: Prime – Show-runners Jeff Kline (“Ghostbusters,” “Dragon Tales”), Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (“Transformers”, “Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen”, “Star Trek”) continue the saga as “Optimus Prime” and the “Autobots” battle the evil “Decepticons” led by “Megatron”. This fall, viewers will experience the world of “Transformers” like never before.

The assumption is that the show will premiere on October 10, 2010 when "The Hub" network officially launches (right image) but that has not been confirmed. Another question is whether this series takes place in any current Transformers universe (the movies, War for Cybertron, G1, etc) or starts its own. (via TFW2005)

Transformers 3 Guam Rumor Was Training Excercise

Last week, a rumor was posted everywhere that Transformers 3 production would stop at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam to shoot scenes. According to ComputerWorld, the rumor turns out to been an "operational readiness exercise (ORE)" to teach airmen about phishing e-mail and the security risks they represent.

The e-mail said that crews were going to start filming "Transformers 3" on Guam and invited airmen to fill out applications on a Web site if they wanted to work the shoot. The Web site then asked them for sensitive information.

This type of in-house phishing exercise is a routine occurrence in the military and in major corporations, and is generally seen as a good way of promoting security awareness. But in Andersen's case, the information in the phishing e-mail started leaking to the civilian world.

"Unfortunately, many of Andersen's personnel responded to this inject and submitted their personal information to the Web site, and forwarded the information outside of Andersen," the Air Force base said in a statement.

The rumor quickly spread to pretty much all the major and minor movie sites which the local media investigated leading to a denial from Andersen:

"Leadership from Andersen AFB regrets that there has been any confusion in the general public regarding this exercise phishing attempt," Andersen said in a statement. "We hope however that this will show that all individuals need to be careful about the real danger of phishing emails and that others can learn from this exercise."

This is very crafty test on the part of the Air Force. Just because it caused a little confusion from the civilian side doesn't mean they should not try this kind of test again. The most successful phishing attacks (and therefore worse for the victims) are the ones that hit people right in their sweet spot of interests or fears. Glad I am not one of the airmen at the base as I am sure many got an earful from their superiors.

There is a solid lesson here. Legitimate sources of email, be it for movie casting, security breaches. etc will never ask for money, your login credentials, social security and other personal information on the first contact. Once you are actually hired, some of that might need to be supplied for payroll purposes but not up front before the hiring occurs. When in doubt, assume it’s fake and if important, follow-up outside the email and the links it may supply. Another small bit of advice is do not assume links in emails are 100% correct. It never hurts to hover over them and check the status bar message at the bottom of your browser to make sure the address it is going to is familiar and legit.