Transformers 2 coming in 2009
Paramount and DreamWorks want to get a sequel to TRANSFORMERS into theatres on June 26, 2009, and they hope to get Michael Bay back into the director’s chair.
Despite the tensions between them, DreamWorks and Par have plenty of incentive to move forward with the next installment in the budding franchise. “Transformers,” starring Shia LaBeoufand based on the toy robot line, has grossed nearly $700 million worldwide, giving DreamWorks its first live-action franchise.
Still, the high-profile project isn’t guaranteed total immunity from the ongoing battle of wills between DreamWorks’ David Geffen and Steven Spielbergand leadership at Paramount conglom Viacom.
The studios stressed that they are targeting the June 26 date, but that it isn’t ironclad.
Even if Spielberg and Geffen exit their deal at Par, as they have threatened to do, the “Transformers” property stays at the Melrose lot, as do all other DreamWorks projects.
“Transformers” was a passion project for Spielberg, with DreamWorks developing the project and taking the creative lead after partnering with Paramount (that was before Par bought DreamWorks).
Spielberg, who took an exec producer credit on “Transformers,” was closely involved with the film, including bringing Bay aboard to direct and LaBeouf to star. He’s expected to be involved in the sequel.
Bay has not yet inked a deal to helm the follow-up but is in the final stages of negotiation. With Bay’s involvement, LaBeouf is expected to return as well.
The plan is to start filming before a possible strike, even if it is necessary to complete the movie after the strike is resolved.
[...] the American remake THE RING) is in negotiation to team up with Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci on a sequel to TRANSFORMERS. Kurtzman and Orci wrote this summer’s blockbuster hit, which was based on the [...]