(Image source: Paramount Pictures)
Action maestro Michael Bay, who helmed five "Transformers" films, famously vowed after the second installment that he wouldn't direct any more. Yet, he consistently broke that promise, returning to direct the third, fourth, and fifth entries. Now, he's reportedly poised to take the helm once more.
Esteemed entertainment journalist Matt Belloni revealed this morning in "Puck News" that Michael Bay quietly pitched a new "Transformers" film to Paramount Pictures last year. Bay is initially involved in the project's development as a producer, with the understanding that he would personally direct if he's satisfied with the final development and his schedule permits.
Bay has already tapped Jordan VanDina, who is also penning the script for a "DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story" sequel, to write the screenplay. However, this is far from the only "Transformers" movie currently in development at Paramount.
(Image source: Universal Pictures)
Belloni further reported that Josh Cooley, director of last year's animated feature "Transformers One" and "Toy Story 4," has also signed on to develop another live-action "Transformers" film. Concurrently, a sequel to "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts," which is slated to merge with the "G.I. Joe" franchise, remains in the pipeline. Adding to the slate, two entirely mysterious "Transformers" films are also reportedly in early stages of development.
(Image source: Paramount Pictures)
Belloni posits that Bay's potential return is a necessary move for both the director and Paramount. Since stepping away from the "Transformers" franchise, Bay has not delivered another blockbuster, with his most recent film, "Ambulance," barely breaking even at the box office. Meanwhile, the "Transformers" series itself has seen a steady decline in its global take, plummeting from its billion-dollar heyday to a mere $440 million for "Rise of the Beasts" and just over $120 million for "Transformers One." However, even before Bay's departure, his fifth installment had already seen its box office dip to $600 million. It remains to be seen how much renewed interest Bay's potential comeback could generate for the struggling franchise.
via： Puck News