The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Fourth 'Transformers' shapes up for Bay to direct

In this publicity image released by Paramount Pictures, Optimus Prime is shown in a scene from "Transformers: Dark of the Moon." Director Michael Bay plans a fresh take on shape-shifting robots with the fourth installment in his "Transformers" franchise. Paramount Pictures announced Monday night that Bay will return to direct the next chapter in the blockbuster sci-fi series, due in theaters June 29, 2014. (AP Photo/Paramount Pictures)

Ohio’s abundance of water parks makes it easy to melt away your cares
5/25/12
Taste of Cincinnati expected to draw 500,000 people
5/24/12
How discount program is helping arts, patrons
5/22/12
Local ingredients key for bartender
5/16/12
Health clubs giving lifestyle campaign a rigorous workout
5/16/12
> More headlines

The Associated Press Updated 3:09 PM Tuesday, February 14, 2012

LOS ANGELES — Director Michael Bay plans a fresh take on shape-shifting robots with the fourth installment in his "Transformers" franchise.

Paramount Pictures announced Monday night that Bay will return to direct the next chapter in the blockbuster sci-fi series, due in theaters June 29, 2014.

Bay's third movie based on the Hasbro toy line, "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," came out last summer and took in $1.1 billion worldwide.

The studio's announcement said the next "Transformers" will be a new take — which probably is necessary since star Shia LaBeouf said last summer that he would not return for a fourth movie. Bay's production team will be back, though, including Steven Spielberg as executive producer.

The "Transformers" sequel is part of a two-picture deal for Bay at Paramount. First, he'll direct Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson in the crime tale "Pain and Gain," based on a true story about Florida bodybuilders involved in extortion, kidnapping and murder.

Filming on "Pain and Gain" is expected to start this spring.

___

February 14, 2012 07:12 PM EST

Share this article